Our Strategic Plan 2026-2028
For 30 years, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has been committed to its mission: in response to God’s call and in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, to strategically use resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership. We are excited to share how this mission will take shape over the next three years.
After a year-long, inclusive and research-informed planning process, the Foundation is taking a bold and focused path forward and more deliberately and intentionally working to address systems that influence economic mobility, housing security and health care at the state and local levels in South Carolina.
“As the social and economic challenges facing our neighbors persist, our Foundation feels a moral and strategic responsibility to evolve. This new plan represents a renewed commitment to how we do our work.”
President
Areas of Focus
Starting in 2026, we are focusing on work that changes systems so we can dig deeper, partner better and support long-term results. Our systems change efforts will encompass three issue areas.
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Economic Mobility
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Housing Security
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Health Care
Systems Change
Definitions
The Foundation uses the following definitions to describe our work.
System
A system is an interconnected set of parts working together as a single entity to serve a purpose in society. System features include the following:
- Systems are socially constructed.
- Systems have clear boundaries.
- Systems can be large or small.
- Systems can be nested within larger ones.
- Systems can overlap.
Systems Change
When one or more parts of a system are shifted, redesigned or transformed through long-term action led by the people most impacted by it, the system begins to operate in a way that better serves all individuals in society. Groups historically and currently excluded from systems stand to benefit the most from this change through movement toward fairness, justice and equitable outcomes. Importantly, society as a whole also benefits substantially.
Economic Mobility
Access to resources that improve economic status and opportunities over a lifetime (e.g., a living wage, employment, benefits, training, assets and the power to make choices through labor market supports).
Housing Security
Access to stable, safe and affordable housing.
Health Care
Affordability of and access to high-quality services that prevent disease and improve quality of life.
Our Goals
The Strategic Plan consists of four goals and 18 strategies that guide the Foundation’s role in driving systems change and shaping a more just and inclusive future for all South Carolinians. Download the full plan to read more.
GOAL 1
Leverage various forms of capital to support nonprofits working to address systems-level drivers of poverty in South Carolina.
GOAL 2
Advance state and local policies that address the systems-level drivers of poverty.
GOAL 3
Promote systemic solutions to poverty in South Carolina through narrative change, information sharing and partnerships.
GOAL 4
Maintain organizational effectiveness by streamlining processes, continuing to prioritize core values and Catholic identity and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
