Systems Change
These grants are intended for organizations that work to influence and guide change in structural factors and related systemic/ policy issues that have created, reinforced, or exacerbated poverty in South Carolina. Organizations that qualify for this category of funding are addressing one or more of the structural factors associated with poverty in SC and have identified specific barriers/ issues within that structural factor that their work intends to disrupt, reduce, or eliminate.
Criteria for Organizations
- Organizations that qualify for this category of funding are addressing one or more of the structural factors associated with poverty in SC and have identified specific barriers/ issues within that structural factor that their work intends to disrupt, reduce, or eliminate.
- The organization brings diverse people together to learn about the whole system and its parts more clearly and coordinates a range of interventions.
- The organization works collaboratively across sectors, including but not limited to federal, state and local governments, faith-based organizations, social service agencies, funders, the business community, and the constituents being affected.
- The goals and strategies of the organization are long-term and based on extensive research, planning, evaluation, continuous learning and integration of diverse perspectives.
- Clear evidence exists that the organization has immersed itself in understanding what is holding the structural problem in place before tackling the problem.
- Examples of nonprofits that are funded for these grants are organizations conducting research that can undergird systems-level change; organizations informing government policy that will result in more effective and equitable practices; and/or organizations creating innovative solutions to address systemic issues that prevent families and individuals who are experiencing poverty to be healthy, safe and economically mobile.
2023 Deadlines
Funding parameters
Organizations should request the amount that meets their needs and will make the most impact on the proposed program, taking into consideration the median grant size for grants in this focus area is typically $15,000-$20,000. Staff will work with eligible applicants to determine the best request amount.
May 10
Inquiry Form Opens
August 10
Inquiry deadline
(if invited to apply, application due August 31)
November
Decision Notification & Funds Disbursed
How to Apply

View Our Grant Recipients
Explore the nonprofits we support that are meeting the immediate needs, working to break the cycle and developing systems to bring individuals and families out of poverty.