2015 Charleston Giving

Giving Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry | 2015-16

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Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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contents FEATURES

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Perspectives: Giving for the service of others The End Game Isn’t Diversity

Pitching for a purpose

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Charleston’s charitable giving in response to tragedy recognized

Empowering diversity in philanthropy

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DEPARTMENTS 4

QUICK FACTS

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AWARD WINNERS

20 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT 38

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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QUICK FACTS

The overhead myth

The Lowcountry region demonstrates a commitment to positive social, educational and economic change through local, regional and statewide giving and the endowed organizations providing services.

Myth

Fact

20% is the recommended share of a budget that should go towards overhead costs (administrative + fundraising)

It’s actually a little higher. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (WGA) recommends overhead costs don’t exceed 35% - and that donors should look at other key indicators of nonprofit health like governance and impact.

Salaries are an overhead cost. My donation should be going towards direct services and programs.

At the vast majority of nonprofits, many employees’ salaries are program expenses. For example, a staff psychologist who spends every day working with children is a “program expense.” A nonprofit with just one employee might spend 70% of the time on programs, 20% on management and 10% on fundraising. Without people, there is no program.

Nonprofit employees are overpaid.

While nonprofit compensation does vary depending on organization location, years of experience and job function, at many nonprofits employees are indispensable to running successful programs. In order to run a good program and make an impact, entry and mid-level compensation needs to be competitive to attract talent to the nonprofit sector.

The appropriate cost to raise one dollar is $0.20.

Different kinds of fundraising activities cost different amounts of money depending on labor costs, materials used and end goal (looking for new leads vs. soliciting current supporters). Furthermore, organizations of different sizes and missions, or different levels of fundraising experience, will have a different “appropriate” cost to raise one dollar.

Big budget nonprofits don’t need my donation.

Many nonprofits have a large budget because of the type of services they provide. For example, a free medical clinic or homeless shelter. In order to continue to provide essential services, your donations - especially unrestricted - are necessary.

Average cost per dollar spent on nonprofit budget items Programs

$0.75

Administrative

Fundraising Activity

Average Cost to Raise One Dollar

Capital Campaigns Corporations & Foundations (Grant Writing)

$0.05-$0.10 $0.20 $1.25-$1.50

$0.15

Direct Mail Acquisition

Fundraising

Direct Mail Renewal

$0.25

Planned Giving

$0.25

Benefit/Special Events

$0.50

$0.10

Source: Charity Navigator (2010), from a survey of 5,500 largest charities in America. www.cnbc.com/id/40592354

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Online Giving

$0.03-$0.75 www.charlestonbusiness.com

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AWARD WINNERS

National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon honors generous Lowcountry donors

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hree generous and influential philanthropists from the Lowcountry area will be honored at this year’s Philanthropy Day Luncheon Awards Celebration presented by the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Since 1996, the AFP’s SC Lowcountry Chapter has been honoring groups and individuals who support and invest in community organizations.

The 2015 winners include: • Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation honored as Outstanding Foundation • Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Jenkins and family honored as outstanding individual philanthropists • Wells Fargo honored as outstanding corporate philanthropist Each will be honored at the 19th annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon Awards Celebration presented by the AFP’s Lowcountry Chapter on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2015 at noon at the Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston.

Those recognized this year were chosen from a group of nominees all of whom gave an incredible amount of time and financial support to community organizations in the area.

Nonprofit organizations worked together to collectively nominate individuals or organizations. Each nomination included letters about the impact that group or individual has had on the organization and in the community at large.

The luncheon celebrates the accomplishments of the award winners in bettering the Charleston community and raises public interest and awareness of the importance of philanthropy, connecting attendees with causes and each other.

The keynote speaker at this year’s luncheon will be Charlie Cole, chairman of the Board of

6 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

Roper St. Francis Foundation, retired bank executive and outstanding community volunteer who has dedicated a lifetime to leadership and philanthropy.

The 2015 National Philanthropy Day luncheon will also feature two special recognitions: Richard Almes with UniMedia Solutions and the greater Charleston community for its support in the wake of the June shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

As the Creative Director and Principal of UniMedia Solutions, Almes has worked 23 years in video production and has extensive experience in personnel, budgeting, administration, procurement, communications, computer systems, facility and fleet management.

In addition to his commercial work for companies such as Boeing, Richard has produced more than 80 productions for Charleston’s nonprofit sector, helping organizations raise tens of millions of dollars by accurately and compellingly portraying the lives of those in need.

He excels at the pre-production, production and post-production processes and manages logistical tasks involved in pre-production along with all conceptual work.

For the past six years, Almes has taken it upon himself to honor Charleston’s philanthropic community by producing the audio-visual support for AFP’s National Philanthropy Day celebrations.

The Association for Fundraising Professionals will also recognize the Charleston community for its overwhelming support and charitable giving following the church shooting. Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. is expected to deliver closing remarks at the luncheon.

For more information, or to join the Lowcountry Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, visit www.afplowcountry.afpnet.org.

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AWARD WINNERS

Philanthropy Day award winners Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist:

Wells Fargo

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ells Fargo Bank will be honored this year for the broad range of local nonprofits they support, from human and children’s services to local arts and education. Wells Fargo is a national company, but gives with a local heart, says Dr. Carole Campbell Swiecicki, executive director of the Dee Norton Children’s Center. The company exemplifies a model corporate citizen and sets the bar high for businesses in the Charleston community.

Their impact in the community is felt by many through their advocacy, fundraising, volunteering and leadership involvement.

Locally, Wells Fargo supports a wide range of nonprofits not only with financial resources, but also by encouraging their employees to get involved. Their executives and employees can be found in leadership roles on the boards

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of a diverse range of charitable organizations in the Lowcountry such as the Florence Crittenton Home, Lowcountry Open Land Trust, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, Spoleto Festival and Charleston Stage Company. In 2014, Wells Fargo employees invested 5,407 hours of volunteer work and more than $800,000 in the Charleston community.

Dr. Mary Thornley, president of Trident Technical College, said Wells Fargo stands out as the college’s leading financial contributor from the banking community, particularly as a major supporter of the college’s capital campaigns since the 1990s and having endowed a scholarship fund in 2012. Sherrie Snipes Williams, CEO of Charleston Promise Neighborhood, supported the bank’s nomination because of what she called its “hands-on and visionary approach to philanthropy.”

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Wells Fargo supports a wide range of nonprofits not only with financial resources, but also by encouraging employees to get involved. (Photo/provided)

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AWARD WINNERS Outstanding Community Organization or Foundation:

Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation

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icholas B. Gavalas and Dr. Ronald Kolanko founded the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation in 1999 after becoming aware of the costly requirements for students with physical disabilities wishing to attend college. As influential members of the Charleston community, they assembled a dynamic board, supportive staff and a strategic plan for success. Since then, they have sought to assist disabled students with secondary educational costs while increasing support and awareness of their needs.

Since its inception, the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation has awarded more than $700,000 and 115 scholarships to Lowcountry students attending the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, The Citadel, Trident Technical College, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Art Institute of Charleston.

Each year since 1999, the foundation has sponsored the James Island Connector Bridge Run, an event that not only helps fund the

The James Island Connector Bridge Run

scholarships, but also raises awareness of the needs of students with physical disabilities.

The annual Connector Run is a challenging route for competitive runners, given the inclination of the bridge, as well as a scenic route for casual walkers to enjoy its view of

the Charleston Harbor. In honor of the annual event and the work of the Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. has proclaimed the first Saturday of each November as “Students with Disabilities Day” in Charleston.

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Outstanding Individual Philanthropists:

Shawn A. Jenkins and Family

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ocal entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Benefitfocus on Daniel Island, Shawn Jenkins and his family made the largest single donation in Charleston’s history this year, pledging $25 million to help build a new children’s hospital at The Medical University of South Carolina.

Jenkins’ daughter, Olivia, was born in 1995 at MUSC’s current 30-year-old Children’s Hospital with torticollis, a fairly common but alarming condition in which a baby’s neck tilts to one side.

At the time, Jenkins was making about $18,000 a year selling cars and copiers, while working nights and weekends managing databases. Olivia’s illness was the spark that gave birth to his founding of Benefitfocus, Jenkins says, explaining that he started thinking about how to simplify the insurance process using the Internet to manage health benefits.

“Benefitfocus was created out of that interaction with MUSC Children’s Hospital,” Jenkins said. “It was the key spark.” He added: “Being able to make this donation is like coming full circle for us.”

Shawn Jenkins (second from left), his wife Jocelyn and daughter Ryleigh, son Alex, and daughter Olivia.

The Jenkins family has long been active in supporting both local and international charities, though until the announcement of the MUSC gift, their donations had been given quietly, in many cases anonymously. Each month, the family supports a local nonprofit by rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help feed, clothe, house or otherwise support the most vul-

8 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

nerable members of the community. They have also been involved in international efforts, including building medical centers in Nicaragua.

The family chose to go public with the MUSC leadership gift because they wanted to establish a level of accountability and attachment with the project, while raising the philanthropic bar for others to make significant impacts.

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PERSPECTIVE

By Charlie Cole

Becoming lost in the service of others

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ahatma Gandhi said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

My calling to serve others was born and then reborn after two events: “the hit” and “the accident.” Both caused me great physical pain, and both prompted me to find myself and eventually lose myself in the service of others.

The first event came in 1963 on the football field of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Va. I wish I could say the big hit came on a Friday night with the scored tied late in the fourth quarter and that the Patriots went on to victory.

Far from it.

The hit came during practice. The quarterback said, “hike,” and I ran a route across the middle of the field, jumped in the air and caught the ball while a line backer hit me like a freight train.

There I lie with a bruised kidney before ever starting my first game. The team doctor later delivered these devastating words: “Son, you are done for the rest of the year.”

The truth is I didn’t play football because of my overwhelming love for the game. I played football to make new friends and to get involved.

My bruised kidney meant I wouldn’t be

hanging out with the football crowd anymore, so I got involved with a group called the Junior Civitans and began helping out with school-related charities. This is where I caught the “giving bug.”

That bug would stay with me in college at The Citadel, in the military and through my professional career. Although I lived in four different South Carolina cities during my banking career, I devoted time in each one to many notfor-profit organizations and charities, such as the United Way, the YMCA, my church, art and museum organizations, the Chamber of Commerce in three cities, and hospitals.

For the first time in my life, I tapered back my giving when I retired at age 58. No one blamed me. I had enjoyed a full professional and charitable career, and it was my time to rest.

The accident was when I fell in the middle of the night on June 30, 2008. My wife, Joanne, found me at the bottom of the stairs.

I was taken to a trauma care emergency room and later that evening, the nurse told Joanne to call our children because I might not make it. I had sustained a brain injury, a broken neck and a damaged spinal cord between C3 and C4 vertebrae.

The End Game Isn’t Diversity It’s Equity and Inclusion

By Ali Titus and Quinetha Frasier

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n June 17th, our city received a longoverdue call to action. The synergy we’ve seen in the aftermath of the Emanuel AME Massacre has created a ripple effect across Charleston. As generosity pours into our city, we ask ourselves, how do we channel philanthropy in a way that creates meaningful solutions? We must work internally to achieve a more equitable philanthropic sector. Responsive, not reactive, philanthropy fuels meaningful community impact. Brought about by an authentic understanding of community constituents and needs, responsive giving enables the sector to meaningfully respond to trauma with agility and empathy.

A responsive philanthropic sector is inclu-

sive on every level, which makes input from direct service providers invaluable. In addition to engaging with nonprofits, responsive philanthropy listens to the voices within communities served. We can only attain equity through active engagement with diversity, not simply filling seats at a table. Ultimately, internal equity, achieved through inclusion, will best equip our community in creating meaningful solutions.

The funding community is actively working to address our own need for diverse representation in leadership and decision-making. The African American Leadership Council of Trident United Way provides a clearinghouse of leaders who are actively engaged with philanthropy and ready for board and committee service. The

10 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

It was the second time in my life I had experienced tremendous physical pain, and my journey of healing and recovery was a long one.

I eventually ended up at Roper Rehabilitation Hospital, where I still go to physical and occupational therapy sessions twice a week.

My accident served as an impetus for the development of the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic, which has helped more than 500 people during the past four plus years. Roper, MUSC, Carolinas Healthcare and the Spinal Cord Injury Fund collaborated to help create the clinic.

It is the only one in South Carolina. Without it, many people would not receive the help needed for their spinal cord injury.

I’m now the chairman of the Roper St. Francis Foundation Board of Trustees, which helps fund the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic. I hope to see our Foundation surpass the $10 million level in the next few years. I believe in the Foundation because it raises money to help Roper St. Francis achieve its mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence.

Both the hit on the football field and accidental fall down the steps prompted me, as Gandhi put it, to find myself and then eventually lose myself in the service of others.

I look forward to continuing my journey of service and giving.

Charlie Cole is a former bank executive and current Vice-Chairman of the Roper St. Francis Foundation. He founded the Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Roper Rehab hospital. He will is the keynote speaker at this year’s Philanthropy Day Luncheon.

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Lowcountry Unity Fund of Coastal Community Foundation addresses systemic issues contributing to racism and to economic inequality affecting African-American communities. To ensure that the work of this Fund is truly responsive to our community’s need, we seek inclusion on every level of this program.

So what does inclusion mean, in action? Intentionally engaging a diverse group of advisors, reconsidering our traditional marketing efforts to reach the entire community, offering funding and assistance for nonprofit capacity building, and removing any barriers to access for grassroots organizations that are inadvertently excluded from funding opportunities.

If you would like to know more about Coastal Community Foundation’s or Trident United Way’s work to promote equity and inclusion in philanthropy please contact Ali Titus (ali@coastalcommunityfoundation.org) or Quinetha Frasier (qfrasier@tuw.org).

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COMMUNITY

Adam Fahrer, Social Venture Partner (top left) and Monica Tanouye, with Coastal Community Foundation (bottom left) provide mentoring to Kristin Henry, Outreach Coordinator at Palmetto Warrior (top right)giving and in Jermaine Husser, Executive Director at 12 Giving: YourConnection guide to community the Lowcountry Palmetto Warrior Connection (bottom right). Photo/Kim McManus

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COVER STORY

Nonprofits hone message, presentation in Fast Pitch competition

By Holly Fisher

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national network committed to funding and strengthening nonprofits. The Charleston chapter started about five years ago and is housed under the umbrella of the Coastal Community Foundation.

SVP Charleston saw how the Fast Pitch program took off in other communities and determined it would be a good fit for Charleston.

“We knew it would be one of the tools in our tool chest for capacity building,” said Edie Blakeslee, regional vice president for the Coastal Community Foundation and loaned executive for SVP Charleston.

Fast Pitch offers social innovators a unique opportunity for mentorship, exposure and seed funding for sustainable nonprofit ventures.

Throughout the Fast Pitch program, participants receive mentoring and training, helping them to hone their ideas, improve their concept and build relationships with advisors, donors and partners.

The first annual Fast Pitch Finals, then called Fast Forward 2014, was held on October 29, 2014 at Woolfe Street Playhouse where participants competed for a $20,000 seed grant. The Center for Heirs Property won the competition. “(Fast Pitch) is exposure for the nonprofits, but it also gives people in the community exposure to nonprofits who are doing some Another tool in the tool chest Fast Pitch is an initiative of Social Ven- really cool work,” she said. “It isn’t meant to ture Partners Charleston, part of an inter- be a game show like ‘Shark Tank’ and just do-

asper County is one of the poorest in the state. Many of its residents have little cash, but are living on goldmines: large tracts of land and structures, passed down through generations. Yet, as they pay their property taxes, they only see a liability in the acreage and trees.

Thanks to the $20,000 the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation won in last year’s Fast Pitch program, more Jasper County landowners have the chance to see how they can turn their property into an income-generating asset.

Through education, legal services and its sustainable forestry program, the center can help those with heirs’ property take advantage of South Carolina’s $18.6 billion forestry industry, explained Jennie Stephens, executive director.

If they can learn how to manage their property, they can generate income that would help them progress out of poverty, she said.

With the money from the Fast Pitch competition, the center was able to hire both an attorney and a forester for Jasper County and offer services in that area more quickly.

“We have been able to leverage the money they have given us,” Stephens said. “For every $1 they gave us, we’ve leveraged it with $3 more.”

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ing pitches like the for-profits do, but it’s really about that capacity piece.”

Nonprofits apply for the program – 19 applied for the 2015 competition – and then a committee of SVP partners narrows the field to eight semi-finalists. Those eight nonprofits work one-on-one with two or three mentors over two months, honing their presentation and taking a hard look at how they present their organization to the public and potential donors.

Fast Pitch is made possible by a diverse mix of 37 partners, all of whom make a threeyear commitment to the organization as well as a financial commitment of $5,000 per year.

Depending on their schedules and interests, the partners – from business owners to attorneys – assist with short-term projects like Fast Pitch while others devote more time to long-term mentoring of local nonprofits.

A polished presentation Last year’s Fast Pitch participants gained a great deal from that mentoring opportunity, some even continued to consult their mentors and used their presentations in future donor pitches.

“Most nonprofits are so busy day in and day out doing the work of their mission, they forget they are a business sometimes,” Blakeslee said.

“They are just so focused on meeting their mission that it’s hard to think outside that. They

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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COVER STORY don’t have the experience telling people what they do and essentially selling themselves. This is a program that helps them think about their work in that way.”

While the Charleston area has a large number of nonprofits, Blakeslee said the nonprofit funding community is rather small. So nonprofits have to be able to both share their story and develop relationships with people who are interested in donating to their cause.

After working with mentors and honing their message, the eight Fast Pitch semi-finalists make a pitch to a group of SVP partners.

The field is narrowed to four finalists. Those four make a public presentation in a room full of philanthropists, business leaders and government officials – an audience to which many nonprofits wouldn’t normally have access.

Making the pitch Stephens used her time on the Fast Pitch stage to share the impact of the Center for Heirs’ Property and what it could bring to Jasper County.

Blakeslee said she felt Stephens was able to clearly articulate the link between asset develop-

ment and the long-term positive implications for landowners. “She was really able to quickly explain what they do and why it’s important.”

Plus, the center has an appealing social justice piece in that it is paying attention to a low-wealth population that’s usually ignored, Blakeslee said.

“The judges last year recognized an opportunity to do something quickly when otherwise (the center) would have had to spend a lot more time piecing together the resources,” she said.

In addition to hiring two staff members, the Center for Heir’s Property is hosting seminars, educating people on what heirs’ property is and how to resolve title issues – all things that have to be done before the land can be turned into a money-making asset.

Interested landowners can meet with staff counsel and get advice on resolving title issues. Clients don’t pay for legal services, only the associated costs, such as filing fees.

“It’s about getting on the ground, letting the community know who you are and establishing relationships,” Stephens said.

Last year’s Fast Pitch runner-up, Fresh Fu-

ture Farm, received $5,000. This organization addresses food, health and economic disparities in the southern portion of North Charleston, known as a food desert.

This nonprofit urban farm and community food operation focuses on not just food, but jobs for residents of lower-income neighborhoods. Since Fast Pitch, Fresh Future Farm won $50,000 from the SBA Accelerator competition, which aimed to bring exposure and funding to parts of the country lacking a strong entrepreneurial environment.

In October, Fresh Future Farm was getting ready to open a weekly farm stand, selling organic produce and accepting food stamp benefits as a sustainable way to improve the community through job creation and nutrition.

That sort of capacity building is just what Social Venture Partners wants to foster.

“It’s about how to help a nonprofit do more in a shorter period of time, how to build some efficiencies in their models and how to help them think about their work and always improve,” Blakeslee said. “That’s the part that is hugely impactful and beneficial.”

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Want to learn more? To find out how to participate as a nonprofit or mentor in Fast Pitch 2016, email svpchs@coastalcommunityfoundation.org

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COVER STORY

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GIVING BACK

Charleston’s charitable giving in response to tragedy recognized

By Jenny Peterson

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he Charleston philanthropic community has long supported charitable organizations’ missions, fundraisers and efforts. A new, unforeseen reason for giving occurred on June 17: the shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).

With the eyes of the nation on Charleston, civic organizations and leaders, local businesses and private groups came together in unity to support the victims and their families, denounce the crime and raise awareness and funds to help the community heal.

The Charleston community rose up and established many foundations, held fundraisers and other events in response to the tragedy, both publicly and privately. These efforts involved the whole community.

At this year’s Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon, the Association for Fundraising Professionals will recognize the Charleston community for its overwhelming support and charitable giving in the wake of this crisis.

These efforts show that the spirit of giving can turn a senseless tragedy into a reason for healing and hope—a hope for a better future.

Lowcountry Unity Fund, Coastal Community Foundation – The LUF will address long-term solutions to systemic issues contributing to racism and to economic inequality in African-American communities. The fund is dedicated to finding the root causes contributing to the Emanuel AME massacre.

Leading donors include Blackbaud, South State Bank and Google, which contributed a grant of $75,000. The Avery Institute and The International African-American Museum also donated. The Fund was established with $125,000 and now sits at over $300,000 with contributions from 60+ donors.

Mother Emanuel AME Scholarship Endowment, Coastal Community Foundation – Launched with an initial gift of $75,000 from The InterTech Group and the Zucker Family, this fund will award scholarships to recipients selected in accordance with the following selection criteria: An African American student attending college in South Carolina;

demonstrating academic ability and performance; involvement in extra-curricular and community activities; financial need; character and personality; personal aspirations and ability to overcome obstacles. Outreach will be focused on members of the Emanuel AME Church and residents of N.E.W. Fund neighborhoods, which include Chicora-Cherokee, Eastside and Union Heights.

Mother Emanuel Hope Fund, City of Charleston –Set up by the city, the fund has received millions of dollars in donations from individuals, businesses and other organizations. Many local restaurants rallied around this fund, and the Pour House on James Island raised $30,000 at a fundraiser. Money is still coming in– Harris Teeter recently awarded $60,000 to the fund from shoppers. Donations from the fund first went towards funeral costs for the victims, and the balance is going to the Emanuel AME Church. #PrayForCharleston, Bidr – Bidr is a startup company based in Mount Pleasant that allows organizations to set up fundraisers with text donations. Bidr partnered with the city on the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund so supporters could use Bidr’s digital platform to contribute to the campaign, with the #PrayForCharleston tag.

16 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

Reverend Pinckney Scholarship Fund, Anonymous donors –Set up by an anonymous donor or donors with a gift of $3 million, they are working with Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Emanuel AME Church and others to establish the fund.

Lowcountry Ministries Fund, Palmetto Project –The Lowcountry Ministries Fund is dedicated to addressing causes that were important to the victims. The Fund is an opportunity to honor the victims of the tragedy by furthering community concerns that were important to them, especially in underserved communities in Beaufort, Hampton, Allendale, Colleton, Jasper, and Charleston counties. These causes include health and access to care for youth, families and schools; economic innovation and food security.

The Honorable Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney Foundation – This Foundation was launched on what would have been the late Senator’s 42nd birthday. The mission is to improve the quality of life for all South Carolina citizens by supporting religious, educational and charitable causes that the late senator supported while serving as a leader in his church, community and the South Carolina Senate.

The Foundation was established by the Honorable Reverend Pinckney’s widow, Jennifer www.charlestonbusiness.com

GIVING BACK Pinckney; Senator Gerald Malloy who served in the State Senate with Reverend Pinckney; and Reverend Kylon Jerome Middleton, Ph.D., a former high school principal and current pastor of an AME church, who was the Reverend’s best friend.”

Artists For Emanuel Straight From The Heart – Eighty visual artists are coming together on Nov. 11 to present a silent auction of their art to benefit the Lowcountry Unity Fund. This is a response to the artists’ personal grief and subsequent healing through art. In addition to the silent auction, the art will be on display for free to the public for two days. There will also be a first come/ first serve performance by The Color of Music.

The Charleston Gibbes Museum of Art is also a key partner in this event.

Photo/Ryan Johnson for the city of North Charleston

For more information visit www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org.

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In light of recent floods ...

In early October 2015, heavy rains caused devastating flooding throughout South Carolina and more than a dozen dams failed or were breached. Five hundred and fifty roads and bridges were closed.

The economic cost of this natural disaster is expected to be in the billions of dollars. The Charleston community has deployed volunteers and financial donations to help areas that were the most affected. A

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local Tri-County Flood Recovery Fund was established to help victims, with the Trident United Way matching dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 all gifts made to the fund. Many other organizations, major corporations and local businesses donated money and held donation drives. For a list of resources and ways to help, visit The South Carolina Emergency Management Division at www.scemd.org.

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PHILANTHROPY

Empowering diversity in philanthropy

By Nike Kern

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movement is currently underway in the tri-county area to improve minority representation in community boards and community pipelines. The efforts are aimed at ensuring that racial equality exists while improving social accord, minority-based giving and administration and significant other benefits among the not-for-profit sector.

These efforts are reflected in grant making corporations and not-for-profit entities including the Trident United Way and Coastal Community Foundation.

“It is important that there is diverse representation on community decision-making boards,” says Quinetha Frasier, major gifts officer for the Trident United Way. “This will ensure diversity in philanthropy.”

The Trident United Way is benefiting from engaging minority professionals through the African-American Leadership Council (AALC), which provides access to community leaders in underserved communities across the tri-county.

Formed in April, this group of dynamic minority philanthropists, via the United Way, will give a more prominent, unified voice to many minority professionals who are giving to a variety of causes throughout the area.

With a goal to raise $2 million for the United Way, the AALC will seek to make a measurable impact in local education and promote financial stability for early childhood development in the Lowcounty.

Aside from her role at the Trident United Way, Quinetha Frasier also works with foundations and communities to create giving circles in minority communities throughout the southeast. Her company, Social Impact Advisor, deploys advisors into communities to create impact through minority-led philanthropy.

“There is a need in the minority communities to see the charitable contributions of minority professionals,” says Frasier. “When the face of the beneficiary is a minority, then there should be equal minority representation where charitable decisions are made.”

A number of multinational corporations operating in Charleston have social responsibility goals to promote diversity and are looking for

The Energy Conservation Corps, made up of at-risk youth and military-service veterans, work together with a certified energy specialist of Charleston WISE through the Sustaninability Institute to learn skills of the trade.

Photo/Stan Foxworthy at Foxworthy Studios.

resources to engage and recruit minority leaders and seek out opportunities to assist minoritybased community programs. Guiding them is the respected Coastal Community Foundation which formed the Lowcountry Unity Fund in the wake of the recent AME church tragedy.

The Unity Fund is examining questions such as these: Why are minority based notfor-profits starving financially? What are the major issues they face? Who is doing the work? And who will ultimately benefit from grants provided to these organizations?

“It’s an ideology of inclusiveness,” says Ali Titus, program officer at the Coastal Community Foundation. “We are asking the community what it is that they need to be successful.”

With the goal of promoting long-term solutions that address systemic issues contributing to racism and economic inequality in African-American communities, the Coastal Community Foundation is a leader in the way to finding solutions.

“As an organization, we are working to reflect the values of equity and inclusion internally, not only so that we can carry out the mission of the Lowcountry Unity Fund with integrity, but also so that we may be truly representative of the community as a whole,” says Titus.

Local business leader Blackbaud is meeting the needs of minorities through corporate giving and by its strong commitment to service.

The company encourages its associates to volunteer in many ways. Many of its senior lead-

18 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

ers serve on a wide variety of local non-profit boards where the company makes a donation in honor of their service. “Most of what we have done has been around racial minorities through a lens of economic inequality (and a) lack of access due to this inequality,” says Rachel Hutchison, vice president of corporate citizenship and philanthropy at Blackbaud.

Over the years, Blackbaud has donated more than $530,000 to local non-profits through a fund set up in the late 1990s at the Coastal Community Foundation. The vast majority of the funds have gone to assist minority children in the area by reaching non-profits such WINGS, Communities in Schools, Metanoia, Pattison’s Academy and several more local initiatives.

By engaging themselves on not-for-profit advisory councils, boards and public commissions, minority community activists and philanthropists are engaging other minorities to step up to challenges the community faces.

“The Charleston community is fortunate to have many talented individuals, including minorities, who are willing to utilize their talents in support of non-profit organizations,” says Wilbur E. Johnson, managing partner at the law offices of Young Clement Rivers and a key local philanthropist in Charleston. “It is essential that non-profits take a broad approach to identifying and recruiting potential board members, and leaders, from all segments of the community.”

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PHILANTHROPY

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20 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT Seeking to put God’s love into action, Charleston Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Name of your organization: Charleston Habitat for Humanity Year established locally: 1989 Top local executive: Jeremy Browning, Executive Director Contact information: 731 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403 (physical); P.O. Box 21479, Charleston, SC 29413 (mailing) 843-722-7145 (office); 843-579-0777 (ReStore) Fax: 843-722-7142 Website: www.charlestonhabitat.org Corporate giving contacts: Katie Norris, Director of Development E-mail: katie@charlestonhabitat.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: 4000

• National Women Build Week, April 30-May 7, 2016, North Charleston subdivision; chance for local women to raise funds and volunteer to build a house • 5K Fun Run, date tba (Spring 2016), to raise funds for our home construction program • Annual Dinner & Auction, date tba (Fall 2016), to celebrate our mission, recognize our volunteers, and raise funds for our home construction program Corporate giving opportunities: Corporations, faith-based organizations, civic groups, committed individuals, and community foundations may partner with Charleston Habitat for Humanity through financial and in-kind contributions of any amount up to and including a full home sponsorship of $75,000. These gifts cover the cost of building materials and subcontract labor used to build our Habitat homes. Non-monetary contributions are also essential to our mission such as donations of building materials, household goods, appliances, and furniture to our ReStore along with volunteering time on mission committees, home builds, and in our store.

Total operating budget (2015-2016): $750,000 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 70% Geographic area or specific population served: Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, and the City of North Charleston Greatest need: Financial and in-kind contributions in support of our home construction program 2015 Top achievements: Record sales in the Charleston Habitat for Humanity ReStore for FY15; Celebration of the 25th anniversary of our affiliate; Construction in progress for 15-home subdivision 2016 Goals: Complete 5 additional homes in our North Charleston subdivision; record 4th consecutive year of revenue sales in our ReStore; increase annual volunteer base to 5,000 individuals

When you support the mission of Charleston Habitat for Humanity, your business invests in the Charleston community making a lasting difference in the lives of local residents as they achieve their dream of homeownership. Volunteer opportunities are available as part of our corporate giving program with Habitat homeowners volunteering alongside corporate donors as they complete the “sweat equity” component of their program requirements. This allows local businesses to experience first-hand the transformation that their donations bring to Charleston families. Sponsorship options can be found on our website at www. charlestonhabitat.org/donate or you can call our office at 843-722-7145 and ask to speak to Jeremy Browning, Executive Director, or Katie Norris, Director of Development.

Sponsored by

Fundraising events: • Collegiate Challenge, February 29-March 31, 2016, North Charleston subdivision; chance for local community members to support college students as they raise funds and volunteer to build a house

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 21

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT Teachers’ Supply Closet’s (TSC) mission is to serve children in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties (tri-county area) in meeting their educational and creative needs by providing free supplies donated by businesses and individuals.

Name of your organization: Teachers’ Supply Closet Year established locally: 2008 Top local executive: Lynette Duggins Thomas, MA, Executive Director Contact information: 1401 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Suite 11, Charleston, SC 29407 843-225-9895 Fax: 843-606-6775 Website: www.teacherssupplycloset.org Corporate giving contacts: Lynette Duggins Thomas, MA, Executive Director E-mail: Lynette@TeachersSupplyCloset.org

• TSC installed a new tracking software program that aids in scheduling, inventory supplies, and the value of the classroom items obtained by each of the 900 teachers who shopped.

2016 Goals: Imagine collecting thousands of school supplies and then inviting over 900 teachers to come and take what they need, often leaving the shelves empty.

This scenario happens each semester and TSC is perpetually starting over every six months. Success would look like full shelves, eliminating the barriers that hinder the education process. TSC is actively looking for a new location to move its warehouse and store to a larger distribution space. TSC anticipates budget increases for moving, rent, and utility expenses in 2016.

Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 94%

Fundraising events: • Tee It Up Fore! Kids Golf Benefit: RESCHEDULED for November 20, 2015 the Links at Stono Ferry, Hollywood, SC • Belk’s Charity Day, November 7, 2015, ALL LOCAL BELK STORES, We have Tickets for Sale.

• TSC Business Breakfast, November 17, 2015, The Belmond Charleston Place Hotel – Riviera Theater, 225 King Street, Charleston, SC. • WCBD News 2 Supply Drive Partnership

Geographic area or specific population served: Since 2008, Teachers’ Supply Closet has distributed classroom supplies that aided 86,830 children from low-income families. TSC currently serves 24,150 children in K-12 from 43 high-poverty public schools. While it serves all three area school districts, TSC only reaches about 51% of the nearly 44,000 children eligible for free and reduced-cost meals. For the 2014-2015 school year, TSC had an unprecedented 45% growth rate and served an additional 7,025 children.

Corporate giving opportunities: • Volunteer at Teachers’ Supply Closet.

• Sponsor a group supply drive • Sponsor a signature event.

• Join us for our “Tee It Up Fore Kids” Golf Benefit.

• Attend our Annual “Friend-Raiser” Breakfast.

• Donate your new or gently used office, school or art supplies.

• Get your kids involved by organizing a TSC Supply Drive.

Average number of volunteers in 2015: 100+ Total operating budget (2015-2016): $859,393 ($698,000 in-kind)

Greatest need: TSC must “start from scratch” every six months to fill its empty shelves and restock its 10,000-sq.-ft. warehouse. Help is needed to support the solicitation, collection, storage and on-site delivery of supplies. In addition, TSC is actively looking for a new location to move its warehouse and store to a larger distribution space.

Sponsored by

2015 Top achievements: • Over 60 organizations donate supplies; corporate funders and over 100 volunteers contributed more than 4,000 hours last year.

• Teachers received basic supplies worth $650,131.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 23

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT Helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.

Name of your organization: Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina Year established locally: 1979 Top local executive: Robert G. Smith, President & CEO Contact information: 2150 Eagle Drive, N. Charleston, SC 29456 843-566-0072 Website: www.PalmettoGoodwill.org Corporate giving contacts: Tina Marshall, Community Relations Officer Phone: 843-377-2811 E-mail: tmarshall@palmettogoodwill.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: 225 Total operating budget (2015-2016): $52.9 million with 30 retail stores, 13 Job Link Centers and 15 service contracts.

Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 91% of revenues fund programs and services.

Geographic area or specific population served: Goodwill provides services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment including homeless and struggling veterans and single parents. We are chartered through Goodwill Industries International to provide services in Berkeley, Beaufort, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter and Williamsburg counties.

Greatest need: Donations of clothing, household goods, small appliances and electronics. Mission revenues from the sale of donations enables Goodwill to provide our community with job training programs and career services. We provide free employment services to individuals seeking a new job or career change. Job seekers can access a number of resources at Goodwill’s Job Link Centers.

2015 Top achievements: • 47,558 people from our community benefitted from Goodwill job training programs and employment services.

• 1,295 people have been placed into new jobs.

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• Goodwill’s “Hire Me!” event was created as an opportunity to go through an actual interview and possibly receive a job offer in the same day.

• Goodwill partnered with Trident Technical College’s Culinary Arts Institute to launch a new Hospitality Certification Program.

• The Charleston VA and Goodwill Industries, with support from the city of North Charleston, opened the VA Community Resource and Referral Center on Mall Drive, designed to provide assessments for a number of services for struggling veterans.

2016 Goals: • Increase the number of people that have access to job training and employment services.

• Increase employment and education outcomes through hiring events • Expansion of the Hospitality Training program and the Workforce Academy program that helps non-college bound high school students.

Fundraising events: • Shining Stars Awards Banquet to be held in May 2016 at Embassy Suites/Charleston Area Convention Center.

• Night at the Theatre to be held in the fall of 2016 at the Dock Street Theatre. VIP Cocktail Reception with heavy hors ‘d oeuvre’s, beverages, silent auction, Goodwill trunk show, wine lottery and a show produced by Charleston Stage Company.

Corporate giving opportunities: • Event Sponsorships: Event and table sponsorship opportunities for the Shining Stars Awards Banquet and the Night at the Theatre. Sponsorship information will be available on Goodwill’s website or by contacting Tina Marshall at tmarshall@palmettogoodwill.org.

• Donations to Benefit Veteran Programs: Both veterans programs, Palmetto Warrior Connection (PWC) and Goodwill’s Veterans Employment Program (VEP) are donation opportunities. They provide a much needed service for those who fought for our freedoms and are trying to become integrated back into civilian life.

• Corporate Donation Drives: Goodwill will provide a bin delivery and pick up service for any business that would like to hold an internal donation drive for Goodwill Industries and materials to market the drive.

Sponsored by

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT To inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy.

2015 Top achievements: Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina and Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina consolidated offices to better serve over 13,000 students in 34 counties in South Carolina.

Name of your organization: Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina Year established locally: 1966

2016 Goals: To reach over 13,000 students, in over 575 classrooms in 2016.

Top local executive: Casey Pash, President and CEO

Fundraising events: The 32nd South Carolina Business Hall of Fame, inducting Ms. Anita Zucker from Charleston, Mr. William B. Cox from Orangeburg, and Mr. Rob Chapman from Inman Mills on March 3, 2016 at the Columbia Marriott.

Contact information: 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 105, Columbia, SC 29201 843.745.7050 (Charleston) 803.252.1974 (Columbia) Website: centralsc.ja.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: 385 Total operating budget (2015-2016): $525,000 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 79.1% Geographic area or specific population served: 34 counties in the Midlands, Lowcountry, and PeeDee regions of South Carolina. JA serves over 135 classes and 3,000 students in the coastal region.

Greatest need: Funding JA programs costs approximately $25 a student, and we rely on having the community to help sponsor a JA kid. Also, we need volunteers to help teach the 575 class JA requests on the topics of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

Corporate giving opportunities: JA Classroom Sponsorships • Elementary Class $500 • Middle School Class $750 • High School Class $750 • Whole School $10,000 SC Business Hall of Fame Sponsorship • Ambassador Sponsors $10,000 • Champion Sponsors $5,000 • Table Sponsors $2,250 • Tickets $225 Bowl-A-Thon Sponsorship • Turkey Sponsor $2,500 • Strike Sponsor $1,000 • Lane Sponsor $500 Event sponsorship includes recognition on event materials, as well as on www. jacsc.org, and sponsorship recognition during the event. A class or whole school sponsorship provides students and teachers with Junior Achievement classroom materials, textbooks, software, teacher and volunteer training.

Sponsored by

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 27

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT :To support the development of vibrant, sustainable communities by providing loans, technical assistance, and advocacy for affordable housing, healthy food retail, community facilities and community businesses.

Name of your organization: South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF) Year established locally: 2004 Top local executive: Michelle Mapp Contact information: 1535 Hobby Street, Suite 209, North Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 973-7285 Fax: (843) 973-3598 Website: www.sccommunityloanfund.org Corporate giving contacts: Michelle Mapp, executive director E-mail: michelle@sccommunityloanfund.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 31 Total operating budget (2015): $1,350,000 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 89% Geographic area or specific population served: SCCLF provides loans to non-profit, for profit and government agencies working to revitalize and transform South Carolina by financing projects that: 1) provide affordable housing; 2) create access to food and essential services; 3) increase the quality and availability of neighborhood facilities; 4) create employment opportunities; 5) attract additional investment; and 6) strengthen the social and economic fabric of the community.

Greatest need: Impact Investments! Impact investments made into SCCLF generate a measurable, beneficial social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Investments with us are socially and fiscally responsible, are invested wisely, and offer SC accredited investors a return of 2%.

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Investments require a minimum investment of $25,000 and have a minimum term of five years. Our investments come from financial institutions, foundations, religious institutions, government entities, businesses, and individuals seeking to make a positive social impact in our local community.

2015 Top achievements: • Changed the name of the organization from the Lowcountry Housing Trust to the South Carolina Community Loan Fund to better represent our expanded mission and geographic service area • Transitioned to a statewide organization with the expansion of our services to the entire state • Provided 20 loans totaling $3.6 million in financing that financed 126 housing units, 2 healthy food enterprises, 5 community facilities, and 2 community businesses, creating or retaining 170 jobs and providing a safe, affordable place to call home for 320 individuals and families • Secured $5.4 million in new equity and debt capital to finance community development projects throughout South Carolina • Through our partnership with Social Venture Partners we instituted a new website and a development effort.

• 2016 Goals: • Renewal of the South Carolina Community Economic Development Act and extension of the South Carolina Community Development Tax Credit, a unique tool that catalyzes private capital to transform and revitalize underserved communities from the inside out • Provide $4 million loans to non-profit organizations and for profit businesses that face insurmountable odds in acquiring capital from traditional funding sources Fundraising events: • 2015 Tri-County Housing Summit • 2015 South Carolina Food Access Summit • 10th Anniversary Event Corporate giving opportunities: We accept donations, stock transfers and in-kind gifts. Your support and donations help to transform lives and build strong communities. For more information on how to support us, please visit www.sccommunityloanfund. org. All contributions and investments to SCCLF may qualify for a 33% S.C. Community Development Tax Credit. For more information, consult your financial advisor and review S.C. Schedule 14.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 29

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Lowcountry Food Bank is to lead the fight against hunger in our community.

Name of your organization: Lowcountry Food Bank Year established locally: 1983 Top local executive: Pat Walker, President and CEO Contact information: 2864 Azalea Drive, Charleston, SC 29405 843-747-8146 Fax: 843-747-8147 Website: www.lowcountryfoodbank.org Corporate giving contacts: Izabela Babinska, Donor Relations Officer E-mail: ibabinska@lcfbank.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: 5,000 Total operating budget (2015-2016): $7 million Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 97% Geographic area or specific population served: Berkeley, Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, and Williamsburg Counties Greatest need: Families across the community increasingly struggle between purchasing food or paying utility bills, medical costs, or other life necessities – 1 in 6 individuals, including 1 in 4 children, experience hunger. Now more than ever, we need the grassroots support of our community to ensure that every child, family and senior citizen has the nutrition needed to lead healthy, productive lives. Financial and food donations, and advocacy on behalf of our clients, empower the Food Bank each day in fulfilling our mission. Volunteers are also vital to feeding those who experience hunger in our community; each year, we depend on more than 30,000 service hours, provided by over 5,000 volunteers.

2015 Top achievements: • The LCFB distributed more than 24 million pounds of emergency food to children, adults and seniors facing hunger in the community.

• Through the Zucker Family Production Kitchen, the LCFB served nearly 185,000 meals to children and seniors in our community.

• The Summer Feeding program provided nearly 48,000 meals to 1,432 children, through 37 sites during the summer months.

• The BackPack Buddies Program served a record 3,300 children per week and piloted a program to serve homeless and transient children, serving 70 children in Charleston County.

• By the end of 2015, the Kids Cafe program will have increased to 40 sites and provided nutritious supper meals to an average of 1,500 students per day.

• The LCFB distributed 2,400 monthly food boxes to seniors in need.

• In 2015, 21% (5 million pounds) of the LCFB’s total food distribution will www.charlestonbusiness.com

be fresh produce through partnerships including local farmers, Limehouse Produce, GrowFood Carolina and Lowcounty Local First.

• As of October, the LCFB provided 7,245 families with 363,364 pounds of healthy foods, including more than 320,000 pounds of fresh produce through 43 Fresh for All distributions.

• The LCFB successfully piloted the Summer School Pantry Program at 10 schools, which provided 41,480 pounds of healthy shelf-stable food to 1,643 families.

• The LCFB celebrated 32 years of service thanks to community support.

2016 Goals: • The LCFB will continue to increase healthy food distribution, including the distribution of fresh produce through our Fresh for All program and empower clients to make healthy choices through client choice pantries and nutrition education.

• The LCFB will continue to enhance training, professional development and capacity-building opportunities for its network of nearly 300 partner food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and schools. Our goal is to provide the food resources, knowledge and tools necessary for partners to create sustainable hunger solutions.

• The LCFB will continue to examine how to use limited resources to make the largest impact on hunger and expand existing programs and initiatives that meet target hunger needs.

Fundraising events: Chefs’ Feast (February 21, 2016) Join Chef Robert Carter and the Lowcountry’s most acclaimed chefs at the 17th annual Chefs’ Feast. Indulge in delectable fare from more than two dozen top Lowcountry restaurants while enjoying live jazz music and cocktails. Proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank’s Kids Cafe, Backpack Buddies, School Pantry, and Summer Feeding programs. Visit www.lowcountryfoodbank.org for updates on participating chefs and entertainment.

The Farmer’s Table (Fall 2016) The Lowcountry Food Bank invites you to connect with talented farmers, food artisans and chefs that contribute to the growing culinary reputation and local food community of Beaufort. The alllocal feast, prepared by Beaufort’s most talented chefs, kicks off with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails under the oak at LeChene Circle. Visit www.lowcountryfoodbank.org for updates on participating chefs and entertainment.

Corporate giving opportunities: • Sponsor a local BackPack Buddies Program at a high need school • Sponsor a local School Pantry Program at a high need school • Sponsor a mobile pantry holiday distribution • Sponsor a truckload of fresh, regional produce • Sponsor a Fresh for All distribution • Sponsor a truckload of holiday turkeys • Sponsor fuel for a LCFB truck for an entire year Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 31

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT Cultivating a Community of Self-Sustaining Warriors

Name of your organization: Palmetto Warrior Connection

pact for our warriors, monetary donations are of vital importance in order to grow our programs and continue to extend them holistic free services.

Year established locally: 2013 Top local executive: Jermaine Husser, Executive Director Contact information: 2150 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 100, North Charleston, SC 29406 843-414-9736 Fax: 1-888-234-7793 Website: www.palmettowarriorconnection.org Corporate giving contacts: Kristin Henry, Outreach Coordinator Phone: 843-709-2386 E-mail: khenry@palmettowarriorconnection.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: 100 Total operating budget (2015-2016): $673,000 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 95% of all revenue generated by PWC goes straight back to programs and services implemented for local warriors and their family members. The remaining percentage is distributed at 4% for administrative costs, and 1% for marketing.

Geographic area or specific population served: Palmetto Warrior Connection is based in North Charleston, and offer free services in the areas of employment, education, housing, benefits and mental health support in the counties of Berkeley, Dorchester, Charleston and Beaufort.

Greatest need: With the Charleston Tri-County area being home to over 63,000 veterans, PWC is constantly assessing the specific needs of our warriors in order to generate proactive solutions that offer them hope and a plan. However, as the number of transitioning military members increases, so do the needs. Currently our transitioning service members are facing a veteran homelessness rate of 33%, an unemployment rate of 9% and a suicide rate of 22 per day. In order for PWC to make the greatest im-

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2015 Top achievements: • 92% placement for permanent housing for PWC Warriors • Implementation of Education Initiative: PWC partnered with The Citadel, Charleston Southern University, College of Charleston, and Trident-Technical College in order to help build more veteran-friendly programs and initiatives. These programs included training staff on veteran-specific needs and issues, as well as ensuring each institution has a veteran’s lounge or study area.

2016 Goals: In 2016, PWC’s main focus will be on building more employment opportunities for veterans by partnering with local employers to further facilitate a veteran hiring initiative. This includes aiding in job creation, educating employers and the community on the incentives for hiring veterans, and offering free employability trainings and tools to veterans.

Fundraising events: Undy 500 - Annual motorcycle ride to raise money and collect undergarments to benefit the local homeless veteran population. Will be held at Lowcountry Harley Davidson, 2016 date and time TBD. Palmetto Warrior Challenge - 5k and Crossfit WOD to raise awareness about the current veteran suicide rate and raise funds to benefit PWC’s programs for hope. September 2016, location TBD. Corporate giving opportunities: Donations: PWC is fortunate to have many opportunities in which our corporate partners may be involved! Whether it is a monetary commitment to give back to our programs, a donation drive done for an in-kind donation, or a one-time fundraiser benefiting one of our initiatives. At PWC we understand that no two warriors have the same needs, making our range for involvement open and endless.

Holiday for our Heroes: Every year PWC focuses on partnering with the community to provide holiday programs for our veterans. For Thanksgiving we prepare a meal and serve it to our veteran students at the various campuses of our education partners. For Christmas we partner with the community to sponsor some of our veteran families in need.

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34 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT To strengthen families by providing support, education and resources through a whole family approach utilizing evidence-based programs and practices.

Name of your organization: FamilyCorps (legal name is Parents Anonymous® of South Carolina Inc.) Year established locally: 1978 Top local executive: Lisa Potts Kirchner – Chief Executive Officer Contact information: Address: 1285 Avenue G North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: 843-747-0480 Fax: 843-747-0890 Website: www.Family-Corps.org Corporate giving contact: Renee Mills, Program Training and Resources Director E-mail: renee@family-corps.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: The majority of our work requires several hours of training therefore we mainly utilize contract workers. However, in 2015 we had an average of 50 volunteers give their time to FamilyCorps across the state.

Total operating budget (2014-2015): $450,295.00

2015 Top achievements: • FamilyCorps was awarded one of the 10 partnership grants from Children’s Trust of SC to facilitate the Strengthening Families Program to families who have children ages 6-11 in the tri-county area (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester).

• A new survey tool facilitated in Charleston County concluded that all of the families served by FamilyCorps whose child was placed in foster care when they first started attending programming were reunited with their family nine months to a year later and 0% of families have had further DSS involvement one year later.

• Renee Mills, a parent leader from Summerville, SC, who served on the National Parent Leadership team led by the International Parents Anonymous® office in California was hired full-time. She is nationally certified.

2016 Goals: • Working with more elementary schools to identify children who could benefit from FamilyCorps services and family needs.

• In connection with several partners in Charleston County, be the lead organization for a youth diversion program where youth and their family would participate in community-based programming instead of being charged with a status offense (truancy, disrupting school underage drinking, etc) and become involved with the Juvenile Justice System.

• Work with parents on a re-entry program in order to reunite families.

• Continue to expand prgrams and services include Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), Parents Anonymous, Anger Management, Faciliator Training and Parent Group Leader Training.

Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 88% Geographic area or specific population served: FamilyCorps serves any type of parent and caregiver and their family statewide in South Carolina.

Greatest need: Increased financial support for evidence-based family strengthening skill-building programs around the state. A large portion of our budget comes through a contract FamilyCorps has with SC Department of Social Services, however they only reimburse 75% of expenses; the organization is required to make up the difference through grants, fundraising and corporate support.

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Fundraising events: April Dress Down Day Campaign. Schools and businesses select a day in April to host a dress down day campaign in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Employees and/or students donate money to dress down on the date selected and receive a sticker to wear on that day to show their support for the cause. All of the dollars raised from each campaign go towards family strengthening programming in their area to support prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Corporate giving opportunities: • Corporate partnership opportunities available upon request • Open Board of Directors positions • Host a Dress Down Day in April in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT To provide safety net services to our low income neighbors, while empowering them to create a better future for themselves, their families and our communities.

Name of your organization: East Cooper Community Outreach Year established locally: 1989 Top local executive: Jack Little, Executive Director | Giff Daughtridge, Board President Contact information: 1145 Six Mile Road, Mount Pleasant, 29466 843.849.9220 Fax: 843.849.0943 Website: ECCOcharleston.org Corporate giving contacts: Alana Morrall, Director of Development and Marketing Phone: 843.416.7123 E-mail: amorrall@ECCOcharleston.org Average number of volunteers in 2015: 250 In 2014, ECCO volunteers dedicated over 20,000 hours of service for a total value to the community exceeding $612,000 Total operating budget (2015-2016): $1.5 million Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 93% (including donated goods and services) Geographic area or specific population served: ECCO serves more than 4,500 households annually, primarily east of the Cooper River living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Programs are designed to help those in financial distress – families experiencing generational or situational poverty, the elderly and disabled.

Greatest need: Program funding for health services and financial literacy initiatives; general operating support; golf tournament sponsors; in-kind professional services; volunteers to serve on Golf Ball committee.

2015 Top achievements: • The Baldwin Carson Community Outreach Center: opened a new satellite program in Huger after successfully acquiring funds for building renovations and three years of operating support.

• Holiday programs: distributed Thanksgiving meals to over 400 families in need; provided 250 children with Christmas presents through our Adopt-A-Family project.

• Community engagement: established an outreach project with Lincoln Middle-High School in McClellanville; launched ECCO Young Professionals initiative. www.charlestonbusiness.com

• Marketing: completed a digital revitalization of ECCO’s marketing platforms to provide a new user-friendly and mobile responsive website.

2016 Goals: • Raise $50,000 for ECCO’s asset-building IDA program and provide matching funds for 34 Charleston or Berkeley County residents to use towards buying a home, starting or growing a business, or post-secondary education and training.

• Increase engagement and support from businesses by 30% over FY15.

• Build a greater community awareness and strengthen volunteer engagement and create opportunities for young leaders (and their businesses) to be involved.

• Expand healthy food options for clients through the acquisition of a new refrigerated van that would allow ECCO to pick up more fresh produce.

Fundraising events: The 4th Annual Golf Ball is ECCO’s two-day fundraiser at the beautiful Daniel Island Club.

• Golf Tournament - Monday, May 9, 2016 (participation will exceed 160 golfers) • Gala - Friday, May 13, 2016 (expected attendance of 300+ guests) Sponsorships, ticket sales, and proceeds from the live and silent auctions will benefit local families in financial distress while providing hope to our neighbors in need. Corporate giving opportunities: (Include information on available sponsorship or donation opportunities.)

Golf Tournament and Gala • Sponsorships range from $750 to $15,000 with varying benefits at each level such as team registration for the tournament, Gala admission, prominent logo placement on marketing materials, etc.

• Opportunities to receive exclusive recognition by sponsoring the Golf Carts, Beverage Cart, Band, Invitations, or Tournament Awards Reception.

Life Ring Society • With a gift of $1,000 or more to ECCO’s Annual Fund, you will be listed among our most dedicated community-minded businesses, receive special event invitations, personal tours of the facility, and the satisfaction of knowing your generosity has made a difference to those who are less fortunate.

In-kind support • Lend your professional expertise to help ECCO clients in need • Volunteer your skills in marketing or web development • Donated services or products (ex: free printing, media partnerships, auction items, etc.)

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 37

HELPING OUT

Teachers’ Supply Closet volunteers prepare for teacher spring shopping.

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP volunteers work on a Habitat for Humanity home during the United Way’s Day of Caring event.

“Bike and build” cross-country volunteers began their journey helping to build a home with Charleston’s Habitat for Humanity.

Porter Gaud Senior Service Day in front of Teachers’ Supply Closet store window.

Volunteers from Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP help build a Habitat for Humanity home during the United Way’s Day of Caring.

Female volunteers wore pink shirts for the annual National Women’s Build Week at Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

Helping Hands The philanthropic spirit runs deep in the Lowcountry. Whether it’s helping community organizations build houses, gather food items for needy families or helping beautify area parks and green spaces, the tri-county nonprofit community of hard working, dedicated and caring volunteers is constantly busy.

All throughout the year, volunteers of all ages, and in all kinds of weather, work with various organizations in many capacities, whether its education, health, animal care, or just making the

38 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

Lowcountry a better place to live.

In 2014, there were 6,689 volunteers who came out to the Trident United Way’s Day of Caring.

Through the Trident United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline and its community volunteer advocacy, it connects volunteers with roughly 200 nonprofits. Coordinators work with volunteers and organizations to see what would be a good fit for particular skills and how to make the most impact. Go out and make a difference in your world. www.charlestonbusiness.com

HELPING OUT

www.charlestonbusiness.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 39