2017 Columbia Giving Guide

Giving YOUR GUIDE TO COMMUNITY GIVING IN THE MIDLANDS 2017-18

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Philanthropy helps make Midlands more welcoming Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

CONTENTS Associate Publisher - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546 Editor - Melinda Waldrop mwaldrop@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7542

QUICK FACTS

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Assistant Graphic Designer - Emily Williams ewilliams@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3124

AWARD WINNERS

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Assistant Graphic Designer - Jessica Stout jstout@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113

FEATURED

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MIDLANDS NEWSROOM

HELPING OUT

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

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Staff Writer - Travis Boland tboland@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7543 Research Specialist - Patrice Mack pmack@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7544 MIDLANDS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Senior Account Executive - Alan James ajames@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7540 Account Executive - Lucia Smith lsmith@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7547

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox rwilcox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Events Director - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1225 Audience Development & IT Manager Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Accounting Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7541 CUSTOM MEDIA DIVISION Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 Business Development Executive Elizabeth Hodges lhodges@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3105

The entire contents of this newspaper are copyright by NWS Company LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited. SCBIZ and South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ©2017 NWS Company LLC

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A PLACE AT THE TABLE

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THE CHANGING FACE OF PHILANTHROPY

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EMPLOYEES AS PHILANTHROPISTS

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ABOUT THE COVER: The new children's garden, Hampton-Preston mansion. (Historic Columbia)

Dear Readers,

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ou are amazing! You have supported so many wonderful projects in the Midlands this year.

Starting with a record-breaking fundraising campaign for United Way of the Midlands, you have moved on to increase both the number of the gifts and total dollars raised during Midlands Gives’ 24Licia Jackson hour online giving campaign powered

by Central Carolina Community Foundation.

And you’re giving not just dollars, but also your time and talent.

That is just the start of the success report for our year in philanthropy. I think that living through the 2015 flood taught us anew that WE are the ones primarily responsible for meeting our own needs and solving our own problems.

As noted in the stories in this issue, philanthropy is most assuredly making the Midlands a better, more welcoming and livable place. With the help of Connected Communities Grants, nonprofits in the Midlands are well-positioned to step out with that new, out-there idea. Wrap the utility boxes in the Vista neighborhood with art?

Check. Take Columbia Children’s Theatre productions into the community via flatbed truck? Check. Showcase the artists of Latino Arts in Motion at festivals and other events across the Midlands? Check!

The needs of the more vulnerable people among us have surely not been left behind, as the WellPartners vision and dental clinics, shelters for youth in transition and affordable housing endeavors are receiving our full support.

Involved in these efforts and many others are the award-winners in this magazine.

Read about the United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year, the winners of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ National Philanthropy Day Awards, and the winners of the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Best of Philanthropy Awards.

Finally, I’d like to thank our title sponsor, Bank of America, as well as our partners, the Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central S.C. Chapter and the United Way of the Midlands.

Thank you, too, and keep on sharing,

NWS Company LLC A portfolio company of BridgeTower Media

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 3

QUICK FACTS

GIVING

BY THE

NUMBERS

INCREASED BY

2.7%

AMERICANS GAVE IN 2016

$390.05 BILLION

FUN FACTS OF THAT TOTAL

For the years 2012–2016, arts, culture, and humanities was the second-fastest growing subsector out of nine in terms of contributions received..

5% 8%

Giving to environment/animals saw the largest increase, at 7.2 percent. This subsector has posted strong two-year growth rates.

15% 72%

ONLY 22.7% RESIDENTS VOLUNTEER

903,249

VOLUNTEERS Individuals (72%) Foundations (15%)

Bequests (8%) Corporations (5%)

HERE’S WHERE THE MONEY GOES VOLUNTEERING IN SOUTH CAROLINA 22.7% OF RESIDENTS VOLUNTEER, RANKING THEM 42ND AMONG THE 50 STATES AND WASHINGTON, DC

120.7 MILLION HOURS OF SERVICE WORTH

$3.1 BILLION

34.8 HOURS

50.2%

VOLUNTEER HOURS PER CAPITA

RESIDENTS DONATE $25 OR MORE TO CHARITY

Source: Corporation for National and Community Service, www.volunteeringinamerica.gov; numbers are for 2015

4 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

RELIGION 32% EDUCATION 15% HUMAN SERVICES 12% GIFTS TO FOUNDATIONS 10% HEALTH 8% PUBLIC-SOCIETY BENEFIT 8% ARTS, CULTURE, HUMANITIES 5% INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 6% ENVIRONMENTAL/ANIMALS 3% TO INDIVIDUALS 2% Source: Giving USA

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AWARD WINNERS

2017 AFP HONORS

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY AWARDS

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very year the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central South Carolina Chapter, recognizes exemplary individuals, corporations and organizations involved in giving and volunteering in the Midlands. These winners demonstrate what philanthropy means to our community.

AFP Central South Carolina is presenting six awards in 2017.

OUTSTANDING CORPORATION AFLAC CORP.

At Aflac, corporate social responsibility has been more than just words; it has been a part of the culture. Since moving its Group Insurance headquarters to Columbia in 2009, Aflac has been investing in the Midlands and inspiring its employees to join in these actions. Whether contributing more than $1,000,000 to the fight against children’s cancer, supporting healthy cooking classes in underserved communities, or building a home for a family in need, Aflac has been committed to making a difference.

Significant, multiyear financial commitments have been made across multiple nonprofit service areas, including health, human services, childhood education and higher education.

Aflac’s multi-year investments include: • Palmetto Health Foundation for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital • EdVenture • Claflin University • Columbia Museum of Art • Oliver Gospel Mission • University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health Aflac has been a major sponsor of Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Midlands Gives since its inception in 2014. Midlands

Gives has raised a collective $5,523,721 in support for hundreds of nonprofits in the region.

Here are a few projects receiving direct support from Aflac: Palmetto Health Foundation for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital $400,000 gift to create an endowment to fund the late effects clinic in the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The TRACE Clinic (Transition Recovery After Cancer Experience) monitors long-term effects of cancer treatment and provides follow-up care.

Signature fundraising event for CAMP KEMO Programs of Children’s Hospital, $65,000.

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPISTS BARBARA LIVINGSTON AND GEN. ROBERT LIVINGSTON

Gen. Robert Livingston and his wife, Barbara, are generous with their time, talents and treasure. Through their personal service to organizations such as the USO, EdVenture, the Red Cross and Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, they have changed many lives. Through their company, Gregory Electric, they have changed and saved lives.

USO: Barbara Livingston serves on the board of the USO and has been instrumental in helping with electrical projects. She has helped with multiple renovations to the USO space at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport along with the secure room downstairs for soldiers waiting between flights. They also assisted with the USO at McCrady Training Center renovations in Eastover.

Red Cross: The Livingstons give $5,000 annually to the Red Cross and donated to relief funds for Hurricanes Harvey, Joaquin and

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Matthew.

2015 Columbia flood: During the flood, Palmetto Health Baptist hospital was going to evacuate over 700 patients because they did not have clean water. Gen. Livingston brought in water purification systems through S.C. National Guard. The water purification systems were hooked up to the city fire hydrants, purified the water, and then used it for the water system in the hospital. This project was the first of its kind in the world; no one had attempted this before!

At EdVenture, Barbara has been instrumental in funding Military Appreciation Days giving active military and their families free admission four days during the year at the museum.

The Livingstons have also helped with electrical projects at EdVenture and Barbara has served on the board for three years.

The Livingstons’ annual charitable contributions average between $150,000 to $200,000 each year. These figures do not include their inkind electrical contributions from their company.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER GROUP FUNDRAISER EMPLOYEES OF BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF SOUTH CAROLINA

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina employees are committed to supporting the Midlands community through volunteer projects and fundraising. The company provides flexibility to employees, allowing and even encouraging them to serve on fundraising committees and to get further involved with donation drives and direct volunteer opportunities that benefit numerous agencies.

Over the past year, employees contributed a record-breaking $2,331,093 to United Way of

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AWARD WINNERS the Midlands. As part of their corporate fundraising campaign, an additional $247,240 was raised by BlueCross employees in other counties/states to support their local United Ways.

Approximately 20-30 employees serve on the internal United Way campaign committee, meeting weekly from March through August.

Almost 90 volunteer captains help implement the plan at the departmental level. Through their commitment, almost 70% of their colleagues participated in the successful fundraiser.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina employees also support initiatives for the American Heart Association, Healthy Learners and Harvest Hope Food Bank. Across these agencies and many more, in the last year employees volunteered almost 19,000 hours. In total, beyond their United Way of the Midlands fundraising campaign, employees donated $2,834,120 for nonprofits in the community.

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING EXECUTIVE G.B. OLSEN

G.B. Olsen’s fundraising career spans 23 years, predominantly with United Ways and higher education. She has made a career of promoting philanthropy and was recently promoted to assistant vice president for donor engagement at United Way of the Midlands.

Beginning her United Way work in Greenville, she started a planned giving program and secured $7 million in expectancies. At United Way of Tampa, she started a Tocqueville Society Growth Initiative, growing giving at the $10,000 level. Since arriving at United Way of the Midlands (2014), she has helped initiate a Planned Giving program that has generated $3 million in expectancies.

Leadership gifts, which she directs, have grown from 38% to 42% of all dollars raised in the annual campaign and unrestricted leadership gifts increased by 8.5%. This represented over $4.5 million in giving to the Midlands in 2016.

Olsen is a leadership contributor at United Way and a member of Women in Philanthropy.

She volunteers as a Midlands Reading Consortium tutor each week.

OUTSTANDING MARKETING PROFESSIONAL IN SUPPORT OF PHILANTHROPY DAVID CAMPBELL

David Campbell, president and COO of Chernoff Newman, is a marketing and public relations professional sharing freely of his time,

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talents and resources to improve the quality of life in the Midlands.

At United Way of the Midlands, Campbell has chaired the Communications Committee and shared his knowledge and advice while also lending the resources of his agency, often at reduced or zero cost.

During his service on the board, he has helped guide United Way through crisis situations such as the 2015 flood. As communications chair, he has helped with the branding, marketing and promotion of United Way’s Young Leaders Society, WellPartners and a $2 million capital campaign to support United Way’s new headquarters.

Campbell has served on the board of Richland Library, Historic Columbia, National Kidney Foundation of SC, Richland County CASA, Trinity Housing Corporation (now known as Homeless No More) and the SC March of Dimes. He has also served as a guardian ad litem, reflecting his deep commitment to the welfare of children.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER ZOE MILLER AND BRIANNA KENNEDY

Zoë Miller and Brianna Kennedy of Spring Hill High School led their school’s DECA Chapter in 2015 and 2016. DECA is a national nonprofit student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Zoë and Brianna have worked with DECA and school administrators at Spring Hill High in Lexington-Richland School District 5 to raise funds for the Lexington Medical Center Foundation through a breast cancer awareness week and a fundraiser called Pink Out. They have coordinated pep rallies, penny drives, Tshirt sales and more to engage their student body, faculty, staff, and parents. Their efforts have raised nearly $7,000 over the last three years.

The two created logos, videos, and fliers for their campaign, solicited local businesses for donated items to sell and raise funds, created Go Fund Me pages for outright donations, and even engaged a local radio station to promote the fundraiser on the final day. They also involved the foundation and LMC in setting up an information table with breast cancer resources.

Zoë and Brianna graduated in May 2017, but they set an example of philanthropy and leadership that has already inspired the next generation of DECA students.

PHILANTHROPY IN COLUMBIA: SO HOT, IT’S COOL

By Louis Fawcett and Wendi Spratt

C

olumbia has worked to shape its identity into a unique blend of the arts, cultural attractions, great restaurants, breweries, history, sporting events, concerts, festivals and river activities. No longer is Columbia just the place that’s “two hours from the mountains and two hours from Charleston.”

Columbia in and of itself is a destination that’s so hot, it’s cool. You’d be hard pressed these days to find a week without an array of events, many hosted by our community’s nonprofit partners.

That Columbia is a cool place is partially due to the work of the nonprofit sector, which makes up about 10% of the workforce. Organizations, philanthropists, the business community and volunteers work together to provide programs and services that give residents and visitors opportunities to connect with our community.

After all, how many towns our size have such world class institutions as the Columbia Museum of Art, Riverbanks Zoo, Richland Library, Historic Columbia, EdVenture, and USC? With the rising sector of young professionals here, Columbia boasts over 30 organizations dedicated to lifting up today’s and tomorrow’s leaders. These leaders are seeking opportunities to enhance the livability of our community, and often serve as volunteers. Their services may include helping with a young professional group that spearheads major fundraising events to support a nonprofit. It is not by accident that our identity as a community is shaped by our philanthropy. Giving is the force behind the winds of change that make this hot town so cool!

Our city, while small, is tackling heroic missions of scale through reciprocal relationships and collaborations. Donors feel honored through the connections they develop with nonprofits, and in turn, provide the resources nonprofits need to address problems no one else can solve. Through inspired creativity, nonprofit leaders are solving problems so completely that money chases after them.

The collaboration of each sector of civil society – public, private, faith based, and nonprofit institutions – makes Columbia famously cool!

Louis Fawcett is president of the Central S.C. Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Wendi Spratt is president-elect of AFP.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 7

AWARD WINNERS

PREVIOUS PHILANTHROPY DAY WINNERS SINCE 2009 Outstanding Corporation 2016 – The Michael J. Mungo Foundation 2015 – Wells Fargo 2014 – Colonial Life 2013 – Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union 2012 – SCANA 2011 – Enterprise Holdings 2010 – B106.7 2009 – Palmetto Health Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser 2016 – Mike Brenan and Sara Fawcett 2015 – Mollie Taylor 2014 – Bishop Redfern II 2013 – Barbara and Roger Blau 2012 – Sharon Bryant and Michael Seezen 2012 – Ron and Hannah Rogers 2011 – Bill McDaniels 2010 – Pamela Lackey and Scott Shockley 2009 – Steve Morrison and Mary Kennemur Outstanding Youth/Youth Group Fundraiser 2015 – Heathwood Hall students 2014 – Cardinal Newman School 2013 – Hammond School Student Body; Megan Marie Reardon 2012 – Rotary Club of Vista Night 2011 – Trinity Cathedral Youth Group 2010 – Miss Helen Clay/Airport High School SGA 2009 – Hammond School Red Cross Club Outstanding Fundraising Executive 2016 – Louis Fawcett 2015 – Maria H. DeHart 2014 – Ginny Waller 2013 – Denise Holland 2012 – Kathy Hill, CFRE 2011 – Mary Balbach 2010 – Anita Floyd 2009 – Love Collins III Outstanding Philanthropist 2016 – Frank and Sarah Brown 2015 – Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold 2014 – Debbie Zvejnieks 2013 – Melissa and Joe Blanchard 2011 – Phillip Edwards 2010 – Mr. and Mrs. William P. Kennedy 2009 – Darla D. Moore Outstanding Volunteer Group Fundraiser 2016 – Palmetto Health Foundation Board of Directors 2015 – Junior League of Columbia 2014 – Pink Posse Philes 2013 – Richland Library Friends 2011 – Women in Philanthropy 2010 – Young Leaders Society 2009 – Colonial Life Outstanding Marketing Professional in Support of Philanthropy 2016 – Ashley Dusenbury 2015 – Joey Wallace

BENNETT NAMED 2018 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

T

he Humanitarian of the Year Award is given each year to an individual who clearly demonstrates extraordinary leadership in philanthropic and human services. It is the highest single honor of philanthropic achievement in the Midlands.

United Way of the Midlands is pleased to announce the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year – Mac Bennett.

For more than 35 years, James McCauley “Mac” Bennett has served the Midlands and the state of South Carolina. From 2005 to 2017, he served as president and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. During his tenure, United Way raised $120 million that served an average of more than 27,000 people in six counties. He led the $13 million effort to build Transitions, a homeless program that has served more than 5,000 people since 2011. He brought three competing local hospitals together, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Health and Providence, to create WellPartners, a dental and eye care clinic that has served more than 6,000 Midlands residents in its first year of operation.

In 2007, he saw the need to mold a new generation of donors and led the creation of the Young Leaders Society, a group of United Way donors under the age of 40, with almost 500 members who have raised more than $5 million to date.

Prior to United Way, Mac spent 14 years as the president and CEO of the Central Carolina Community Foundation and worked

Mac Bennett Former President and CEO United Way of the Midlands

at the University of South Carolina in various capacities from 1980-1991. In that time, he founded the South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO, now Together SC) and served as the first chairman of the organization’s board of directors.

Throughout his career, Bennett has been instrumental in efforts to improve training and education for people working in the nonprofit sector.

Mac will be recognized in early 2018 at the Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner.

Past Humanitarian of the Year Recipients United Way of the Midlands 2016 Steven and Stewart Mungo 2015 Paul Fant 2014 Judy Davis 2013 John W. Folsom 2012 Mike Brenan 2011 John D. Baker 2010 Cathy B. Novinger 2009 George W. “Bill” Rogers 2008 Martha Scott Smith 2007 Suzan Boyd and Ed Sellers 2006 Bill Cassels and Tobin Cassels 2005 Samuel J. Tenenbaum 2004 Guy F. Lipscomb 2003 Gayle Averyt 2002 Charlotte Lunsford Berry 2001 John W. Fling

8 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

2000 Joe Anderson, Joel Smith and Bob Staton 1999 Betty Duffie 1998 Maj. Gen. Robert B. Solomon 1997 E. Perry Palmer 1996 Joseph L. Pinner 1995 Robert L. Blanton, Jr. 1994 Evan and Cindy Nord 1993 B. Palmer McArthur 1992 Sister Mary Jacob 1991 Jean W. Blount 1990 George C. Fant Jr. 1989 Frank S. Smith Jr. 1988 Virgil C. Summer 1987 William R. Ballou 1986 J. Willis Cantey 1985 O. Stanley Smith Jr. 1984 G. Cameron Todd www.columbiabusinessreport.com

AWARD WINNERS

THE PEOPLE OF THE MIDLANDS TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

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here are so many milestones and accomplishments to celebrate in Columbia these days. Rising employment, increased economic development, improvements to infrastructure plus exciting new events, activities and attractions available to Midlands residents are all reasons to celebrate.

And while we can take pride in these accomplishments, there is one common thread among all the accolades making Columbia an increasingly livable and vibrant community: its people.

One of the many factors that affect a community’s economic development and advancement potential is how well that community cares for its most vulnerable populations— at-risk children, Sara Fawcett those without access to health care, and those President and CEO experiencing or potentially facing homelessness.

United Way of the Midlands The Midlands has flourished because we, the people, have come together to work towards solutions to these challenging problems that allow us to move forward as a community.

United, we fought for the families affected by the 2015 flood. United Way and more than 40 partners in the Midlands Flood Recovery Group have repaired more than 200 homes damaged by the flood. More than $2 million and 150,000 volunteer hours have made that possible.

United, we came together to care for children who have never been to the dentist and adults with no access to dental care. WellPartners, United Way’s dental and eye care clinics in Richland and Lexington counties, have provided care for more than 6,000 Midlands residents in its first year of operation. WellPartners is a one-of-a-kind public-private partnership that was made possible because Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Health and Providence Health worked with United Way, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, volunteer dentists and hygienists, and Richland and Lexington counties to innovate and find a solution.

United, we have worked tirelessly to reduce homelessness in the Midlands by 40 percent in the past four years. The level of collaboration between care providers, the faith community, local government and corporate partners has led to tremendous outcomes that show we can make a difference when we work together.

United Way provides the shared experiences that enrich lives across our communities. When you participate with a group of coworkers to repair a home damaged by the flood, you are also improving the entire community. When you volunteer to read to a child who is at risk of being left behind, you affect not only that child in the short term, but also you dramatically increase their chance of graduating from high school. When you make a donation that funds supplies used by the volunteer dentists who serve children and adults without dental insurance, you are giving them a reason to smile and a better chance to succeed in school or at work.

Our people have always been our most valuable resource. United Way is proud to invest in the people of the Midlands because we know the return to the community is immense and immeasurable.

Whether sharing the stories of the people we’ve helped or providing volunteer activities and opportunities to donate and impact someone’s life, United Way touches the fabric of the community each and every day, and we thank you for working together to make that possible.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 9

AWARD WINNERS

2017 Award Winners

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ach year, Central Carolina Community Foundation and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine host the Best of Philanthropy Awards to honor and celebrate ordinary people in our community who are making a difference through their giving. The 2017 winners will be honored at an event at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at 701 Whaley. The 2017 winners are: Individual Award: Kassy Alia Kassy Alia is founder of Heroes in Blue, a nonprofit organization created to honor her late husband, Forest Acres Police Officer Gregory Alia. Heroes in Blue serves to tell the stories of police officers engaging in compassionate and courageous acts everywhere and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

Local Business Award: Consultants in Gastroenterology Consultants in Gastroenterology (CIG) have committed themselves to promote screening for colorectal cancer across the state. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and is preventable through timely screening. CIG’s efforts in funding research, education and screening initiatives have made a great impact.

Young Professional Award: Jamal Stroud A Department of Social Services adoption specialist, Jamal Stroud impacts the lives of children throughout the Midlands. Jamal founded the Stroud Development Group, which provides mentorship and guidance for at-risk youth.

Student/Student Group Award: Madison Dinkins Madison Dinkins, an Airport High School student, founded the Birthday Box, a program to donate wrapped birthday gifts to local children’s shelters. She also donates her time to Ronald McDonald Houses and to raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

To learn more about the 2017 Best of Philanthropy Awards, visit www.yourfoundation.org

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A VIBRANT COMMUNITY

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here is a renewed sense of pride in our region that is inspiring a new spirit of philanthropy. Individuals and organizations are working together — sharing time, talent and treasure — to build a vibrant and welcoming community together. Examples of initiatives that are knitting people together abound.

“Doing good starts with you” is the opening line for JoAnn Turnquist, President Do Good Columbia, and CEO, Central Carolina a two-day commuCommunity Foundation nity problem-solving workshop led by Richland Library. Talented, spirited groups of citizens came together for two days in September to develop creative concepts that increased access to, usage and enjoyment of our rivers. Team Earth, Wind and Water’s vision for “Water Works Park,” a transformation of the amphitheater and surrounding area at Riverfront Park into a space for events and history, was selected as the winner of Do Good Columbia’s inaugural year. A $50,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation will provide the seed money to move this idea into the implementation phase.

“Empowering you to make real change” is the motto of What’s Next Midlands, a collection for great ideas; a platform to share those ideas and discover others that share the same vision; a rallying point where ideas, people, talent and capital come together to turn great ideas into real progress for our community.

What’s Next Investors, folks who’ve invested $100 annually in this nonprofit, have funded a number of initiatives that have brought

10 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

our community together — seating on Main Street; Southern Lights, a signature long-term art and light installation that spans the Congaree River between the Blossom Street and Gervais Street bridges; and the Summer DriveIn Series, a pop-up drive-in that featured four movies at the Historic Columbia Speedway.

“What makes residents love where they live?

What draws people to a place and keeps them there?” are the questions asked by Central Carolina Community Foundation’s board and staff and have resulted in 28 Connected Communities grants that inspire organizations to engage and invest in our community and build on the community’s assets. Innovative projects include a program that brings Latino artistry to new venues across the region, an ADA Accessible Playground in Kershaw County, Flashmob Concerts featuring the SC Philharmonic at festivals and markets and a Flatbed Truck Theatre Series that brings Columbia Children’s Theatre productions to gathering spaces across our communities.

Pride in place is also inspiring volunteerism. Mayor Steve Benjamin launched City Serve in October, a month-long collaborative effort that was built upon our rich tradition of community service and leadership to help those in need in five core areas – health, hunger, home improvement, beautification and education. All of the projects were citizen-generated from nonprofit organizations, government entities and neighborhood associations across Columbia providing folks with the opportunity to “do good” in a variety of ways.

I am proud to be a resident of the Midlands. I am proud of the spirit of collaboration that is evident across our region. And, I am proud to work for an organization that employs philanthropy to build a community we are proud to call home.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 11

FEATURE STORY

A PLACE AT

THE TABLE

PHILANTHROPY WELCOMES ALL TO HELP MAKE REGION MORE WELCOMING, LIVABLE At top, Kayleigh Vaughn, Milena Engh and Dana Witkoski enjoy seating provided by What's Next Midlands. (Photo/Jeff Blake)

By Licia Jackson

A

mazing things are happening in the Midlands. The generosity of residents, businesses and other organizations are playing a major role in the region’s renaissance.

Midlands Gives and United Way of the Midlands fundraising campaigns have hit record highs. Both the Richland Library and the

Columbia Museum of Art have won national awards. Recovery from the 2015 flood is moving along, with support of community-based programs.

The Midlands Business Leadership Group is focusing attention on livability as a major component of economic development. The Central Carolina Community Foundation’s

12 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

Connected Communities grants and United Way’s affordable housing effort are supporting that goal as well.

Philanthropy, it turns out, is a powerful way to make the Midlands a more welcoming and livable place. And what is philanthropy?

It’s simple giving, and anyone can do it.

See A PLACE AT THE TABLE, PAGE 14

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AWARD WINNERS

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 13

FEATURE STORY

Southern Lights, a long-term art installation supported by local nonprofits, businesses and governments, will light up the Congaree River nightly when complete. (Photo/Carl Heyward)

From A PLACE AT THE TABLE, PAGE 12

Nonprofits large and small have made a commitment to support the Midlands’ efforts to become more welcoming, add superb public spaces and assemble the vibrant social offerings that people have said they are searching for.

Here are some of the projects and campaigns working to make these aspirations happen.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation awards Connected Communities Grants as challenge grants each year to inspire organizations to engage and invest in the community and to build on its existing assets.

“We encourage them to ask what is it about our community that makes people want to come together,” said Erin Johnson, vice president for community investment at the foundation. “We are excited that we get to fund philanthropy in the Midlands that makes it possible.”

The projects funded help make the community more attractive to residents, with the aim of helping attract and retain talent needed for economic development growth. “Our leaders are starting to latch on to the concept of

livability,” Johnson said. “Quality of life is important. A living wage is not enough.”

Among the projects receiving grants from Connected Communities is Historic Columbia’s Hampton-Preston Garden restoration.

Part of the garden has been restored as a very formal garden, but the next phase will be a children’s garden where families are welcome to come and play, said Wendi Spratt, director of development. Historic Columbia is partnering with Columbia Children’s Theatre and the Richland Library to offer free programs.

“We want to raise awareness and increase visitation with free and engaging programs,” Spratt said. “We hope to have people coming who might not otherwise come.”

In past years, What's Next Midlands has received some funding. The nonprofit takes seed money from a pool of donors and raises more money to pay for things Midlands residents are asking for. Their first project was movable seating for Main Street events. The brightly colored café tables and chairs are set up for such events as Soda City Market.

Other projects have been accomplished and the next project will be bicycle fix-it stations, said Laura Ros, project manager. “We can’t do multimillion-dollar projects, but we

14 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

can do $10,000-or-less projects.”

The Southern Lights laser show on the Congaree River was inspired by a What’s Next Midlands idea and is underway with several community partners including One Columbia for Arts and History and the Congaree Vista Guild.

Another project receiving Connected Communities funding is called Latino Arts in Motion, a program of Palmetto Luna Arts. The purpose is to take Latino artists to public spaces to perform or share their work, said Ivan Segura, executive director of the all-volunteer organization.

Lacking the resources to put on their own event, Latino Arts in Motion partners with other events, such as the recent Midlands Farm Tour. Their program covers 10 counties in the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s 11-county area.

“People don’t know about the Latino community,” Segura said. “That is the bridge we are trying to make.”

Some of the other Connected Communities projects funded in fiscal year 2017 include the Flatbed Truck Theatre series of Columbia Children’s Theatre; “We Speak: Celebrating Women in the Arts,” at Columbia Museum of

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Art; Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center’s renovation; the Temple Sinai Jewish History Museum, an affiliate of Sumter County Museum; and the Summer Reading Program of the Friends of Lexington Main Library.

As the United Way of the Midlands sets records in fundraising, attention turns to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable people in the local community.

The last campaign raised $11 million, with 77% directed to the Community Impact Fund, said Sara Fawcett, president and CEO. “That is the highest amount to that fund that we have ever had.”

The fund partners with other agencies, making grants to provide for basic needs of Midlands residents. Meeting these needs is important to livability and economic development, Fawcett said.

“When the most vulnerable populations are being well served, it sets that community up well for economic development,” she said.

When a community depends on the government to meet these needs, “you are locking up dollars that can go to economic development.”

United Way’s network of fundraising campaign volunteers helps companies and their employees see the value of contributing in this way to help solve problems. “Impactful work is being done by United Way in the community,” Fawcett explained. “We want the companies to be a part of that work.”

WellPartners dental and vision clinic is an example of a partnership that has much improved basic health care for children and adults in the Midlands. The clinic, which opened in January 2016, is owned and operated by United Way with support from Lexington and Richland counties, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Health and Providence Health.

The clinic served 6,000 patients, who otherwise could not afford care, in its first year.

“The hospitals saved money as dental emergency room visits were reduced,” Fawcett said.

“That affects all of us. The hospitals save money and that benefits everybody.”

Another issue affecting vulnerable residents is recovery from the 2015 flood. The Midlands Flood Recovery Group, a grass-roots coalition of more than 40 volunteer agencies led by SBP, has just welcomed its 200th family back home.

The group was organized by United Way shortly after the October 2015 flood.

Also helping with recovery is the OneSC Relief Fund, administered by Central Carolina Community Foundation.

It was started after the 2015 flood and has also helped with recovery efforts from other disasters. “This was an amazing response to understand that people need help in the community,” Johnson said. “This was a grass-roots effort — government takes a while. It was an immediate response developed to get people back into safe and secure housing.”

Affordable housing in the Midlands, exacerbated by the 2015 flood, is another issue affecting livability, Fawcett said. The United Way is attacking it on several fronts, from working to provide rapid re-housing for people at risk of homelessness to seeking housing vouchers for those who need them and supporting the Midlands Housing Trust Fund, which can help with financing for affordable housing.

Another vulnerable group needing assistance is youth in transition, those 17 to 24 who have aged out of foster care, have left Department of Juvenile Justice or have run away. They may not have a high school diploma and many are homeless, Fawcett said.

Drop-in centers with resources available to help have been set up by Transitions and MIRCI. “We try to catch them early and set them on a path to stability,” Fawcett said.

All of these efforts tie together to help make the Midlands a better place for everyone.

“Now people understand the importance of staying here,” Johnson said. “People spending time together — that is what will keep us together and cohesive and united. That will get us through.”

"We encourage them to ask what is it about our community that makes people want to come together."

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FOODSHARE TEACHING KITCHEN The FoodShare program started in 2015 as a way to increase access to fresh produce for area residents who are food insecure. Beverly Wilson and Carrie Draper of USC started the program, which provides residents the opportunity to purchase a large box of healthy fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices. Many families are looking for new, healthier ways to prepare meals. A Connected Communities grant will help turn unused space in the FoodShare hub on Harden Street into a community teaching kitchen. The facility will provide hands-on cooking and nutrition education classes to community members, USC medical students and medical professionals.

VISTA WRAPS Like many parts of Columbia, the Vista had nondescript utility boxes on its street corners.

But, no more! The boxes have been wrapped with vivid images of art work by local artists, from paintings to photography to collage.

Artists represented include Angela Allen’s “The Brown Girls”; Ernest Lee’s “The Chicken Man”; Jennifer Edwards’ “Gervais Street Bridge at Dawn”; and That Godzilla Guy's "Pop With Pop.” Also on one corner is “Marilyn” by Kirkland Smith, shown above. There are 15 wrapped boxes in the project. The Congaree Vista Guild and the Vista Neighborhood Association raised funds for the project, with assistance from a Connected Communities grant and an Action Grant from the City of Columbia.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 15

FEATURE STORY

THE

CHANGING

FACE OF PHILANTHROPY NEW WAYS TO GIVE GENERATE INTEREST FROM DIVERSE COMMUNITY

By Licia Jackson

T

here are, after all, so many ways to give.

With so many ways to be a philanthropist — pro bono work, volunteering, board leadership, online giving — people are connecting and giving back in unique ways.

“People are yearning for connections,” says Erin Johnson, vice president for community investment at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We have been so divided; people want to be together in a positive way.”

The result is a major change – and expansion – of the face, and the faces, of philanthropy in the Midlands.

Online giving and volunteer management have been a game changer in this, says Becky Wych, leadership program director at United Way of the Midlands. Here’s one example: When the October 2015 flood happened on a Sunday in the Midlands, “we were very readily able to get the donation page up and remove processing fees,” Wych said. United Way staff also quickly put up a volunteer site and within a week had dozens of volunteers deployed.

“Even when you can’t get to the building, the online site gives what to do and how to reach out,” she said.

Much of the United Way’s fundraising campaign has become digital, and the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Mid-

lands Gives will mark the fifth year of its online giving day in 2018.

At United Way of the Midlands, about 50% of the campaign comes through online giving, said Sara Fawcett, president and CEO. The last campaign set a record with $11 million raised.

Used as a substitute for the paper pledge forms in the workplace campaign, the online model takes so much less time and puts donors instantly in touch, Wych explained. The donor gets a digital receipt and instant recognition, and gets access to information about getting involved in volunteering and other activities.

For the millennial generation, it’s a nobrainer. “We’ve grown up feeling very comfortable making online payments,” said Wych.

Writing a check and mailing it, not so much.

The online giving form asks for information from donors to help connect them with organizations and projects that match their interests, but balances that against short attention spans.

The volunteer site online also makes connections easier on both sides, Wych said. A volunteer creates one account, which can be synced to Facebook. United Way partners use the site to announce volunteer opportunities, and it’s easy for a person to sign up, Wych said.

16 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

“You get instant confirmation, and the volunteer host knows you will be there.”

Donors of all ages and backgrounds like using the online tools, Wych said. The traditional paper pledge forms are still available, but campaigns will need fewer of them.

Workplace campaigns using the online component get an email personalized for them, with a link to the online giving portal, Fawcett said. The administration of the campaign is much easier for the company and for United Way, and the donor gets an acknowledgement much more quickly.

Midlands Gives was born as an online giving opportunity, but also includes a physical event. The 24-hour giving day, to be hosted again by Central Carolina Community Foundation on May 1, 2018, broke its own record this past May, raising more than $1.67 million for 337 nonprofit organizations in the Midlands.

The Midlands Gives website is set up so that a donor can explore nonprofits that match his or her interests, and in 2017, 46% of donors gave to the nonprofit of their choice for the first time. A record 13,765 individual donations were made.

“In our most successful Midlands Gives day of giving thus far, we welcomed more donors than ever before and truly demonstrated that everyone, no matter the size of their gift,

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Excitement builds at the on-site event of Midlands Gives, held at the State Museum. Groups supported their nonprofit of choice with posters and cheers. A basketball contest brought lots of enthusiasm. Face painting (at left) was also a part of the day. (Photos/Mary Elizabeth Photography)

can make a tremendous difference in this community,” said JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of the foundation.

After the first year, the staff added a physical event to be visible for the community, said Cherise Arrendale, strategic initiatives and communications manager for Central Carolina Community Foundation. This year’s location was the State Museum, with special activities including artists’ performances, a picnic and a basketball competition.

Sign-ups have begun for nonprofits who would like to take part in 2018 Midlands Gives. Training and guidance is offered. Information can be found at MidlandsGives.org.

The changing face of philanthropy is sometimes just about recognizing what has been going on for centuries, says Anita Garrett, founder of a local African-American women’s giving circle. “We all give in some form or fashion, whether through wealth, wisdom or work.”

After serving as chair of the United Way’s

Women in Philanthropy, she founded Women Engaged, or WE, a giving circle that will launch in 2018.

“Diverse traditions of giving have existed through the centuries; it’s how the population was able to survive,” Garrett said. “We’re expanding the paradigm of philanthropy.”

She predicts that communities of color will give at an increasing rate, as they see that their giving empowers them to solve their own problems.

August is now recognized as Black Philanthropy Month, Garrett said, and Columbia recently celebrated with an event including a visit from the founder of the month’s observance.

WE will focus on educating others on economic empowerment and leveraging their donations. “African Americans give away a higher percentage of our wealth than white donors,” Garrett said. “We have a long legacy of giving.”

A means of educating the community about the tradition of diversity in giving will be the Soul of Philanthropy exhibit, which

THE IMPACT OF MIDLANDS GIVES IN 2017 ORGANIZATIONS RAISED AN AVERAGE

$3,673

THE AVERAGE GIFT AMOUNT WAS

$89

THE MOST MONEY RAISED IN AN HOUR WAS

$91,482

Source: Central Carolina Community Foundation www.columbiabusinessreport.com

2016 382

NONPROFITS

$1,603,647 IN 36 HOURS

2017 $

DOLLARS RAISED

12,560

337 $1,672,118 IN 24 HOURS

13,765 NUMBER OF GIFTS

41%

%

46%

DONORS WHO GAVE TO A NONPROFIT FOR THE FIRST TIME

Garrett, along with Richland Library, the Central Carolina Community Foundation and the giving circle, has worked to bring to Columbia next year.

The exhibit is based on a tutorial book, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African-American Philanthropists” by Valaida Fullwood. It will be coming to South Carolina for the first time, with a display at the Richland Library’s main branch downtown starting in February.

It’s an interactive exhibit including aluminum prints, freestanding displays with photography and narratives, a large flat screen monitor, iPad kiosks and digital apps featuring video, music, poetry and more, according to the website thesoulofphilanthropy.com.

The stories of giving by people from all walks of life will help amplify outreach to the black community, said Garrett, who is director of collective impact for the United Way Association of South Carolina and a partner in The Weathers Group consultants.

GRANTING WISHES THE DIGITAL WAY Bringing a needed item to donate to a nonprofit — hand soap, box of tissues, school supplies — is often requested when groups get together. The United Way’s Young Leaders Society tried to do this to gather items for their chosen charity, but often members simply forgot.

But no worries! They found a digital solution to the problem, by choosing the items through Amazon’s Wish List. The forgetful donor can purchase the item right on a mobile phone, by clicking the link in an email.

“We’re using it throughout the organization,” said Becky Wych, leadership program director at United Way of the Midlands. “It all gets shipped to one place.”

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 17

EMPLOYEES

AS PHILANTHROPISTS CONNECTING WORKFORCE TO COMMUNITY CONSIDERED HR BENEFIT

By Licia Jackson

E

very workplace is about productivity, about getting the core business of the organization accomplished.

But the best workplaces have another attraction: supporting and encouraging their

employees’ philanthropic instincts.

Studies show this benefit is particularly important to the millennial generation.

“They want to know what a company believes is important. The company mis-

18 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

sion and values are important,” said Patti Embry-Tautenhan, assistant vice president for community relations at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

According to a Fortune magazine ar-

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FEATURE STORY ticle, the best workplaces are finding ways to use charitable efforts to connect employees and their work to the community. The result is a more productive, engaged workforce — and often better teamwork among employees.

How do Midlands companies approach integrating philanthropy into company culture?

“We actually make it part of our strategic plan,” said Joe Johnson, CEO of Palmetto GBA. The BlueCross BlueShield subsidiary recognizes employees for their philanthropic activities at an awards banquet. “The prize for our community giving team was to present money to their charity of choice.”

Palmetto GBA’s Best of Philanthropy Award is given to a division within the company that has worked to assist a charitable organization or project. Organizations helped have included American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Harvest Hope Food Bank and Oliver Gospel Mission as well as community schools near their office.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has a long tradition of keeping an eye on the community’s needs, said Elizabeth

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Nkuo Johnson, director of community relations. The company looks at issues that affect a lot of people — heart disease, premature birth, diabetes — and focuses its fundraising around these.

Another way the company gives is through the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, which serves the long-term needs of the community by helping fund the community dental clinic, the free medical clinics, mental health programs and nursing education to address a need for more nurses.

Employee fundraising projects have branched out to help with homelessness, domestic violence prevention and mental health, Nkuo Johnson said. “It always resonated with a lot more employees. They volunteer or join the board, taking it a step further.”

Empowering employees to give is not limited to large corporations, by any means.

Local restaurant group Lizard’s Thicket is well known for philanthropy.

“One major thing is that we place donations boxes at the registers for eight weeks,” said Sara Krisnow, community relations manager. “Then we choose six charities

that affected the families of our employees.

Each gets about $1,500.”

After a co-worker had breast cancer, the employees asked to participate in Palmetto Health Foundation’s Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half-Marathon, which raise money for cancer screening equipment and educational programs. Lizard’s Thicket fields a team of about 20 walkers and runners.

The restaurants are currently selling coffee mugs to celebrate their 40th anniversary, with the money designated for charity, Krisnow said.

Lizard’s Thicket is open to suggestions for supporting good works. Employees or anyone in the community can make a request for a donation through a form on the company website.

At BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, the company’s 10,000 employees give more than $2.8 million and more than 25,000 hours of volunteer service in a year’s time, Nkuo Johnson said. Fundraisers are as simple as selling baked goods or paying to wear jeans to work, but there are also seven See EMPLOYEES, PAGE 20

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 19

FEATURE STORY

2

1 3

4

6

5 1 Twenty five Blue Cross employees participated in Central South Carolina Habitat for

5 Palmetto GBA division 10 employees help students in the Table Talkers mentoring Humanity’s Women’s Build earlier this year. program.

2 Employees at Blue Cross hosted a mini-Olympics tournament to celebrate their fund- 6 BlueCross employees annually participate in Palmetto Project’s Families Helping raising campaign for Special Olympics South Carolina.

Families program, buying gifts, non-perishable food, toiletries and supplies for disadvantaged families during the holiday season. (Photos/BlueCross BlueShield of 3 Blue Cross employees take part in the company's National Walk at Lunch Day. South Carolina, Palmetto GBA) Employees of Palmetto GBA division 28 gather gifts for Palmetto Project’s Families 4 Helping Families program.

EMPLOYEES, FROM PAGE 19

or eight companywide campaigns.

Sometimes an employee brings a need to the team’s attention, she said. When Harvest Hope Food Bank had an issue with their warehouse, a Blue Cross employee wrote a letter to the company’s CEO requesting help, and BlueCross BlueShield increased its support of the food bank.

Employees say they have benefitted from having their awareness of community needs and resources raised, Nkuo Johnson said.

“Any time we can do that, it’s fantastic. It reflects our entire company and reflects the diversity of the people that are here.”

At Palmetto GBA, Joe Johnson said that the philosophy is that “if we work hard and take care of our customers and make their lives better, we get more opportunity to improve our lives. It allows us to give back.”

Opportunities for engagement are considered an employee benefit, Nkuo Johnson said. “People looking for employment want to know what my company is doing, and how

20 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

can I get engaged through my community?”

When new people are hired at BlueCross BlueShield, they receive a copy of the company’s Giving magazine, which profiles the nonprofits the company supports and talks about individual employees and their involvement.

Palmetto GBA’s leadership is pleased to encourage volunteering among its 1,500 employees, soon to grow as new contracts have been received. “The more successful we become, the better it should be,” Johnson said.

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FEATURE STORY

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 21

HELPING OUT

MIDLANDS GIVES

GIVING DAY

Midlands Gives' online giving day on May 2 included a daylong event at the State Museum. A photo booth, cheering sections by nonprofits, art performances, basketball competition and a picnic were all part of the fun. (Photos/Mary Elizabeth Photography)

YOUNG LEADERS SOCIETY

UNITED WAY: MIDLANDS 1

Young Leaders Society member have fun at their kickoff event — Camp YLS — in August. (Photo/United Way of the Midlands)

1 22 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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HELPING OUT

2

3

5

4

6

2 Young Leaders Society and Tocqueville Society donors attend a Cocktails and Conversations event this past spring.

3 Women in Philanthropy members held a food drive to benefit The Cooperative Minis-

try in November 2016. (Names - Sandra Bryan, Jennifer Berryman, Kaziah Howard, Joan Kelley, Mary Beard, Sarah Brennecke, Melanie Baker, Lauren Wilkie, Stacy Lindenberg, Natascha Jenkins, Danielle Boysen, Tiffany James, Lee Patterson)

5 At United Way’s kickoff event, United Way Day, President and CEO Sara Fawcett (center) is joined by 2017 Campaign Co-chairs John Singerling, president of Palmetto Health, and Joan Gabel, provost at USC.

6 More than 150 volunteers participated in 45 projects with dozens of partners across the Midlands during Volunteer Week in April. Â (Photos/United Way of the Midlands)

4 Young Leaders Society volunteers repair a home damaged by the 2015 flood during a 24-hour rebuild blitz.

24 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 25

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SECTION The following Midlands nonprofits are featured in this section:

28 ����������������������������������������������� American Heart Association

41 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������MEBA

29 ��������������������������������������������������������� Habitat For Humanity

43 ������������������������������������������������������������� City Year Columbia

31 . . . . . Southeasten Chapter of the National Safety Council

45 �����������������������������������������Mental Illness Recovery Center

33 �������������������������������������� Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter

47 ����������������������������������������������� The Original Six Foundation

35 ����������������������������������������������������������������������Harvest Hope

49 ������������������������������������������������������������Junior Achievement

36 ����������������������������������������Family Promise of the Midlands

51 ����������������������������������������������� Water Mission International

37 ����������������������������������SC Center For Fathers and Families

53 ����������������������������������������������������Communities in Schools

39 �����������������������������������������������������������American Red Cross

55 ������������������������������������������������United Way of the Midlands

26 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1989 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Valerie Bridges, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 190 Knox Abbott Drive, Suite 301, Cayce SC 29033 Phone: 803-806-3008 Fax: 803-787-0804 Website: www.heart.org/midlands AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 5,000

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • In 2017, the American Heart Association was able to secure access to all FDA approved tobacco cessation therapies and counseling for the approximately 1 million Medicaid enrollees in South Carolina. Beneficiaries will not have to pay copays, which will increase cessation utilization to save lives and also save the state in health care costs.

• The American Heart Association also secured a recurring appropriation in the state budget for the establishment and implementation of the statewide stroke registry. The money will reimburse hospitals for the program they use to capture stroke patient data.

2018 GOALS: To raise awareness and funds in the fight against the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of Americans: heart disease and stroke.

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $1.22 million

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The counties of Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • 2018 Midlands Heart Ball: Friday, Jan. 19, at the SC Fairgrounds: Cantey Building midlandsheartball.heart.org • 20th Anniversary Midlands Heart Walk: Saturday, March 24, at Colonial Life Arena www.midlandsheartwalk.org • Midlands Go Red for Women Luncheon: Friday, May 18, at the USC Alumni Center Midlandsscgoredluncheon.heart.org

GREATEST NEED: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide. Stroke ranks second globally and is a leading cause of severe disability. Some form of cardiovascular disease affects more than one in every three adult Americans. Many are seriously burdened by disabilities. To fight these diseases, we fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and provide critical tools and information to save and improve lives. Financial contributions are needed to fund education, programs, and life-saving research.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Corporate donations are an essential piece to helping the American Heart Association fund its mission. Local event sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. In addition, the American Heart Association accepts financial contributions throughout the year.

Corporate donors are encouraged to contact Valerie Bridges, Executive Director of the Midlands Chapter, at 803-806-3008 for additional information.

PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 81.8% is dedicated to program services including research, community services, public health education and professional education.

28 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

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

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1985 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Roy Kramer, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 209 S. Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: 803-252-3570 Fax: 803-252-7525 Website: www.habitatcsc.org Facebook page @midlandshabitat CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Roy Kramer, Executive Director 803-252-3570 ext. 2109 Email: rkramer@habitatcsc.org Carl Cox, Development Director 803-252-3570 ext. 2101 Email: ccox@habitatcsc.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2016: 3,100+ TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2016-2017): $2.38 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 96% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity serves the Midlands, consisting of Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties.

Habitat for Humanity works to serve families with low to moderate income.

GREATEST NEED: Our single greatest need is for unrestricted funds to support our programs which allow us to expand our work in the Midlands. Financial donations are just as important to our ministry as picking up a hammer.

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A CLOSER LOOK: 2016-2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity has broadened from building houses to serving entire neighborhoods. Habitat stepped up to assist in the flood recovery. As an NR affiliate, when we build or renovate a home, we survey the entire block to identify needs of existing homeowners and find ways in which we can collaborate to build a thriving neighborhood. Exterior repairs, weatherization and yard cleanup have been some of the ways Habitat is changing the landscape in which we operate.

In addition to the 40+ households, we served as an NR affiliate, in 2016-2017 Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity provided 17 children with safe and healthy homes, 12 families satisfied their mortgages, and 75 individuals received financial counseling. We moved seven new families into homes this year and welcomed eight new partner families into our programs for the new year.

We have launched an NR project in Cayce, S.C. We have acquired four lots, are set to close on an additional lot, and we are in current negotiation for three more lots to build affordable housing in Cayce. We will build 12 homes in a two-block radius over three years and complete 18 repair projects. In addition, we have completed a study of six neighborhoods in two counties with the construction goal of 70 houses over the course of seven years. With our help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

2017-2018 GOALS: With a continued focus on strengthening our internal operations, capacity and service-delivery, we have a much focused external agenda that includes: • Continuing to address the needs of neighborhoods, not just individual homes, in order to build thriving communities.

• Strengthening Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity as a leading voice for affordable housing solutions in our community.

• Launch our NR program —“changing neighborhoods one block at a time”.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Under the Trusses, Oct. 13, 2017: We held a night under the stars with drinks, food, and friends to tour a Habitat home in progress, network, and learn what Habitat is doing for affordable housing throughout the Midlands. Under the Trusses is CHYP's annual Habitat educational event.

• Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017: Move over cyber Monday, it’s time for #givingtuesday, a movement to make a national day of giving.

Donate to CSC Habitat and become a part of the movement for change.

• Cayce Initiative, March 2018: Please join us as we launch our Cayce Initiative Awareness Event. This event will be a chance to network and fully understand our Cayce plans.

• Midlands Gives, May 1, 2018: Midlands Gives is a 24-hour online donation marathon. Help CSC Habitat for Humanity by going online and donating to us on May 1, 2018.

• Golf Tournament, May 11, 2018: Grab your clubs! Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity is hosting a golf tournament to help benefit our ministry. Bring your friends and make a team or enter the tournament solo and enjoy a day filled with fun!

• Evening with Habitat Gala, November 2018: Our annual dinner and silent event auction event. Join us for a night of fellowship, food, and handmade auction items by Habitat staff and volunteers.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: New opportunity to contribute through your South Carolina Individual Income Tax Return.

• Corporate sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2017-2018 build projects.

• All levels of corporate giving for our build projects include guaranteed volunteer opportunities for your employees as well as recognition and publicity of your donation.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 29

&ONCěG ONĚKNG Cě &ONCěG ONĚKNG Cě SENSE ORI O I

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Promote change to eliminate preventable injuries, death and loss in the communities we serve.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Southeastern Chapter – National Safety Council YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1961 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE:Jody Jernigan, Chief Executive Officer CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 121 Ministry Drive, Irmo, SC 29063 Phone: 800-733-6778 or 803-732-6778 Fax: 803-732-6757 Website: scnsc.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Todd Buehrig, Director of Advancement 121 Ministry Drive, Irmo, SC 29063 Phone: 800-733-6778 or 803-732-6778 E-mail: tbuehrig@scnsc.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 215 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $1,975,877 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 82% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: South Carolina and Georgia GREATEST NEED: SCNSC General Fund Please consider a gift directly to SCNSC. Your generous donation helps create a pool of available resources that can easily be directed where they are needed most. Examples include vocational scholarships for students to learn more about the medical field and free workplace training opportunities for out-of-work individuals. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • A record 17,083 South Carolina high school students completed the Alive at 25 program. SC Alive at 25 is designed to prevent the #1 killer of teens — automobile crashes. The course focuses on the behaviors, decision-making and risks facing young drivers every time they get behind the wheel. To date, more than 145,000 students have completed the program.

• In partnership with the SC Department of Social Services, SCNSC provided 3,334 child care workers with pediatric first aid training. Every ABC daycare provider in the state will have SCNSC Pediatric First Aid/CPR training to ensure the wellbeing of the children in their care. This training offers the skills needed to respond to everything from minor bumps and bruises to life-threatening emergencies.

• A new year, new name and new mission.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of the SCNSC Board of Directors and staff, the chapter expanded its reach in 2017 to unserved areas outside of South Carolina.

As the newly minted Southeastern Chapter, SCNSC is committed to providing safety education to all citizens, including our neighbors in surrounding areas.

2018 GOALS: • Expand Alive at 25 into new high schools and serve a minimum of 20,000 students annually • Increase our training programs such as Pediatric First Aid/CPR and OSHA workplace courses to new communities across South Carolina and Georgia • Develop partnerships and collaborations

in the Midlands to better achieve our mission FUNDRAISING EVENTS: The Southeastern Chapter - National Safety Council needs your support! Our 2017-2018 Annual Campaign supports local community initiatives. Your gift will make a powerful impact on the programs highlighted below.

• Alive at 25 Scholarships – SC Alive at 25 is designed to prevent the #1 killer of teens —automobile crashes. Please support our expansion into every high school in the Midlands and provide scholarships to students and schools in at-risk communities.

• SC Operation Lifesaver - SCOL, a proud affiliate of SCNSC, actively trains volunteers who offer free rail safety education programs across the state.

Our goal is to reduce collisions at highway-rail grade crossings and rail trespass incidents.

• Stop the Bleed – Launching in 2018, Stop the Bleed will provide community organizations with life-saving tourniquet and first aid training to treat injuries before first responders arrive.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: SCNSC welcomes all corporate and individual contributions to help to fulfill our mission. We encourage local corporations to honor their customers and employees with a gift to one of our many community programs. Your donation, no matter the size, will have a meaningful impact on our ability to save lives on our roadways, in our schools and in our communities. Visit us online at scnsc.org to donate and learn more!

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 31

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide safe, nurturing residential placement for children and youth of South Carolina who are victims of sexual or physical abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation or caregiver emergency. To come alongside abused and traumatized children struggling with life, to meet their needs and guide them through the stages of change towards a healthy recovery in an intimate homelike family setting.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: The Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1972 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Jarrell M. Smith, PhD, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Mailing address: PO Box 344 Lexington, SC 29071 Phone: 803-359-8595 Fax: 803-359-8518 Website: www.nkp4kids.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Jarrell Smith, Executive Director E-mail: jarrell@nkp4kids.org Phone: 803-466-8847

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: All-time record donations.

Selected by Leadership Lexington as the Annual Public Service Project by the Class of 2017. Built a storage building and improvements to the playground.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • The Elton John Tribute Concert in January each year at the Koger Center packs the house featuring Greg Bickley of popular local band Tokyo Joe. Contact Jarrell Smith at 803-359-8595, or jsmith@nkp4kids.org to be a sponsor or for information.

• Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Annual Christmas Gift and Food Drive • Annual Direct Mail Campaign in November of each year.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Corporations, faith-based organizations, civic groups, committed individuals and community foundations may donate a sponsorship in the Elton John Tribute Concert at the Koger Center event for any amount.

Contact Jarrell Smith, Executive Director. 359-8595 or jsmith@nkp4kids.org.

AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2016: 135 individuals and the following organizations: “Right Where You are Ministries,” Hope World Wide, Lexington Baptist Church, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Southeastern Freight and BB&T, ABEVY Collegiate Group, Northside Baptist Church, Junior Women’s Club of Lexington, and many others.

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2016-2017): $581,857

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 80% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The State of South Carolina GREATEST NEED: Financial and in-kind contributions as well as more volunteers to support the on-going needs of the children.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 33

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide for the needs of struggling people in S.C. communities by gathering and sharing quality food with dignity, compassion and education.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Harvest Hope Food Bank YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1981 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Denise Holland, CEO CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: PO Box 451, Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: 803-254-4432 Fax: 803-254-6011 harvesthope.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Denise Holland, CEO Phone: 803-254-4432 Email: mail:ceo@harvesthope.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 10,900 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2016-2017): $9.2 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 98% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: 20 Central South Carolina counties GREATEST NEED: Harvest Hope works with the community to gather donations, dedicating 98 cents out of every dollar donated to our mission to provide for struggling families in the community, and can provide five meals for every dollar donated.

Donating is easy at www.harvesthope.org.

Harvest Hope also needs volunteers to help with sorting donated food, packing emergency food boxes and providing food directly to those in need at our Emergency Food Pantries.

Volunteering at Harvest Hope is a great community or business team-building opportunity

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • During FY 2017, Harvest Hope helped to provide food equal to more than 27.5 million meals to the hungry in South Carolina.

• Harvest Hope is the lead emergency food bank for disaster relief in South Carolina.

For the third year in a row, Harvest Hope prepared for a potential weather-related disaster as Hurricane Irma approached the U.S. Harvest Hope and agency volunteers quickly prepared more than 275,000 pounds of emergency food. Over the past three years, Harvest Hope has prepared more than 5,000,000 pounds of emergency food.

• With the help of community partners Harvest Hope expanded its Kids’ Café feeding program from 30 children per week to a whopping 522 children in June and July!

• Harvest Hope helped launch Greg’s Groceries, a partnership with Heroes in Blue and Midlands law enforcement agencies to arm officers with emergency food boxes to help people in need they encounter.

2018 GOALS: Harvest Hope will continue to find ways to gather more food to provide for struggling individuals and families across 20 South Carolina counties.

This includes growing our Greenville and Florence operations, as well as continuing to grow our Columbia center’s impact.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR 2016-2017: Harvest Hope looks forward to working with the community to gather donated food and funds at events like Food From the Heart, Share Your Holiday, community food drives and this year’s Annual Gala.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: • Annual Gala – March 16, 2018: Fundraising Gala to celebrate Harvest Hope serving our community for 37 years! Includes live music, an auction, food, drinks, and more. Contact Sara Sipes for more information at 803-254.4432 ext 1143 or ssipes@ harvesthope.org.

• Pack2Feed – A year round opportunity for companies or organizations to have an in-house volunteer effort. Harvest Hope will deliver food and boxes for packing at your location and then pick up completed boxes to distribute in our own Midlands communities. For more information about Pack2Feed opportunities please contact Chuck Backman at 803-254.4432 ext. 1107 or at cbackman@harvesthope.org • Operation HP – Launched in 2017, this Pack2Feed effort focuses on helping veterans, and members of the military community, in need throughout the Midlands. Contact Mary Louise Resch at 803-254.4432 ext. 1114 or at mlresch@ harvesthope.org.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 35

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Because every child deserves a home.

MISSION STATEMENT: Family Promise is a registered nonprofit organization that helps families who are experiencing homelessness to achieve sustainable independence. Our mission is accomplished through local faith based organizations who provide shelter, food and hospitality to our guests.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Family Promise of the Midlands YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2014 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Karen Newsome, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 2501 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29205 Phone: 803-832-4765 Website: www.familypromisemidlands.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Karen Newsome, Executive Director E-mail:director@familypromisemidlands.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 865 GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: the Midlands

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • In the first nine months of this year, we have provided 10 families (32 individuals) with safe, comfortable accommodations with trained host congregations, three meals a day, space and support for working on job and life skills during the day, professional case management to promote sustained independence, transportation as needed to work and school, and care and support from volunteers.

• We have enabled seven of those families to move into homes of their own or to transitional housing.

• We also provide ongoing support to the families who have become independent after leaving our program.

• We have assisted an additional 1,165-plus families and individuals who did not join our program, either by providing support to enable them to remain independent or by referring them to other nonprofits in the Midlands.

2018 GOALS: To identify funding to support increased case management for families both in our program and those receiving follow up care up to one year after graduating from our program.

To increase awareness in the Midlands of the services we provide to families experiencing situational homelessness.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • “Night of Promise” Annual Gala, Feb. 10, 2018, at Stone River. Music, dancing and a live auction in a beautiful venue overlooking Columbia’s historic Congaree River. Corporate sponsorships available.

• Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, www.givingtuesday.org • Midlands Gives Online Giving, May 1, 2018, www.midlandsgives.org CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Become a donor. Please visit our website, www.familypromisemidlands. org, for donor information or to find out how to become a sponsor for our “Night of Promise.” You may also contact our Executive Director Karen Newsome.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

WILLIAM B. WALKUP AND ASSOCIATES, INC. 36 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to provide the means for fathers to become great dads.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2002 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Pat Littlejohn, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 111, Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: 803-227-8800 Fax: 803-227-8806 Website: www.scfathersandfamilies.com AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 70 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $8.3 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 95% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The center serves primarily low-income, noncustodial fathers across the state through a network of local program centers and satellite offices in Aiken, Anderson, Bennettsville, Columbia, Conway, Florence, Georgetown, Greenville, Lancaster, Lexington, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Spartanburg, Sumter and Winnsboro.

GREATEST NEED: The center’s greatest need is for unrestricted donations to support program services, operations, and to promote public awareness of the issues and obstacles for fathers striving to be the engaged, supportive role models they want to be for their children and families.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2016-2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • In partnership with SC Department of Social Services, the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families continued expansion of fatherhood program services statewide. Partnered with Children’s Trust of SC and SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy to offer services to young fathers and teen moms.

• Launched award-winning Father 365 campaign (father365.com) to connect young fathers to program services and fatherhood resources in South Carolina.

• Operated Jobs Not Jail, a program which serves both fathers and communities by helping dads secure or maintain employment to meet child support payments in lieu of jail time, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in unnecessary incarceration costs.

• Through partnership with area health care providers, expanded Access to Men’s Health program component increasing health education, direct care and treatment services for fatherhood program participants.

the Southeast’s most experienced and effective organization focused on creating an environment to foster stronger, more stable and successful families by supporting engaged, responsible fathers. We offer father-centered, community-based services delivered in a respectful, non-judgmental environment. In addition, the center helps secure ongoing financial support and statewide partnerships and serves as a resource for practitioners and a voice for fathers.

We gratefully accept financial and in-kind gifts to support programs and operations serving fathers and families in the Midlands and across South Carolina. In addition, we welcome volunteers who can provide medical services, legal guidance, help with financial literacy, or who would be interested in joining our board of directors.

Specific sponsorships opportunities include: • Job Recruiter Services (6 Months) — $16,000 • Meals for Fatherhood Group Sessions (One Year) — $10,500 2016-2017 GOALS: • Meals for Fatherhood Group Sessions (6 • Sustain quality services to better serve fathers and Months) — $5,250 families • Job Boot Camp Instruction — $7,200 • Increase partnerships and opportunities for • Peer Support Group Meeting Facilitator — collaborative work $4,500 • Build understanding of the value of fathers to • Emergency Fund for Programs — $2,000 children, families and communities and to break • Sponsor a father through the Jobs Not Jail stereotypical views and societal biases that hinder program — $1,800 the development of services to fathers.

• Parent/Child Activity — $1,000 • Bible and Devotionals for 10 fathers — $450 FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Personalized Job Placement Services for a • Celebrating Fathers, annual Father’s Day campaign father — $400 For sponsorship opportunities or to designate CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: contributions to local programs, go to our The center and our network of 17 local website at www.scfathersandfamilies.com/ fatherhood programs across the state comprises donate or call our office at 803-227-8800.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

THE AMAKER FAMILY Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 37

FEARLESS IS DISCOVERING YOUR SUPERPOWER Everyone can be a hero in their own community … no matter how young or old. As long as the spirit of giving and serving is willing to soar, we all have the power to make a difference.

SouthCarolinaBlues.com

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and generosity of donors.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: American Red Cross TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Rebecca E. Jordan, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 2751 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: 803-540-1240 Website: www.redcross.org/sc AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 820 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2016-2017): $1.5 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: An average of 91 cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Central South Carolina including: Richland, Lexington, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda, Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell and Edgefield counties.

GREATEST NEED: Financial contributions are needed to invest in our humanitarian services and programs. We also have a need for new volunteers, blood donations and growing our community partnerships.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • In FY17, the American Red Cross of Central SC assisted 3,150+ individuals affected by disasters – primarily home fires; distributed 59,760+ units of blood to area hospitals; trained 12,170+ in lifesaving skills, such as CPR/AED, First Aid and Aquatics; and through our global communication network, provided emergency communications and other services, including counseling and financial assistance, to support military families.

Additionally, we helped create a more resilient community by installing more than 6,930+ smoke alarms and teaching nearly 1,500+ about emergency preparedness through the Pillowcase Project.

• Thanks to the generosity of our compassionate donors, volunteers and community partners, your Red Cross was able to bring relief and comfort to thousands of South Carolinians after Hurricane Matthew’s high winds and torrential rains uprooted lives and destroyed homes. Thousands of American Red Cross workers—over 90 percent volunteer—mounted a massive response to help people devastated by Hurricane

Matthew across five states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

• More than 39,500 health and mental health contacts made. Provided 378 shelters supported with over 100,000 overnight shelter stays. Served more than 1.4 million meals and snacks. More than 181,000 comfort and relief items distributed. More than 10,700 cases opened for people in need 2018 GOALS: Expand our volunteer base, grow our financial support and increase blood donations.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: The Red Cross accepts financial donations throughout the year.

Anyone interested in donating can call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to www.redcross.org or mail a check to their local chapter.

Corporate donors are encouraged to contact Rebecca E. Jordan, executive director of the Central SC Chapter, at 803-540-1240 or Sarah Dow, regional chief development officer with the Palmetto SC Region at 864901-9973.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 39

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT:

MEBA impacts the Midlands workforce by connecting educators with businesses to create programs that align curriculum with work skills needed today and tomorrow.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Midlands Education and Business Alliance YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1990 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Mary Snipes, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: P.O. Box 2408 Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: 803-822-3778 Website: www.mebasc.com CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Mary Snipes, Executive Director Phone: 803-422-5972 E-mail: msnipes@mebasc.com AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 200 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $500,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 80% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties GREATEST NEED: MEBA is a connector. We need all businesses to discover their role through MEBA. By doing so: 1. We showcase students’ abilities. 2. We promote the needs of businesses. 3. We inform parents of the opportunities for their child’s transition after high school. 4. We create solutions for talent gap issues.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • Connected emerging talent to business leaders: matched students to job shadow opportunities.

• Launched Midlands Educator Leadership Program (10-month business/educator networking journey for executive leaders).

• Provided career development facilitator workshops to provide networking with Midlands businesses to discover talent needs.

• Conducted community programs, parent roundtable discussions with businesses.

• Hosted workplace field studies for educators to connect curriculum to workforce needs.

• Facilitated student career exploration days and a platform for students to discuss career pathways with organizations and higher education representatives.

2018 GOALS: • Place 125 students in job shadowing opportunities in the Midlands.

• Increase number of presentations to Alliances and Rotary meetings.

• Match 20 "Teachers in the Workplace" for professional development during June.

• Provide additional opportunities for businesses to visit the schools to observe specific coursework.

• Work with business leaders and economic development leaders to create school-to-work extended learning programs.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: MEBA has a web link for online giving year round and is a Midlands Gives charity choice. There are no additional special events now as the staff administers and implements the programs full time.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Building a MOU with MEBA is a step to build the future workforce. There are many opportunities for your organization to work through MEBA in order to find emerging talent, create programs, discover school to work transition options for students and discuss your needs with education leaders. With thousands of career cards and brochures distributed each year, this is a great place to promote your brand.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 41

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: City Year is an education-focused nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps program that partners with public schools to keep students in school and on track to graduation. In Columbia, and 26 other communities across the United States, this innovative public-private partnership brings together teams of young AmeriCorps members who commit to a year of full-time service in schools. Corps members provide individual support to students who need extra care and attention, focusing on attendance, behavior, and course performance through in-class tutoring, mentoring, and after school programs.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: City Year Columbia YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1993 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Gail Wilson-Giarratano, Executive Director and Vice President CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 1122 Lady St., Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: 803-727-1579 Fax: 803-727-1579 Website: www.cityyear.org/columbia CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Alton D. Adams Development and Operations Director Phone: 803-727-1575 Email: aadams@cityyear.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2016: 300

A CLOSER LOOK: OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: In July 2017 City Year Columbia was awarded the Stephen G. Woodsum "Best of City Year" Award by the national organization in Boston, Mass. Mayor Stephen Benjamin, along with the City of Columbia council, has acknowledged the impacting work of the organization and proclaimed August as City Year Columbia Month. 2016-17 year end results showed more than 1,461 students were served, with impact data increases in Attendance, Behavior, and Coursework/ELA. City Year Columbia has been a member of the AmeriCorps network for more than 20 years, annually receiving diverse, idealistic corps members with a deep commitment to public service.

City Year Columbia corps members and alumni are well-suited to teaching careers in high-need schools and we encourage them to remain in the local workforce. Today’s City Year Columbia corps members have the potential to continue their careers in Columbia and become our next generation of education leaders.

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2016-2017): $1,186,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 80% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Richland and Lexington counties GREATEST NEED: Research shows that struggling students can succeed with the right support at the right time, but teachers and schools don’t always have the time and resources to meet students’ needs. City Year fills this gap with our Whole School Whole Child intervention model — a proven strategy that includes math and literacy tutoring, extended-day programming, and behavior, attendance, and school-climate initiatives to reinforce academic learning and social-emotional skill development.

City Year Columbia is committed to increasing local graduation rates and nurturing the development of 21st century skills to help students become critical thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative team members, strong leaders and self-advocates, and engaged community members — important skills that educators and employers identify as key to post-secondary education and workplace success.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

LONG TERM IMPACT GOALS: City Year has a national long-term impact goal to serve more students, turn around more low-performing schools and increase the number of youth who graduate from high school, ready for college and career—over the next 10 years 80% of students in the City Year schools will reach 10th grade successfully (up from 44%). Students who achieve this milestone are four times more likely to graduate than students who do not.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: Annual Ripples of Hope Gala: March 1, 2018.

Honoring Dr. Gail Morrison/Beloved Community Award and Doug Quackenbush/Cathedral Building Award GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: All information can be found on our website at www.cityyear.org/columbia

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 43

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: MIRCI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that assists individuals with mental illness to recover in the areas of their lives impacted by their illness through housing, behavioral health care and assistance with obtaining and managing their disability income.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc. (MIRCI) YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1960 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Julie Ann Avin, President and Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: PO Box 4246, Columbia, SC 29240 Phone: 803-786-1844 Fax: 803-939-2646 www.mirci.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Julie Ann Avin, President and Executive Director PO Box 4246, Columbia, SC 29240 803-786-1844, ext. 102 AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2016: 62 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017): $5,588,398 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 95% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Midlands area of South Carolina; individuals with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders, many of whom were homeless upon service entry.

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Providing supportive housing with Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team services to 324 individuals and families, with over 70% having been homeless before entry.

construction expected by April 2018.

MIRCI has submitted applications for a new HUD Continuum of Care grant for 15 additional units to provide housing for chronically homeless individuals, families with children, and unaccompanied homeless youth.

Of those housed, 95% remained housed for three months or longer; 89% remained housed for six months or longer; and 79% remained housed for a year or longer.

In the year following entry into MIRCI housing and services, inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations dropped by 73% and emergency department visits for mental illness dropped by 63%.

MIRCI will continue to reduce inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency department visits for individuals in its housing and services.

2018 GOALS: MIRCI began leasing units for a new HUD Continuum of Care for the Homeless grant in August 2017, to provide housing for an additional six chronically homeless youth using the Housing First model. All six units will be filled no later than Feb. 28, 2018.

MIRCI is in the development stage of a supportive group home for youth/young adults, ages 17 to 24, with the completion of

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • The premiere fundraiser is 52 Windows – An Evening of Art to benefit the housing and homeless programs of MIRCI. This gala will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 701 Whaley from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Corporate sponsorships are available for 52 Windows. Benefits to sponsors include recognition in printed material, complimentary tickets to the event, links on MIRCI website, and the opportunity to support getting homeless individuals with mental illness into stable housing and behavioral health care services.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

GREATEST NEED: Additional housing subsidies to house homeless individuals and families, including homeless youth and young adults ages 18 to 24, with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 45

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Original Six Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for change by uniting public, private and civic leaders and resources to identify and address the challenging issues facing South Carolina’s communities in the areas of education, quality of life and workforce readiness.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: The Original Six Foundation YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2011 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Mikee Johnson, Board of Trustees Chair CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: PO Box 2246. Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: 803-244-9511 Fax: 803-251-9484 Website: www.theoriginalsixfoundation.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Nick Washington, Program Manager Address: PO Box 2246, Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: 803-244-9511 E-mail: nick@theoriginalsixfoundation.org

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • Achieved substantial measurable impacts in the sponsored afterschool programs in Bamberg, Clarendon, and Union counties.

• Continued to build on the Lego Robotics Programs implemented at Wallace and Clio Elementary-Middle Schools in Marlboro County.

• Improved on previously implemented literacy initiatives in Barnwell, Dillon, and Marion counties; all of which provided schools with needed materials and assessments to strengthen students in the areas of literacy and ELA. • Provided items to support a back to school celebration in Allendale County, where 200+ backpacks were filled and distributed to local students.

2018 GOALS: Continue to cultivate and expand afterschool programming in rural counties that will help the youth of our state to reach new heights.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: All fundraising events are in the planning stages. Details will be added to our website as they are available at www. theoriginalsixfoundation.org.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: • General financial support through donations • 2018 Event Sponsorships • Grants

AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 40 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $450,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 85% NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Clarendon, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro and Union. Other areas are on a special needs basis.

GREATEST NEED: Program guest speakers, volunteers, and program supplies

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 47

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

®

MISSION STATEMENT: To Inspire and Prepare Young People to Succeed in the Global Economy

QUICK FACTS:

A CLOSER LOOK:

NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina

2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: 2016-2017 5 Star Award from Junior Achievement USA

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1968

2018 GOALS: To increase students served in South Carolina by 5%.

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Casey Pash, President and CEO

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • 34th Annual South Carolina Business Hall of Fame, March 1, 2018, Marriott Columbia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 105, Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: 803-252-1974 Website: www.centralsc.ja.org

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: CLASSROOM SPONSORSHIPS: • Junior Achievement Program Sponsorships: • Whole School, $10,000 • High School Class, $650 • Middle School Class, $650 • Elementary Class, $500

CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Casey Pash, President and CEO Phone: 803-252-1974 E-mail: casey.pash@ja.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 525

HALL OF FAME SPONSORSHIPS: • Presenting Sponsor, $25,000 • Ambassador Sponsors, $10,000 • Champion Sponsors, $5,000 • Table Sponsors, $2,250 • Tickets, $225

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $453,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 75.8% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: 34 counties in South Carolina

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

GREATEST NEED: Volunteer mentors to teach Junior Achievement programs on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To honor God by developing, implementing, and sharing best-in-class safe water solutions that transform as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Water Mission YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2001 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: George C. Greene III, PE, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: P.O. Box 71489, N. Charleston, SC 29415 Phone: 843.769.7395 Website: www.watermission.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Molly F. Greene, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board mgreene@watermission.org Rogers Hook, P.E., Vice President, Volunteer and Investor Partnerships rhook@watermission.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 500 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $21.6 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 83% In 2017, Water Mission earned Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating for the 11th consecutive year, a distinction shared by less than 1% of the charities rated by the organization.

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: With over 300 staff members working around the world in permanent country programs located in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, Water Mission provides safe water and sanitation solutions in more than 53 countries.

GREATEST NEED: Financial support to help provide safe water to people in the Caribbean who were impacted by the recent storms and for those affected by the two major earthquakes in Mexico. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • Surpassed 3.3 million people served with safe water systems in community development programs and disaster response.

• Implemented successful disaster response efforts primarily focused on humanitarian crises in refugee camps. Existing installations in Tanzania’s Nyarugusu camp served over 40,000 people in 2016. Separately, Water Mission Uganda responded to the needs of 25,000 refugees, mainly women and children, fleeing South Sudan.

• As a leader in installing solar pumping solutions, the total number of solarpowered installations surpassed 1,000 in 2016, using more than 1,000,000 watts of solar power to ensure the sustainability of safe water projects 2017 GOALS: • Deliver safe water treatment systems during natural and man-made disasters, including situations of civil unrest that result in refugees fleeing for protection.

• Partner with major global organizations including UNHCR and UNICEF to implement the largest project in the history of the organization – a $5.1M project focused on providing access to safe water to 250,000 refugees in Western Tanzania.

• Begin the expansion of Water Mission’s global headquarters including the physical expansion needs for development of a

Global Water Center, a division of Water Mission dedicated to building capacity, establishing quality standards and enabling organizations to successfully and cost effectively implement sustainable safe water and sanitation projects in developing countries around the world FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Water Mission Fall Open House: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 - At our fall open house, you’ll have opportunities to learn about the work Water Mission is doing around the world and how you can make a difference in the global water crisis. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the fall with us! Learn more at watermission.org/ openhouse.

• Flow for Water: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 - A collaboration between local studio Charleston Power Yoga, Water Mission, and YOU. This all-levels yoga class is a chance for you to give people the gift of safe water. Learn more at watermission.org/flowforwater.

• Charleston Walk for Water: Register yourself or form a team, and join us — and 5,000 other supporters — for the 12th Annual Charleston Walk for Water on Saturday, March 24, 2018!

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Give online at www.watermission.org/donate Interested in sponsoring the 2018 Charleston Walk for Water? Email Lem Walker at lwalker@watermission.org.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

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MISSION STATEMENT: We surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Communities In Schools of the Midlands YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1987 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Dorian Mendez-Vaz, CEO CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 2712 Middleburg Drive, Suite 219, Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: 803-254-9727 Fax: 803-254-0320 Website: www.cism.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Jordan Thie, Director of Development E-mail: jthie@cism.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2017: 86 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $500,848

A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • 91% of case-managed seniors graduated on-time and 93% of those students attended postsecondary education, entered the workforce or joined the military.

• 99% of case-managed students were promoted to the next grade level on time.

2018 GOALS: Our goals for 2018 are to expand our programs to additional schools and to offer additional services such as afterschool opportunities, enhanced parental involvement activities and to build community closets to more effectively address the immediate needs of students and their families.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • April 2018: Our signature fundraising event featuring a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, Lowcountry boil, oysters, desserts, drinks and dancing.

• September 2018: Wine & Dine fundraising event featuring exclusive wines elegantly paired with a multi-course dinner.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: • $80,000 “Adopt-a-School” fully funds the implementation of the evidence-based CIS model in one school for an entire year. This includes an on-site, full time employee and all supporting materials for students.

• $25,000 supports student and family engagement at one site for an entire year.

• $15,000 provides support to create more sustainability and recruit volunteers and community partners.

• Fundraising event sponsorships are also available.

PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 89% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: We serve select schools in Richland and Lexington counties..

GREATEST NEED: There are many students in the Midlands who need additional help to overcome barriers. Helping more students requires more resources, both financial and in-kind.

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT:

We unite people and resources to improve the quality of life in the Midlands.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: United Way of the Midlands YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1925 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Sara Fawcett, President and CEO CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 1818 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: 803-733-5400 Fax: 803-758-8925 Website: www.uway.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Mike Gray, Senior Vice President, Resource Development 803-733-5422 E-mail: mgray@uway.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2016-2017: 2,818 direct service volunteers supported United Way of the Midlands’ efforts by providing more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service. That is equivalent to giving $386,000 back into the community. In addition, since the October 2015 flood, 200 houses have been repaired or are currently in the process of being repaired by volunteers. For that endeavor, nearly $1.44 million and 150,000 volunteer hours have been invested.

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2017-2018): $10,173,439 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 84%.

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties.

GREATEST NEED: In addition to funds to support our mission, our needs include volunteers to repair flood-damaged homes, K-2nd grade books for home libraries, and volunteers and supplies for the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count.

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A CLOSER LOOK: 2017 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • United Way-supported programs served more than 31,000 Midlands residents last year, 90 percent of whom were at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

• United Way strives to have children ready for school, reading by third grade and involved in programs and services that maintain and improve their academic success.

• 3,870 parents demonstrated increased knowledge about their children’s development through school readiness and parent engagement programs • More than 500 children were tutored through United Way’s Midlands Reading Consortium program.

• 2,700 students participated in quality in and out of school time programs • United Way-supported programs placed 1,000 people experiencing homelessness into housing, which saved the community more than $13 million. United Way also helped increase income for 798 people through new benefits or employment.

• United Way and hospital partners established WellPartners to serve Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties. Services provided through WellPartners include eye and dental care for adults and dental care for children. All services are provided to people who are under insured or uninsured and have limited income. A new adult dental clinic was opened in February 2016, substantially increasing the number of adults served.

• 1,469 people received eye care services and/or corrective lenses • 4,434 adults had their dental needs met • 884 children had their dental needs met • In October 2015, South Carolina experienced a “1,000-Year Flood.” The community’s immediate response to the disaster was extraordinary. Since October 2015, volunteers have provided more than 150,000 hours in service related to disaster response or recovery. UWM leads the Midlands Flood Recovery Group, a network of over 45

agencies providing disaster case management, volunteer coordination and home repair. Since the disaster, the MFRG has assisted 200 homeowners to return to safe housing but more than 600 families are on Midlands waiting lists for home repair.

2018 GOALS: United Way of the Midlands will create a new four-year Impact plan after reviewing national and local community assessments, securing stakeholder input and review best practice research in our focus areas of education, financial stability and health. One key issue moving forward is preventing homelessness among youth ages 17-24..

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Dec. 5, 2017 - Women in Philanthropy Leadership Breakfast, Palmetto Club, 7:309 AM. Contact Sarah Brennecke, 733-5107, sbrennecke@uway.org • January 2018 - Young Leaders Society Oyster Roast, Adams Pond. Contact Becky Wych, 733-5419, bwych@uway.org • Feb. 22, 2018 - Humanitarian of the Year, USC Alumni Center. Contact GB Olsen, 758-6992, golsen@uway.org • March 1, 2018 – LIVE UNITED Awards, Ndoki Lodge at Riverbanks Zoo. Contact Mike Quinn, 733-5443, mquinn@uway.org.

• May 24, 2018 - Women in Philanthropy Power of the Purse, Stone River, 5:30-8 PM. Contact Sarah Brennecke, 733-5107, sbrennecke@uway.org CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: • Corporate and Workplace Giving - Mike Gray, 733-5422, mgray@uway.org • Individual/Retiree Giving - Claudia Brooks, 733-5112, cbrooks@uway.org • Legacy Gifts, Leadership, Major Gifts, Affinity Groups - GB Olsen, 758-6992, gsolsen@uway.org • Sponsorship and Co-Marketing Opportunities – Becky Wych, 733-5419, bwych@uway.org • A variety of sponsorship opportunities exist with annual sponsors and multiple signature sponsor levels.

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Bank of MerrillU.S. Bank of America AmericaLynchTrustMerrill Lynch

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