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Giving YOUR GUIDE TO COMMUNITY GIVING IN THE MIDLANDS 2020-21

MEETING NEEDS, FACING CHALLENGES Nonprofits continue to adapt amid surge in need for services

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Make your free time count and join United Way’s Young Leaders Society, Women in Philanthropy or Always United. Our affinity groups get together regularly to network, fundraise, and volunteer for worthy causes in our community.

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CONTENTS Editor, Custom Publishing Division Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 Associate Editor, Custom Publishing Division Jim Tatum jtatum@scbiznews.com • 864.720.2269

QUICK FACTS

AFP AWARD WINNERS

PERSPECTIVES

MIDLANDS NEWSROOM

GRANTS PROVIDE CRITICAL SUPPORT

Editor - Melinda Waldrop mwaldrop@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7542

PHILANTHROPY IN PICTURES

MIDLANDS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS

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ABOUT THE COVER: Volunteers from Publix supermarkets help sort donations for distribution at Transitions Homeless Center in Columbia. (Photo/United Way of the Midlands)

Dear Readers,

he nonprofit sector continues to battle the disruptions of a pandemic that refuses to release its grip on the world. While individuals and corporations have met or even exceeded past charitable contributions as COVID-19 numbers rise, fall, then rise again, nonprofit organizations must continually adapt to a changing and challenging pandemic world. Nonprofits face unprecedented levels of need in the community at a time when volunteering and fundraising efforts have been significantly curtailed by pandemic-related restrictions. The pool of available volunteers, largely comprised of retired people, has shrunk as those who have the time and ability to donate their efforts are understandably reluctant to risk exposure to a potentially deadly virus. Fundraising events cannot easily be held with restrictions still in place for large gatherings. And this strain on resources comes amid a surge in those seeking aid and support. But the optimism of the charitable community in the Midlands is undaunted by the harsh reality we find ourselves still in more than 18 months after the first lockdowns of spring 2020. Like so many other sectors of the economy and community, nonprofits are learning to operate creatively within the restrictions this pandemic has forced upon us. New programs are continually being imple-

mented to help Midlands residents who are in need of assistance, whether it’s financial, medical, educational or emotional. Those programs require significant resources Steve McDaniel from the nonprofits that carry them out, and the financial burden can be considerable. We bring you this 2021 Columbia Regional Business Report Giving Guide as a way to shine a spotlight on the tireless efforts of all the generous souls who donate time, money and talent to help the lives of so many people, especially those in vulnerable socio-economic communities. SC Biz News is proud to partner with Dominion Energy, the United Way of the Midlands, Central Carolina Community Foundation and so many other great Columbia-area nonprofits in bringing you the 2021 Giving Guide. We hope you enjoy reading and learning about some of the outstanding work these groups and the people within them do every day.

NWS Company LLC A portfolio company of BridgeTower Media

Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 3

QUICK FACTS

Source: Central Carolina Community Foundation

4 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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2021 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR | James Bennett, First Citizens Bank The 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. James has served on many local nonprofit boards and touched many areas, networks and nonprofits throughout the community. From health and human services to the arts, he has contributed to it all. “He has been a supporter of our community for as long as I can remember. He dedicates his time, his talents and his fortunes to so many worthy causes. He’s a natural leader,” said Paul Fant, 2015 Humanitarian of the Year. James Bennett will be recognized in person at Humanitarian of the Year Dinner and Award Ceremony on February 17, 2022.

2020 ALYCE KEMP DEWITT AWARD RECIPIENT | Cindy Cox United Way of the Midlands is proud to honor Cindy Cox as this year’s Alyce Kemp DeWitt recipient. The Alyce Kemp Dewitt Award is United Way’s most prestigious award for long-term service to the organization and the community. Cindy Cox is a Women in Philanthropy member who has served as a volunteer with United Way for more than 15 years in mulitple capacities. “Cindy is one of those people you can always count on, the first to raise her hand,” said Sara Fawcett, United Way of Midlands President and CEO. “Her effort and dedication to the Midlands make her the perfect Alyce Kemp Dewitt Award winner.”

2020 LIVE UNITED VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS Carol Caulk, Trevor Knox, Jesica Mackey, Patrick Olson and Kristin Scott The United Way of the Midlands LIVE UNITED Award recipient is a volunteer that has dedicated him or herself to service throughout the year and helped promote the spirit of volunteering with United Way. Winners are chosen by a selection committee of United Way volunteers. United Way is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers, and we would like to congratulate and recognize Kristin Scott, Chair of Women in Philanthropy, and the United Way COVID Fund Team, consisting of Carol Caulk, Trevor Knox, Jesica Mackey, and Patrick Olson as 2020 Live United Award Winners!

AWARD WINNERS

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central S.C. Chapter 2021 “NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY” AWARD WINNERS The 2021 National Philanthropy Day awards event for the Central S.C. Chapter will be held Nov. 4 at the Robert Mills Carriage House in Columbia. It will be a live event for the first time since 2019, but has been scaled down due to pandemic restrictions to include only winners, their nominators and sponsors. Outstanding Corporation: Dominion Energy Nominated by: Dominion Energy & The Nature Conservancy

“At Dominion Energy, Actions Speak Louder, and our charge as a good corporate citizen is to do good and help improve our communities at every opportunity. Our core value of Ethics guides us, helping others is part of doing the right thing. Through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed more than $58 million in 2020 to community causes. More than $4 million in grants were awarded to local nonprofits with a focus on helping individuals, families and S.C. communities in 2020.

We proudly support nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education and encourage community vitality. In 2020, Dominion Energy announced a $35 million initiative aimed at promoting higher education equity. The six-year "HBCU Promise" program will provide $25 million to 11 HBCUs, including four S.C. schools: Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University and S.C. State University. Funding will support endowments, capital projects, operating expenses and educational programs. Additionally, a $10 million scholarship fund will support African American and underrepresented minority students across the company's footprint. Sixty students from diverse backgrounds, including seven from S.C., were recently announced as the first class of Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholars and will receive over $500,000 to help pay for educational expenses. As part of the company’s “We Care Rebuild Project,” four grants totaling $200,000 were awarded to local organizations focused on social justice and community rebuilding efforts: Charleston Trident Urban League, Small Business Development Corporation at S.C. State

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University, Central Carolina Community Foundation’s African American Philanthropy Committee and The Imani Group. Additionally, Dominion Energy and the S.C. Department of Education launched the Strong Men & Women in S.C. History student writing contest for high school junior and senior students. Winners receive a laptop, $1,000 for their school, and recognition at the S.C. African American History Calendar event. We also expanded our Solar for Students program to six S.C. schools. Participants receive solar panels, educational materials and training for educators. Our regular support for programs such as Project Plant It, Cocky’s Reading Express, Champions of the Environment and Riverbanks on the Road, among others, help provide additional educational opportunities for students across S.C. We also support students through mentoring initiatives. Our goal is to prepare students for tomorrow's workplace. At Dominion Energy, we’re focused on providing safe, affordable, clean and reliable energy, but also on caring for our communities through philanthropic programs, partnerships and volunteer outreach. Employees regularly volunteer in the communities where we live

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AWARD WINNERS and work each day and our “Employees in Action” volunteer program supports employees as they lead volunteer projects. These projects have a positive and lasting difference in the areas we serve. Lowndes Macdonald, of The Nature Conservancy, said Dominion Energy serves a vital role in supporting their nonprofit efforts. “Dominion Energy is not just a donor, but has become an integral part of nonprofit service, demonstrating their support every day. They make themselves visible and accessible, making decisions locally to support nonprofits. When our communities are in need, Dominion has been here, committing support to the One S.C. Fund to support response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making huge commitments to social, and environmental causes, and investing in our local historical and arts organizations.”

Outstanding Marketing Professional in Support of Philanthropy: Cherise Arrendale Nominated by: Central Carolina Community Foundation

Cherise's role at Central Carolina Community Foundation has grown from parttime Interactive Marketing Manager to Director, Strategic Initiatives and Communications in less than six years. In her current role, Cherise leads two of the most visible signature initiatives of our foundation. Midlands Gives has raised more than $15 million for over 480 nonprofits since 2014, setting record-giving levels each year. The Midlands Gives 2020 campaign earned a Palmetto Award of Excellence in Media Relations from the International Association of Business Communicators’ S.C. chapter and a Mercury Award of Excellence in community relations from the S.C. chapter of Public Relations Society of America. The 2018 Midlands Gives campaign won a Silver Wing Award of Excellence in Media Relations for Government, Associations, and Nonprofits from the S.C. Public Relations Society of America. Cherise also leads our On the Table program. Participation in this communi-

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Some of the winners of the 2019 Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony in Columbia are seen above. It will be a scaled-down, live event in 2021 after a one-year hiatus. (Photo/AFP Central S.C.)

ty-wide conversation has grown to more than 2,000 individuals in only three years. The initiative has grown from one day of conversations to a week of virtual and inperson conversations, funding opportunities for community members through Beyond the Table mini-grants, Table Talk Series panel discussions, and small-group conversations based on survey data from On the Table participants. The positive impact generated by these initiatives earned Cherise a ‘’2020 Woman of Influence” award from the Columbia Regional Business Report. Cherise is an effective leader. When the pandemic upended our ability to gather in person, Cherise’s creative, calm, and decisive leadership helped CCCF transform Midlands Gives 2020 into a virtual event in five short weeks. Midlands Gives 2020 raised more than $3.3 million through 22,477 individual gifts, breaking the previous year’s record total of $2 million. To create a new model of collaborative philanthropy in the Midlands, CCCF, led by Cherise, launched the “In Good Company Network”, a partnership with local companies that offers participants strategic philanthropic services, brand visibility, access to a network of partners across the region, and opportunities to impact a diverse range of nonprofits in the Midlands. Between June 2020 and July 2021, 14 companies joined the network, raising over $200,000 to bring collaborative philanthropy to our community.

Cherise has a strong desire to learn and apply her knowledge to her craft. She earned her PMBA degree from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina in 2017 and is currently studying for her Project Management Professional Certificate. Cherise represents CCCF in the Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative network to stay apprised of best practices, trends, and opportunities. Cherise is committed to her profession and the field of philanthropy. To expand CCCF’s capacity, Cherise hired two staff members whom she has mentored and helped develop as leaders within our organization. As a member of the Midlands Business Leadership Group's ‘Bridging Columbia’ Task Force, Cherise works with community leaders to prioritize the placement of ‘Under 40’ African-American individuals on local boards to expand the voices of philanthropy.”

Outstanding Fundraising Executive (Large Organization): Beth Norris Well Nominated by: University of South Carolina Libraries

As the Director of Development for the University of South Carolina Libraries, Beth exemplifies what a fundraiser should be. Beth collaborates well with her colleagues in the library and throughout the University. She is highly regarded by our

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 7

AWARD WINNERS donors because of her utmost integrity and outstanding business ethics. She is an excellent listener who truly cares about our donors’ needs by matching each donor’s philanthropic desires with the right opportunities for support. Over the past five years, Beth was instrumental in raising over $12 million for the University of South Carolina Libraries. These gifts made it possible for students to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience while working with rare book materials. She assisted in acquiring unique collections such as the Gary Watson Comic Book Collection, one of the largest comic book collections in the country. Working with a donor in Charleston, she encouraged his family to place their private collection of guitars, set lists, photos, and other ephemera from the Rock Band KISS into the University’s Music Library. During the pandemic, Beth helped kick off a virtual fundraising event for the Mark Catesby Centre for natural history that resulted in over $70,000 in donations. The event attracted viewers from the Smithsonian and as far away as New Zealand and England. Some of her proudest work has been raising the necessary funds to help preserve and digitize the United States Marine Corps Film history. Prior to joining the University of South Carolina Libraries, Beth served as the Vice President of Development and Public Relations for a local nonprofit cen-

tered on helping the homeless. During her seven-plus years there, she raised over $14 million in donations for the shelter. She created and launched a Capital Campaign for a new shelter for women and children raising $8 million. She also created several annual fundraising events to include golf tournaments, galas, and telethons, which brought in additional $100,000-plus. Over the years, Beth served countless hours as a volunteer, helping to raise money and awareness for the Irmo Fire Foundation, Irmo Athletics, missionaries around the globe, and other local charities. Beth is a seasoned fundraiser, who remains committed to growing professionally in her field.

Outstanding Philanthropist: Ron and Hannah Rogers Nominated by: United Way of the Midlands

The definition of philanthropist based on the dictionary is “a person or persons who seek to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.” Ron and Hannah Rogers are the definition of true philanthropists because they give quietly, generously, and regularly because they want to make a difference in our community. The Rogers have been giving generously to United Way for the past 22 consecutive years with a cumulative giving of over $1.6 million to and through the United

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Way. Over the years, Hannah and Ron have personally hosted many United Way events and leadership receptions in their home and in Hannah’s beautiful backyard garden. When asked what made them so generous to others, both said during their childhoods they remember their parents always supporting charities in their community because it was the right thing to do. Hannah remembers her dad being involved in the United Way in Ohio when she was a child and he served on their board. The spirit of philanthropy was instilled in them as youth and now they feel like it’s their turn to give back to their community. The Rogers have given generously to other Mildands-area nonprofits, including Historic Columbia, the Columbia Art Museum and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. At Prisma Health Children's Hospital, Ron and Hannah are the single largest donor, giving well over $1 million in equipment and as the lead donor in establishing of a rooftop garden for the children and their families taking treatment at the hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Hematology Clinic. After losing their son, Kevin, to cancer, they wanted to honor and leave a legacy for him. The Kevin Berry Rogers Children’s Clinic where the children receive their cancer and blood disorder treatments was named in 2013 in his memory. It was during that dedication the idea of creating a magical green space where children with compromised immune systems could go outside on nice days during treatment or a place where parents could go talk after receiving bad news about their child’s cancer. With the Rogers’ lead gift and with Hannah’s assistance, money was raised from individuals, local garden clubs and master gardeners. Hannah's Garden was opened in June 2020 to the delight of those children and their families. Ron and Hannah’s commitment to strengthening the very fabric of our community from the arts to health care, to preserving history, to supporting health and human service needs through the United Way stands as a testament to their generosity. “In the 21 years I have known them,

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AWARD WINNERS Ron and Hannah have always been humble, caring, and passionate about their desire to make our community a better place for future generations. Ron and Hannah Rogers are the definition of Outstanding Philanthropists,” said Maria DeHart of the United Way of the Midlands.

Outstanding Rising Star: Hannah Carnes Nominated by: United Way of the Midlands

Hannah Carnes is a Resource Development Office at United Way of the Midlands. She has been with the organization since June 15, 2020, starting out managing and providing direction to two fundraising divisions representing a card value of $360,000 for more than 50 business in the Midlands. In her first six months on the job, she showed so much potential and growth at United Way that she was given more accounts and almost tripled her card value to $970,000 within her first year. Hannah must earn and maintain the respect and support of companies’ CEOs in order for them to invite the United Way in each year to run a campaign, and she must also engage many of the individual donors within her divisions to increase their annual gifts. Besides working with Resource Development, Hannah has been a great help to the Marketing and Communications team. She has assisted with marketing efforts to include making promotional fact Images and well as creating our campaign Hub site contents to send to organizations that hold United Way workplace campaign. During this year she has also served as a member of United Way’s Internal Health & Happiness Committee. This committee organizes yearlong activities for our employees, including employee work anniversaries and birthdays. Hannah loves to give back to her community and volunteers with the Girls Scouts. She serves as co-leader for Girl Scout Troops 1219 and 2409 in North Augusta. This involves mentoring 13 Girl Scouts in grades 6-10 and leading them in badge-earning activities, focusing on leadership development, financial literacy, and STEM skills within the troop.

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Outstanding Volunteer Individual or Group Fundraiser: Kelly Hoppmann Nominated by: Seras IT and SASS Go

Kelly has a degree in marketing and management from USC and has successfully applied that knowledge throughout her career focused on providing critical medical solutions to those in various disease states. In the big picture, everyone who knows Kelly knows that she is the epitome of service: spending countless hours at church service projects, gathering food and clothing for those in need, applying her talents while sitting on the board of great organizations like CAMPMATES, and most recently working with SASS GO. Through her marketing and leadership efforts, she recently helped SASS GO surpass all prior fundraising records using an online silent auction. Even when pandemic quarantine challenges were thrown her way, she found a way to get people engaged, spread awareness, and change lives. Kelly uses her extensive sales experience to create hundreds of small successful deals or negotiations, presenting critical data about SASS GO to as many targeted individuals as possible, while at the same time ensuring that the information is presented in a way that provides maximum impact and value to both parties. Donors and volunteers describe their interactions with Kelly as inspiring, motivating and relatable. Her most recent event was a huge success with record attendance and provided much-needed funding for SASS GO. Participants in this all-day event left with new skills and abilities, an inspiring message and a promise to spread their newfound joy, and requests for another event in the near future. In prior volunteer positions Kelly recruited board members, volunteers, teachers, local business owners, new venues, food and supplies, and much more for CAMPMATES, a nonprofit organization and a theory-driven sports, social skills, nutrition, and academic/life skills summer camp for children and adoles-

cents with social skills deficits, including but not limited to ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and other developmental disabilities. Her work with their annual fundraising events included recruiting auction items, pro-bono legal assistance, music and entertainment recruitment, signage and marketing materials, volunteer management and deployment, and even lighting and decorating. Kelly’s problem is that she is so generous. If asked, she will give a resounding “Yes.” Additional service includes work with Wounded Warriors, A Place for Hope, Harvest Hope, The Haven, The Rock Hill Girls Home, and countless more organizations and individuals who have experienced tragedy or loss in their lives. She has wielded shovels, dishrags, rakes, paint brushes, clipboards, spreadsheets, multiple phones, moving boxes, bibles, bagged meals, and much more. Kelly uses her incredible gifts and talents to further SASS Go’s mission to eradicate assault, abuse and trafficking, serve survivors of violence, and make our communities safer. Kelly became involved with SASS Go after attending a training and then enrolling her daughters in SASS Go’s course for elementary school girls. She has been a huge advocate and supporter ever since. As a SASS Go Board Member and volunteer, Kelly lends her extensive professional experience to assist with many facets of SASS Go, including strategic planning of SASS Go events and fundraising campaigns. Kelly is the driving force behind the SASS Go Auction for Action, an online auction to end violence against women and girls. In the inaugural auction, SASS Go raised over $11,000, and expectations are that this year’s auction will be even more successful due in large part to Kelly’s leadership and tireless efforts. Kelly shares SASS Go’s mission and the critical importance of the work it does everywhere she goes and with nearly everyone she meets. Kelly’s efforts to raise awareness of the epidemic of violence against women and girls and to share the services that SASS Go provides are invaluable.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 9

PERSPECTIVES

UNRESTRICTED GIVING SHOWS DONORS’ TRUST IN NONPROFITS

n encouraging recent trend, and an important one, is an increase in unrestricted giving to charitable organizations. According to a 2021 study from Bank of America and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, 88 percent of wealthy households gave to charity, and most of those gifts were unrestricted (74.8 percent of gifts to health, 73.9 percent of gifts to higher education and 83.1 percent of gifts to arts and culture from this group were unrestricted gifts). Perhaps the most notable example of unrestricted giving in recent memory occurred when philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott gave away $8.5 billion in unrestricted gifts to nonprofits beginning in July 2020. Scott emphasized that the nonprofits she funded were thoroughly vetted, are experienced and will know how to put the money to good use.

“What do we think they might do with more cash on hand than they expected?” Scott said in a post on Medium. “Buy needed supplies. Find new creative ways to help. Hire a few extra team members they know they can pay for the next five years. Buy chairs for them. Stop having to work every weekend. Get some sleep.” Why is an unrestricted gift so impactful? It shows trust. It encourages and empowers those who do the work to keep going. Unrestricted gifts enable nonprofits to respond quickly to emerging needs and to target resources where they will have the greatest impact. As the pandemic has evolved, so too have the needs of the communities we serve. In many cases, nonprofits have been able to provide immediate assistance before government assistance arrives because of the flexibility afforded by unrestricted gifts.

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By Sara Fawcett

Scott also said that she wanted to focus the public’s attention on the nonprofits and volunteers who are doing the work rather than large donors such as herself. “People working to build power from within communities are the agents of change. Their service supports and empowers people who go on to support and empower others,” she said. One of the most impactful things you can do as a donor is to show trust in the organizations who are doing work for the causes you support. So not only continue giving your time, your talent, and your treasure, but also be sure to show the people doing the work that you trust them to be faithful stewards of those gifts. Sara Fawcett is president and CEO of United Way of the Midlands

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PERSPECTIVES

NONPROFITS UNITE FOR COMMON CAUSE

igh-impact philanthropy is based on the understanding that no one organization and no one tactic can adequately address a significant community issue." This statement guides our work at Central Carolina Community Foundation and our role as an essential agent in our community’s ability to mobilize action in areas vital to its wellbeing. We are focused on creating a new reality of collaborative philanthropy. The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for collaborative philanthropy. To rebuild a strong and equitable community, we must draw on our collective insights and resources and continue to make smart, sustainable investments in each other. The One SC Fund, the statewide disaster relief fund housed at our Foundation, provides one example. In March 2020, the One SC Fund was activated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By July 2020, over $2.9 million was raised and distributed to 93 nonprofits serving every county in South Carolina. Nonprofit agencies and funders worked collaboratively to provide essential goods and services to over 695,000 South Carolinians including food, rent/mortgage assistance, childcare, PPE and education support. In March 2021, an additional $1.6 million was secured to

support the most vulnerable in our state. Using a tiered approach, with priority given to organizations serving counties and populations most impacted by the pandemic, we have distributed over $1.5 million to nonprofits that are highly trusted and deeply embedded in these counties. Midlands Gives Day, the Foundation’s online day of giving, illustrates the power of collaborative philanthropy. On May 5, 2021, 21,080 donations were made and a record-breaking $3,343,033 was raised for 479 nonprofit organizations across our 11-county service area. Our In Good Company corporate partners awarded $155,000 in prizes and our nonprofit organizations worked with board members and supporters to raise over $844,000 in matching funds. These dollars inspired others to give. Our four broadcast companies produced a joint PSA promoting Midlands Gives — competitors becoming collaborators to benefit community — and the region’s newspapers, radio and outdoor media companies joined the effort to raise critical funds for our region’s nonprofits. The pandemic has also fostered new private/public collaborations. In September 2021, the South Carolina Legislature allocated $25 million of federally allocated funds to create the SC CARES Nonprofit

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By JoAnn Turnquist Relief Grant Program. The funding, the first the nonprofit sector has ever received from the state, was secured through the combined efforts of Community Foundations, South Carolina Grantmakers Network, United Way Association of SC, and Together SC, our state’s nonprofit association. The grants were distributed through the SC Department of Administration. The program provided grants of up to $50,000 to organizations for food assistance, rent/ mortgage assistance, healthcare services, mental health services, utility assistance, domestic violence/child advocacy and arts and culture. Our collaborative is now working with accelerateSC to secure additional funds from our state’s American Rescue Plan fund and deploy them in high need areas. I am optimistic about our future. Our ability to draw on our collective resources and make smart, sustainable investments in each other will help us continue building a strong, vibrant, and equitable region. JoAnn Turnquist is CEO and President of Central Carolina Community Foundation

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Listening. It’s where all progress begins. Committed people putting their ears in the right places to learn what our region needs most. Then comes the leveraging of data, networks and alliances for maximum philanthropic impact. This is Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Aided by a 2019 Connected Communities Grant, The River Alliance created unique recreational access throughout Cayce, Columbia and West Columbia, including miles of ADA accessible trails at its

This is investing for impact.

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“12,000 Year History Park”.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 13

FEATURE STORY

One of the hundreds of images from photographer Cecil Williams, who documented the history of South Carolina's civil rights movement, that are on display at the Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg. (Photo/Courtesy of Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum)

GRANTS HELP NONPROFITS WEATHER PANDEMIC, LOOK TO FUTURE By Melinda Waldrop Mwaldrop@scbiznews.com

14 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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FEATURE STORY

n the 75 years Killingsworth has been providing assistance to women in crisis, the Columbia-based nonprofit had never had to buy supplies. That changed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when goods such as toilet tissue and paper towels, normally donated by supporters, became in critically short supply. “You couldn’t find this stuff for your home, so how are you going to now find it and donate it to an organization?” said Schrendria Robinson, Killingsworth executive director. Killingsworth, which provides up to two years of housing for as many as 16 women in a stately, 18,000-square-foot brick home in the University Hill neighborhood,

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also faced other magnified struggles as funding dried up and businesses shuttered. Robinson said all the residents employed in the hospitality industry lost their jobs, and those working from home struggled to find enough office supplies, as well as more basic needs. “Food was always donated here, and that became an issue as well,” she said. “The monies in our budget that we definitely had lineitemed for other things, now we were having to use those funds just for the daily operations.” Nonprofits throughout South Carolina faced similar dilemmas, with a March 2021 survey by Columbia-based organization Together SC finding that 59% of state nonprofits believed they would only survive for six months or less

without additional funding. Midlands philanthropy center Central Carolina Community Foundation has been helping connect charitable people and businesses with areas of need in 11 counties since 1984, when the organization was founded. The pandemic intensified those efforts, further stressing already strained budgets and staff. “We still have work to get back to the footing that we were on prior to the pandemic. We have faced 15 months of inability to raise money,” said JoAnn Turnquist, Central Carolina Community Foundation president and CEO. “We have faced 15 months of lack of volunteers who were able to help. We have faced 15 months of uncertainty. It will take time and

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 15

FEATURE STORY

Hundreds of images from photographer Cecil Williams documenting South Carolina's civil rights movement are on display at the Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg. (Photo/Courtesy of Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum)

it will take everyone. It will take everyone’s help in providing time and treasure to these organizations who themselves are priceless treasures for our region.” In June, the foundation announced a targeted solution fueled by both the pandemic and a years-long effort to make its regional efforts more inclusive and equitable. Seven Midlands organizations were selected to receive portions of $70,000 in unrestricted general operating support grants. The grants, which can be used at the organizations’ discretion, were distributed among Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits as part of an effort the foundation embarked on in 2009. Those efforts are spotlighted

during August, the 10th anniversary of Black Philanthropy Month, a campaign founded in 2011 by Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network to highlight the transformative impact of generosity in Black communities. Saturday marks Give 8/28, a nationwide giving day focused on Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits. “We have been focused on increasing inclusion, equity and diversity at the Community Foundation since 2009,” Turnquist said. “We have to leverage the collective knowledge, creativity and resources of everyone throughout our community, and through collaboration, increase the impact of philanthropy for everyone, be-

16 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

cause that is the only way we will be able to achieve advancement of the common good.” The general operating grants are the latest example of that focus, which has also included foundation-funded exhibits at the S.C. State Musuem and Richland Library, the establishing of the foundation’s African American Philanthropy Committee and tracking begun in 2017 of grants made to Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits. “Our region’s Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits shared with us that the lack of general operating support is a barrier to fulfilling their missions, and their missions expanded, were strained, and were stressed during COVID,” www.columbiabusinessreport.com

FEATURE STORY Turnquist said. “So not only were they being asked to do more for more people, but they themselves, their staff, were also stressed. Fundraising was down, and that cuts into general operating support almost immediately. So what we are trying to do is provide grants that will help them overcome this challenge and expand their impact. “This is not charity. This is a grant to help improve the community by providing additional resources to strengthen organizations.” Killingsworth, one of the recipients of $10,000 for up to three years, had been soldiering along for years, making the best of situations that typical grants didn’t address. “For years, our paint has literally been peeling off the walls,” Robinson said. “For years, we’ve just been

doing some type of patchwork as necessary if there was a leak, because we couldn’t get a $10,000 grant for painting. … People want your grants to be centered around programming, but what I try to explain to people is, the house is our programing. We provide housing. We provide a safe place for our residents. But (funding organizations) want to hear more about the life skills or if you do a budgeting class. We do all of those things, but at the end of the day, if we don’t have a safe place for our residents, then none of those other programs that we offer matter.” With the funding from the Central Carolina Community Foundation, Killingsworth residents’ rooms received a fresh coat of paint, Robinson said. Those improvements inspired Killing-

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sworth’s board to find funding for similar improvements and repairs in downstairs administrative and common areas. “It just made a big difference in the morale and the pride that the residents took in the home,” Robinson said. “It wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t receive the $10,000 grant from the Central Carolina Community Foundation.” AMPLIFYING HISTORY

Funding from the foundation will enable Cecil Williams to continue to tell the story of South Carolina’s civil rights pioneers. Williams, 83, is the founder of Orangeburg’s Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum, housed in a 3,500-square-foot building he owns and designed. A photographer since he received a camera

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 17

FEATURE STORY

The Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg displays the work of photographer Cecil Williams, who documented the history of South Carolina's civil rights movement. (Photo/Courtesy of Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum)

at age 9 and a contributor to Jet magazine since 1955, Williams has documented the history of a region he says was instrumental in the civil rights movement but is often overshadowed by more wellknown locales such as Montgomery, Ala., site of Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus and the resulting boycott organized by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “They did such a significant job and their events were mostly known throughout the United States, but South Carolina’s people who engaged here in those activities were largely ignored or forgotten or just not really finding their stories in history books,” Williams said. Williams set out to increase awareness of events such as the Or-

angeburg Massacre, in which three Black students were shot and killed by police during 1968 protests, and the 1969 Charleston hospital workers strike in protest of the firings of 12 health care workers who advocated for patient safety and better employee pay and treatment. He published the first of five books featuring his extensive collection of photographs in 1996 before hitting upon the idea of consolidating those images into one, publicly accessible place. The Cecil Williams Civil Rights Musuem opened in 2019, funded initially by its namesake until it began to generate interest. The museum received a $100,000 private donation in December 2019 and was featured in National Geographic in September 2020, but the pandemic

18 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

led Williams to close its doors in March 2020. With admissions income limited to contributions requested from online participants in the virtual tour Williams designed, the Central Carolina Community Foundation grant came at a welcome time. “I had not yet finished building the exhibits, purchasing exhibit material, and installing exhibits, and having no income to do this with, or very little income coming in, the grant funds received were a blessing in disguise,” Williams said. With the museum now accepting limited visitors, Williams is eager for more people to see hundreds of his photographs, along with artifacts such as the Briggs family Bible. Briggs vs. Elliott, later absorbed into Brown v. Board of Edwww.columbiabusinessreport.com

FEATURE STORY

ucation, was the first 20th century case to challenge the constitutionality of racially segregated schools. The original S.C. case involved several Clarendon County families who wanted the county to provide a school bus for their children and resulted in repercussions including job losses that forced the families to relocate, Williams said. “They spread out all over America, which was one of the reasons they were not able to tell their own stories. Their family unit had been destroyed and disrupted,” said Williams, who photographed the families. He said the family Bible has been sought after by the Smithsonian and the National Museum www.columbiabusinessreport.com

each of the leaders of those organizations have demonstrated tenacity and guts and courage, before and throughout the pandemic,” Turnquist said. “Like all of us, they were facing the same personal issues that COVID stirred up – families that were sick, homeschooling children, not being sure if your paycheck was going to happen, the lack of supplies and resources, and yet, they persevered.” Turnquist said that nonprofits are beginning to see an uptick in volunteer hours and fundraising, pointing to the $3.3 million raised by May’s Midlands Gives campaign as a positive sign. But, she said, “That effort has to be sustained. I think now more than ever, individuals, residents across our region, are much more aware of the benefit and impact that our nonprofits provide to their community in the same way they’re much more aware of the impact and importance of teachers, and grocery clerks, and doctors, and firefighters. “A benefit of COVID has been the increased awareness and appreciation of individuals and organizations who make our community the type of place we want to call home, and we hope our children and grandchildren want to call home.”

of African American History and Culture, “but because mine is a South Carolina civil rights history, and because the Briggs family and the DeLaine families and the Pearson families of Clarendon County – they're on my board, and they would rather keep their historical treasures right here at home.” Through its general operating grants, the Central Carolina Community Foundation hopes to support the museum’s ability to tell such stories, Killingsworth’s capacity to help women weather life crises, and the other recipients’ efforts to provide services through Reach Melinda Waldrop at 803the pandemic and beyond. “Each of those organizations and 726-7542.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 19

PHILANTHROPY

Helping Out

In the community 1.

United Way Volunteer Week takes place each year in April. However, opportunities are available at uway.org/volunteer year-round. Last year, United Way recruited 2,881 volunteers who gave a total of 28,795 hours, which is worth approximately $783,808.

20 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

United Way’s Young Leaders Society raises funds and accepts donations of books each year for Be a Book Bunny. This program provides totes full of books and other items for children to take home over the summer to prevent learning loss when they’re away from school.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 21

22 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS

The following Midlands nonprofits are featured in this section: 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Communities in Schools

33 . . . . . . . . . . . .Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center

27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American Red Cross

35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Midlands Fatherhood Coalition

29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United Way of the Midlands

37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity

31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter

39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big Red Barn Retreat

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 23

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to 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 South Carolina YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1987 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Jamie Cooper, President & CEO 1691 Turnbull Ave., Suite 200 North Charleston, SC 29405 877-920-3633 cisofsc.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Latasha Taste, Regional Director of Development - Midlands 1691 Turnbull Ave., Suite 200 North Charleston, SC 29205 803-254-9727 ltaste@cisofsc.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 250 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2020-2021): $3,900,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 80% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Statewide GREATEST NEED: Students are struggling to adapt to a variety of changes in their day-to-day and academic lives as the pandemic continues. The increased need of our particular program, Communities In Schools, is focused on three main areas of support: 1. Additional funding to expand into highneed communities 2. Mentors and tutors to support our casemanaged students 3. Individuals and businesses to partner with us for school supply, clothing closest and holiday drives. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: In January 2021, Communities In Schools in South Carolina merged three pre-existing CIS affiliates, Greenville, Midlands and Charleston, to form Communities In Schools of South Carolina. This merger was designed in an effort to strengthen, deepen and grow our student impact across the state. Within our first year of merger, we have served an additional three school sites in the state and added four new staff members, allowing us to increase our impact to more than 18,000 South Carolina students. In the Midlands, the merger afforded us the opportunity to expand into Fairfield County by serving Fairfield Middle School's 400 students in 6th and 7th grades. 2022 GOALS: Following the lead of our 2021 merger, CISSC is excited to fulfill our strategy of strengthening, deepening and growing our program throughout the state of South Carolina. Our intentions are to expand to additional rural markets, launch our alumni engagement program providing additional college and career supports to CIS program alumni after highschool graduation, and continue to build our network of partners to ensure our program's success. Additionally, our student outcomes are measured annually by grade level advancement, graduation, and CIS’s ABC’s (Attendance, Behavior and Course work). By the end of the school year, we expect to achieve the following: • By June 2022, 85% of case-managed students will have maintained or improved adequate school behavior as measured by the number of out-of-

school suspensions. • By June 2022, 75% of case-managed students will demonstrate positive gains in social emotional competencies from pre- to post-testing on DESSA or SEAD social emotional assessments. FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Illuminating the Power of One: Join us from 5-6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 14, at the State House. Together, we’ll shine the light of over 4,000 luminaries on the State House steps to honor students we work with in the Midlands, and raise funds to strengthen, deepen and grow our programming. If you would like to be a regional partner, purchase luminaries on behalf of your organization or learn more, visit cisofsc. org or contact Latasha Taste at ltaste@ cisofsc.org. CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Individuals, corporations, foundations and civic groups and churches are encouraged to participate in the following programs: • Corporate Program Partnerships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 • Regional event sponsorships for Illuminating the Power of One luminary event (ranging from $500 to $1,000) • Midlands Gives May 2022 • Individual contributions, one-time, monthly, or stock donations • Planned Giving: To make a taxdeductible gift, please contact Latasha Taste, Regional Director of Development at ltaste@cisofsc.org.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 25

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Since 1946, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has helped South Carolinians navigate many challenges. Our security, strength and stability have allowed us to stand tall in the face of adversity. And that’s not going to change. Whatever challenges arise, we’ll face them together. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

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 the generosity of donors.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: The American Red Cross of Central SC YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1917 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Rebecca Jordan, Executive Director 2751 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-540-1240 www.redcross.org/sc CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Jerome Nesbitt, Regional Philanthropy Officer 2751 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-767-1308 jerome.nesbitt@redcross.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 690 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: We are proud that an average of 90 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 during one of the busiest disaster seasons on record. We also have an urgent need for new volunteers, blood donations and growing our community partnerships.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Despite operating in the COVID-19 environment, in Fiscal Year 2021, the American Red Cross of Central S.C. assisted 1,700-plus individuals affected by disasters — primarily home fires; collected 31,500-plus units of blood for area hospitals; trained 11,500-plus in lifesaving skills such as CPR/AED, and First Aid and nearly 1,000 people in Water Safety and through our global communication network; and provided over 4,700 case services to military, veterans and their families; and served nearly 1,600 military, veterans and families through emergency communications and critical needs. Additionally, we helped create a more resilient community by making 500 homes safer through educational visits and creating preparedness plans. 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 families across the country after Hurricane Ida, flooding in Tennessee and historic wildfires in California. Dozens of American Red Cross workers — over 90 percent volunteer — have spent months deployed supporting the work of the American Red Cross.

2022 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 S.C. Chapter, at 803-312-5176 or Jerome Nesbitt, Regional Philanthropy Officer, at 803-7671308.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 27

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 1818 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-733-5400 uway.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: GB Olsen, Vice President, Resource Development 1818 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-758-6992 golsen@uway.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 2,881 volunteers who gave a total of 28,795 hours, worth approximately $783,000. TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET 2020-21: $8,577,696 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: On average, 85 cents of every dollar goes to program services. GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: United Way of the Midlands partners with agencies, businesses, community leaders and individuals provide programs and resources to improve the education, financial stability and health of people in Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. GREATEST NEED: The need for donations and volunteering in our community has sharply increased and will stay elevated for some time to come, so if you are able to give, please do so at uway.org. We need virtual volunteers to read to kindergarten through second grade students through our Midlands Reading Consortium at www.uway. org/mrc. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Thanks to donors who supported our COVID-19 Response Fund, we provided direct help and support to more than 14,000 individuals and families affected by COVID-19, more than 10,000 of whom were accessing help for the first time. This was in addition to more than 48,000 people served by our Community Impact grants during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. 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. • More than 20,000 parents demonstrated increased knowledge about their children’s development through school readiness and parent engagement programs. • More than 690 children were tutored through United Way’s Midlands Reading Consortium program. • 1,837 students participated in quality in and out of school time programs. United Way-supported programs placed more than 1,000 people experiencing homelessness into housing, including 80 youth ages 17-24. 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 underinsured or uninsured and have limited income. • 1,152 adults visited the eye clinics and received eye care and/or corrective lenses in 2019-2020. • 951 adults and children had their dental needs met, for a total of 21,884 treatments.

2021-22 GOALS: After the immediate COVID-19 crisis fades, individuals and communities will be far more digital. If we can continue to build new bridges between community need and resources, we’ll be able to lead society’s response, recovery and rebuilding from COVID-19. Moving forward, we will continue to work together to create a new normal in our society where all individuals and communities have the resources and opportunities that they need to succeed. Our outcomes will continue to focus on helping young students read on grade level by third grade, reducing the stigma of trauma and building resilience among children and youth through Resilient Richland, and providing free dental and eye services to children and adults in the Midlands at our WellPartners clinics. FUNDRAISING EVENTS: Visit our website to see our upcoming events at www.uway.org/ events CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: United Way welcomes individuals and organizations to increase community capacity to care for itself through individual, leadership and major gifts, corporate gifts and sponsorship and employee giving. FOR INFORMATION ON: • Corporate Giving, Workplace Giving – GB Olsen, 758-6992, golsen@uway.org • Legacy Gifts, Major Gifts – Maria DeHart, 733-5449, mdehart@uway.org • Individual/Retiree Giving – Katie Levkoff, 733-5120, klevkoff@uway.org • Leadership, Affinity Groups, Sponsorship and Co-Marketing Opportunities – Becky Morrison, 7335419, bmorrison@uway.org

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 29

WE SUPPORT YOU,

COLUMBIA!

At Camping World, we strive to make the community of Columbia the best place to live, work, and explore! Through community outreach, donations, and volunteerism, Camping World will always be dedicated to supporting our neighbors and customers alike when they need it most.

RV SALES | SERVICE | ACCESSORIES 3634 Fernandina Rd. in COLUMBIA, SC 29210 888.512.9427 | CampingWorldofColumbia.com

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a safe and nurturing family-style environment for children who are in crisis, allowing them an opportunity to heal and grow.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1972 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Ryan Taylor, Executive Director P.O. Box 344 Lexington, SC 29071 803-359-8595 Fax: (803) 259-8518 www.nkp4kids.org

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Implemented Brief Strategic Family Therapy program which focuses on strengthening positive relationships and reducing negative relationships within families; provided a safe, nurturing environment for more than 30 children; served the growing need of foster children who faced trauma due to the coronavirus pandemic. 2022 GOALS: Expanding our BSFT program, Continuing evidence-based practices to improve the quality of care for foster children. FUNDRAISING EVENTS: Fall Mail Out Fundraiser, Christmas Toy Drive, and planning events for our upcoming 50th anniversary.

CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Ryan Taylor P.O. Box 344 Lexington, SC 29071 803-359-8595 rtaylor@nkp4kids.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 15 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2020-2021): $921,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 80% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Statewide GREATEST NEED: Household items, Amazon wish-list items, Christmas wish-list support.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 31

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center “Empowerment is the Key”

Mission Statement: To engage and serve people of all ages and backgrounds while promoting advancements in education, health, and economics and improving the quality of life for citizens of Lexington and Richland Counties and the Midlands of South Carolina. Your donation helps to increase access to healthy foods, virtual learning assistance, after-school, senior citizen programs and services, job training and COVID-19 emergency relief services for families. Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center 1218 Batchelor Street West Columbia, S.C. 29169 Phone: (803) 744-7943 Email: crichburgcotton@brookland.cc www.brooklandlakeview.org Contact: Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Executive Director

Donate today online & specify donation to Lakeview: https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/broopo109 or by mail to: BLEC, Post Office Box 3292 West Columbia, S.C. 29171

ps to increase access to healthy foods, virtual learning assistance, after-school, senior citizen vices, job training and COVID-19 emergency relief services for families.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

ew Empowerment Center eet C. 29169 7943 otton@brookland.cc keview.org

e Richburg Cotton,

e & specify donation to Lakeview: https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/broopo109 MISSION STATEMENT: To engage and serve people of all ages and backgrounds while promoting advancements in education, health and economics and improving the quality of life for citizens of Lexington and Richland counties and the Midlands of South Carolina.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2008 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: 1218 Batchelor St. West Columbia, S.C. 29169 803-744-7943 www.brooklandlakeview.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Executive Director Post Office Box 3292 West Columbia, S.C. 29171 803-747-3519 crichburgcotton@brookland.cc AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 242 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2020-2021): $349,657.69 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 65% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The BLEC serves individuals and families in Lexington and Richland counties, as well as other areas of the Midlands. The specific populations include youth and teens, senior citizens, adults and families. GREATEST NEED: $2.5 million in matching funds for EDA Grant for development of a Small Business Incubator and Workforce Development Training Center at the BLEC. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • Recruited 42 new volunteers for various programs and services • Increase number of grant awards and donations for emergency repairs and major construction projects • Served over 230,000 healthy meals to children in Lexington and Richland counties between February and August 2021 to reduce child hunger and fill the nutrition gap • Created 25 summer jobs in the Summer Feeding Program including many jobs for youth and teens • Former Lakeview Schools designated a historic site by the S.C. Department of Archives and History • Distributed approximately 1,300 senior supplemental and diabetic food boxes to underserved communities each week • Provided emergency relief resources and services through the Food and Clothing Bank GOALS: • Human Service | Goal 1: To improve the quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds. • Foster Community | Goal 2: To offer socioeconomic opportunities that would enrich the lives of senior citizens, individuals and families. • Cultural Service | Goal 3: To provide a safe, inviting environment for seniors, adults, and youth to participate in physical and cultural activities that promote health and wellness. • Sustainability | Goal 4: To recapture the historic significance of the Center and its important role in the community serving as a focal point of civic pride. • Sustainability | Goal 5: To meet the current

needs of the community and anticipate future needs giving equal consideration to economic, social and environmental aspects. • Partnership | Goal 6: To cultivate collaborative relationships with community partners. CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Donations Midlands Gives, presented by Central Carolina Community Foundation 2142 Boyce St., Suite 402 Columbia, S.C. 29201 • May 3, 2022 | Midlands Gives Day! To Donate: Scan the QR code below using your smartphone camera

Programs and Services Brookland Community Food Program distributes fresh produce and nonperishable food items to citizens of Lexington and Richland counties who are in need. Food programs include: (1) Brookland Community Food Bank; (2) USDA Food Boxes; (3) Diabetic Food Pantry; (4) Senior Citizen Supplemental Food Boxes; and (5) Youth and Teens Summer Feeding Program. Brookland Character Optimal Language Arts Program aims to address academic deficiencies and behavior challenges for at least 100 students/year in grades six through eight in an after-school program and annual summer session. James B. Adams Senior Citizen Center is located in a wing of the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, and provides a welcome and safe environment for senior citizens ages 55 and older.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 33

Changing Lives for Fathers and Families

How we can help: • •

•

We provide community-based programs and support groups for fathers, free of charge. We help fathers connect to other services they need so they can meet their responsibilities and secure their parental rights. We offer job coaching and employment connections that benefit fathers, their families and employers in our communities. We’re a resource for local organizations that want to provide family support and father-friendly services.

DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE www. Midlandsfathers.com.

Lexington:

943 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 996-2114

Richland:

1420 Colonial Life Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 933-0052

Sumter:

21 N. Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-2140

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition is to engage fathers in the positive support of their children and to enhance support for fatherhood in the Midlands.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Midlands Fatherhood Coalition YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2002 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Angela McDuffie, CEO 1420 Colonial Life Blvd., Suite 80 Columbia, SC 29210 803-933-0052 www.midlandsfathers.com CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Eleanor D. Boyd, Regional Director of Development 1420 Colonial Life Blvd., Suite 80 Columbia, SC 29210 919-599-4101 eboyd@scfathersandfamilies.com AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 60 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2020-2021): $ 1.5 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 92% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Midlands Fatherhood Coalition serves fathers in the Midlands with office sites in Richland, Lexington and Sumter counties

A CLOSER LOOK: GREATEST NEED: Financial resources to serve the fathers and families in our program. It costs MFC about $2,500 to serve a father, but our services are free. We will serve about 600 fathers and impact nearly 1,800 children in the Midlands this year. We also need volunteers to expand our capacity to serve. We need funding especially for meals, for direct services for fathers, graduations and fatherchild activities. We also need help in spreading the word that fathers make a huge impact in the lives of their children, and where fathers are positively engaged and present, children are more likely to finish school, make good choices and be economically stable adults. Corporate sponsors are needed to support our Daddy and Me 5K. 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: • Pivoted quickly with COVID to move to virtual group sessions and started small group sessions in July 2021 • Identified resources to help fathers who became unemployed during the pandemic and expanded funding for housing and human service needs. • MFC was the beneficiary of the class project for Leadership Columbia 2021. The “Dads Den” legacy project provides space for father-child activities, recreation, training and a computer lab. • Launched the “Reality Check” program for at-risk teens to help them make positive choices and delay parenthood. Held camps at Ben Lippen School. 2022 GOALS: • Fully launch volunteer program • Complete and implement Strategic Plan • Implement new curriculum elements • Expand Reality Check Program to foster homes and schools

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

• Raise $250K from individual donors, corporations, individuals, local foundations, local governments and civic groups • Raise $20,000 in the Daddy and Me 5K. FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Daddy and Me 5K June 18 • An Evening with the Fireflies. Date TBA • Online giving includes Midlands Gives and Giving Tuesday CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Daddy and Me 5K: Sponsorships Range from $250 to $5,000 An Evening with the Fireflies : Sponsorship Range from $500-$1,500 Sponsor Meals, Graduations, Father-Child Activities, Direct Fatherhood Services (health, license reinstatements, emergency needs): Sponsorships Range from $500 to $5,000 DONATION/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Donations accepted: Men’s professional clothing; father-child activities (tickets for sporting events, movies, etc) Volunteer opportunities: Receptionist Program opportunities: Group Session Coordinator, Mentor, Meal Provider/ Server, Community Outreach Volunteer, Subject Matter Experts for Group Sessions, Completion Ceremony Volunteer, FatherChild Activities Development opportunities: “A Time for Fatherhood” Volunteer, Event Volunteer, Corporate/In Kind Donor Research/ Outreach, Third Party Events ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Board of Directors • Angela McDuffie, CEO • Marc Shook, Board Chair

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 35

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Community investment that goes beyond real estate.

LOGO HERE

NAIColumbia.com

MISSION STATEMENT:

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

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Charleston Habitat for Humanity YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1989 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Jeremy Browning, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 731 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 843-722-7145 Fax: 843-722-7142 Website: www.charlestonhabitat.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Katie Norris, Director of Development E-mail: katie@charlestonhabitat.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2016: 4000 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2016-2017): $750,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 70% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, and the City of North Charleston

A CLOSER LOOK: 2015-2016 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Record sales in the Charleston Habitat for Humanity ReStore for FY15; Celebration of the 25th anniversary of our affiliate; Construction in progress for 15-home subdivision 2016-2017 GOALS: Complete 5 additional homes in our North Charleston subdivision; record 4th consecutive year of revenue sales in our ReStore; increase annual volunteer base to 5,000 individuals FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Collegiate Challenge, February 29-March 31, 2016, North Charleston subdivision; chance for local community members to support college students as they raise funds and volunteer to build a house • National Women Build Week, April 30May 7, 2016, North Charleston subdivision; chance for local women to raise funds and volunteer to build a house • 5K Fun Run, date tba (Spring 2016), to raise funds for our home construction program • Annual Dinner & Auction, date tba (Fall 2016), to celebrate our mission, recognize our volunteers, and raise funds for our home construction program

Charleston Habitat for Humanity through financial and in-kind contributions of any amount up to and including a full home sponsorship of $75,000. These gifts cover the cost of building materials and subcontract labor used to build our Habitat homes. Non-monetary contributions are also essential to our mission such as donations of building materials, household goods, appliances, and furniture to our ReStore along with volunteering time on mission committees, home builds, and in our store. When you support the mission of Charleston Habitat for Humanity, your business invests in the Charleston community making a lasting difference in the lives of local residents as they achieve their dream of homeownership. Volunteer opportunities are available as part of our corporate giving program with Habitat homeowners volunteering alongside corporate donors as they complete the “sweat equity” component of their program requirements. This allows local businesses to experience first-hand the transformation that their donations bring to Charleston families. Sponsorship options can be found on our website at www.charlestonhabitat.org/ donate or you can call our office at 843-7227145 and ask to speak to Jeremy Browning, Executive Director, or Katie Norris, Director of Development.

Our brokers are long-time members of the local community, CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Corporations, faith-based organizations, adapting and growing alongside the Midlands for decades. As GREATEST NEED: Financial and in-kind civic groups, committed individuals, and contributions in support of our home may partner with locals, we’re committed community to thefoundations future of commercial real estate construction program and how business is done. NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

We are NAI Columbia. 36 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

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 South Carolina Habitat for Humanity YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1985 CONTACT INFORMATION: Main Office: 209 S. Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-252-3570 www.habitatcsc.org ReStore: 2814 Augusta Road West Columbia, SC 29170 803-936-0088 www.habitatcsc.org/about-the-restore.html CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Mary Louise Resch (Director of Philanthropy) 803-992-9707 or mlresch@habitatcsc.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 100 (Per new home) 6-8 (Per repair project) TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET: $2.7 million dollars PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICE: 93% GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERVED: Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties. GREATEST NEED: The coronavirus pandemic and soaring construction costs have negatively affected our ability to fundraise and build homes. Whether it’s a financial contribution, shopping at our ReStore or volunteering, Habitat is greatly appreciative of our communities' continued support during these challenging times. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2020 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Despite the pandemic and soaring construction prices, Central SC Habitat for Humanity was able to accomplish so much due to the generous support of our donors and volunteers. • Completion of five new home builds with two more in progress. • Completion of six Neighborhood Revitalization projects with five more in the pipeline • Distribution of 92,655 pieces of personal protection equipment to nonprofit and governmental agencies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 • Nomination as Best Non-Profit by readers of The State Newspaper • A 100% rating by Charity Navigator (the highest score possible) • Selection by Secretary of State Mark Hammond as one of South Carolina’s “Angel” Award winners for its fiscal responsibility and transparency (2019). Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has been partnering with people in Richland and Lexington counties for over 35 years, helping them build or improve a place they can call home. Working alongside volunteers, Habitat homeowners put in hundreds of “sweat equity” hours as they help build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage. The self-empowerment created by this opportunity helps homeowner families eliminate barriers to a better, healthier and more financially stable life. We believe that with a little help, we all

have the potential to stand on our own. In addition to building new homes, Habitat is helping to transform communities blockby-block as a Neighborhood Revitalization Affiliate. In neighborhoods where we are building, Habitat helps existing homeowners with minor repairs, community clean-ups, veterans’ repairs and Aging in Place. 2021- 2022 GOALS: Increase the number of new homes and repair projects by 20% each year. To revitalize neighborhoods in the Town of Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce and Richland County. FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Home for the Holidays Campaign in lieu of our 2021 gala, which was canceled due to COVID restrictions. Text-to-Give: HOMECSC to 44321 or donate through Give Lively at secure.givelively.org/ donate/central-south-carolina-habitatfor-humanity. • More Than a Home Gala - November of each year (COVID permitting). The impactful program includes a popular keynote speaker, mortgage shred, homeowner testimonies and typically draws 200-300 Midlands leaders, philanthropists and Habitat supporters. • Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament April 24, 2022, at Steel Hand Brewing • Annual Golf Tournament – May 2, 2022, at Ft. Jackson Golf Club

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 37

The BRBR provides heroes with transformative programs, training and services so they can become the best version of themselves: Yoga and Tai Chi Healing Arts & Music Transcendental Meditation Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Peer to Peer Support Warrior P.A.T.H.H. Program The only privately funded program proven to cultivate and facilitate post-traumatic growth so our heroes can live the life they desire.

www.thebigredbarnretreat.org 8024 Winnsboro Road, Blythewood, SC 29016

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide the Warriors that serve or served our country and communities transformative training and services so they can realize their fullest potential.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Big Red Barn Retreat YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2014 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVES: Sutton Shaw, Volunteer Executive Director; Lamont Christian, Director of Warrior PATHH program 8024 Winnsboro Road Blythewood, SC 29016 803-716-9097 thebigredbarnretreat.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Sutton Shaw 8024 Winnsboro Road Blythewood, SC, 29016 803-767-7193 suttonshaw@thebigredbarnretreat.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2020: 300 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (20202021): $639,376 in 2020; 2021 estimated at $850,000 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 97.3% (Angel Award Winner in 2019) GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: We serve veterans, active-duty service members and first responders primarily in South Carolina; however, our Warrior PATHH program accepts applicants from across the U.S.

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Officially Launched the Warrior PATHH program in South Carolina, one of only 10 to operate in the United States. Since that launch, we are on track to complete a total of 12 Warrior PATHH classes in 2021. Between Warrior PATHH and our non-traditional services we offer, we have served over 1,200 veterans, active duty, and first responders in 2021 and logged over 3,000 volunteer hours. Warrior PATHH and our services, which include equine assisted psychotherapy, yoga, tai chi, transcendental meditation training, art and music therapy, gardening, and peer-to-peer mentoring, are provided at NO COST to participants thanks to the generosity of our donors, grants and corporate partners. 2022 GOALS: Our hope is to expand our Warrior PATHH classes from 12 per year to 24 per year. In addition, it is our goal to expand our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning program to host four to six group sessions annually, and provide eight private sessions weekly.

• 2021 Veterans Day Memorial Giving: Online at Facebook • 2021 End of Year Giving: Online • 2022 Central Carolina Foundation Midlands Gives: May 3, 2022 • October 2022: Fall Jam at the Ballpark

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: There are corporate naming opportunities where organizations can have a permanent presence that is woven into the very fabric at the Big Red Barn Retreat by naming areas of the facility, such as the covered arena, bedrooms in the log cabin where Warrior PATHH participants reside for seven days during their initiation, the outdoor pavilion, and the labyrinth. In addition, there are corporate opportunities to sponsor a Warrior PATHH class which would involve funding the class from initiation through the 18-month followup, and providing volunteers to help serve meals to Warrior PATHH participants during the class.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: • Fall Jam at the Ballpark, Oct. 9 at Segra Park • All South Federal Credit Union Solders & Vets Charity Golf Tournament, Oct. 21

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY:

GREATEST NEED: Financial support as we hope to expand our Flagship program, Warrior PATHH and our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 39

We’re working hard for you, South Carolina Focusing on safety as our top priority Delivering historic results in service reliability Making it easier for customers to do business with us Improving the quality of life in the communities we serve Providing a clean and sustainable energy future Valuing diversity and inclusion Investing in new technology and innovation

DominionEnergy.com