CRBJ Giving Guide 2023

Giving

Shining a spotlight on the organizations that help Lowcountry residents in need

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Special thanks:

Trident United Way

Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry | 2023-24

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The benefits of multi-generational family philanthropy

Changemaker grants support work of local nonprofits

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FEATURE STORIES

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FoodShare program brings fresh produce to ‘food deserts’

Lowcountry nonprofit news

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Giving

4 QUICK FACTS 5 AFP WINNERS

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15 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS

Making a difference

Shining a spotlight on the organizations that help Lowcountry residents in need

29 HELPING OUT GALLERY

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About the cover

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Volunteers from Elliott Davis assist in a Trident United Way school supply drive.

Trident United Way

Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry | 2023-24

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 3

QUICK FACTS

GIVING

AMERICANS GAVE IN 2022

$499.33 BILLION

BY THE

NUMBERS

$105.21 BILLION

$319.04 BILLION The total of giving by indviduals in 2022.

The total of giving by foundations in 2022, which has grown for 12 consecutive years.

CHARITABLE GIVING BY SECTOR $143.57 B

$71.98 B

$70.07 B

$56.84 B

$51.08 B

$46.86 B $33.71 B

Religion

Human Services

Education

Foundations

Health Organizations

Public-Society Benefit Organizations

International Affairs

$24.67 B

Arts, Culture and Humanities

$16.10 B Environment and Animal Organizations

Source: Giving USA

4 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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AWARD WINNERS

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITABLE EFFORTS A nnually, as part of the National Philanthropy Day festivities, the SC Lowcountry Chapter of AFP takes a moment to honor exceptional accomplishments achieved by local individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists. These remarkable individuals and organizations form a crucial partnership with nonprofit entities, working hand in hand to ensure that the diverse needs of our citizens are not only acknowledged but also fulfilled. The awards bestowed during this event serve as a tribute to those whose contributions have left a profound mark on the vibrant tapestry of the Lowcountry.

For more than two decades, the AFP Lowcountry Chapter has continued the tradition of celebrating National Philanthropy Day. Each year, distinguished representatives from the Lowcountry’s leading businesses, foundations, organizations and individuals come together. They assemble not only to pay homage to the dynamic philanthropic community that has emerged but also to recognize the substantial and far-reaching impact it has had on every facet of our community.

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPIST

Carolyn Murray

Carolyn Murray Outstanding Individual Philanthropist

Shelly Leeke Law Firm Outstanding Corporation

Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Outstanding Foundation

Carolyn actively participates in numerous organizations, assuming roles as a board member, dedicated volunteer, and enthusiastic supporter. Her engagement is especially notable with organizations such as the Charleston Animal Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Heart Association, and First Tee of Charleston. These represent just a fraction of Carolyn’s extensive involvement.

One remarkable aspect of Carolyn’s character is her unwavering motivation and commitment to leveraging her life experiences to guide and support others. She has faced personal physical challenges but remains remarkably resilient, refraining from self-pity.

Instead, she leads by example and displays exceptional leadership qualities in everything she undertakes.

Every year, Carolyn generously donates her time and talents to raise funds and awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Her dedication has earned the admiration of individuals like Tony Boor of Blackbaud, who remarked in a recent story celebrating Carolyn’s 20th anniversary at News2 that her candid and outspoken nature is a valuable asset for any nonprofit board.

However, Carolyn’s contributions go beyond words. She actively participates in various events, readily offering assistance when needed, even before being asked.

Carolyn Murray embodies the essence of goodness within us all. Her profound love for the community is evident through her tireless dedication, despite her limited spare time. Her unwavering energy and commitment make her an exceptionally deserving candidate for this recognition. www.charlestonbusiness.com

THE 2023 LOWCOUNTRY AFP NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE:

Junior League of Charleston Outstanding Organization Winners were determined by an AFP committee that evaluated each individual nomination. Many nominations were collaborative, with several nonprofit organizations working together to nominate an individual or foundation that has made an impact on more than one group.

2023 AWARDS CEREMONY When: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 Where: The Porter Room at Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston Tickets: Available online at bit.ly/ NationalPhilanthropyDay23 For more information and to see a list of past winners, go online to www. afplowcountry.afpnet.org.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 5

AWARD WINNERS

OUTSTANDING CORPORATION

SHELLY LEEKE LAW FIRM Shelly Leeke Law Firm is a dedicated community partner, actively supporting organizations such as the Charleston Animal Society, Carolina Youth Development Center, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Ronald McDonald House of Charleston, Ellington Brothers Football Camp, and The Cinderella Project. They’ve had a profound impact on Charleston Animal Society, raising nearly $300,000 for Caitlyn’s Anti-Cruelty Fund through their substantial matching gift in the “31 Days to End Cruelty Campaign.” This support directly aids victims of animal abuse and advances the prevention of cruelty.

The firm’s CEO, Shelly Leeke, leads by example, encouraging her staff to volunteer and participate in philanthropic activities.

The firm offers employees time off for volunteering and sponsors events to support their causes.

Shelly Leeke’s personal philosophy emphasizes the role of attorneys as vital community supporters, not just in the courtroom but also in active philanthropy.

Their support is not merely financial; they actively participate in the causes they champion.

Moreover, the firm’s innovative philanthropic approach, including matching donations and brand support, encourages others to get involved. Their broad involvement in boards and governance highlights their deep understanding of community needs.

OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON For over a century, The Junior League of Charleston (JLC) has been an unwavering force for positive community change. Their extensive impact is driven by direct gifts, volunteerism, and leadership training.

Historical contributions, such as distributing 4,100 quarts of milk in the 1930s and donating over $70,000 for disaster relief after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, reflect their dedication.

In 2022, nearly 1,000 JLC members dedicated 22,500 volunteer hours, resulting in an annual economic impact of $715,500.

Their standout feature is the gift of trained women leaders, receiving an average of 25 hours of training annually. This equips them to support various local nonprofits, schools, faith organizations, families, and corporations with leadership skills and parliamentary procedures.

The JLC Diaper Bank, their flagship project since 2017, has positively impacted over 16,500 children by addressing diaper need. This issue significantly influences family well-being, child health, and financial stability.

Their leadership model emphasizes empowerment, mentorship, hands-on experiential learning, and active volunteer involvement, extending their influence to nonprofit boards, corporate management teams, and various organizations.

The CEO’s philosophy underscores the importance of a vibrant community and the interplay between philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement.

This approach fosters connections with key stakeholders, enhancing community resilience and progress.

The JLC’s innovative approach includes a three-pronged strategy with Community Assistance Grants, volunteer promotion, and focus on the JLC Diaper Bank. They are also forging partnerships with local governments to address longstanding community needs.

With a rich legacy of community support, volunteerism, and leadership development, the JLC is a unique and highly deserving nominee for recognition. Their unwavering commitment to leaving a lasting impact on their community is evident through their extensive history of service.

6 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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AWARD WINNERS

OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION

THE GAYLOR AND DOROTHY DONNELLEY FOUNDATION The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation has a remarkable history of philanthropic support that focuses on the coastal plain of South Carolina. Their innovative approach involves not only providing financial assistance but also creating collaborative partnerships to address community needs.

For decades, the foundation has been instrumental in supporting arts and conservation organizations, emphasizing the profound connection between land, artistic expression, and cultural legacies. They require grantees to participate in the Lowcountry Land Conservation Partnership (LCLCP), fostering shared goals and coordinated efforts among leading environmental organizations.

Their support to the Conservation League, totaling nearly $3 million, has empowered significant achievements in land conservation.

The Foundation’s contributions to the LCLCP have facilitated joint projects and strengthened

advocacy work, leading to strategic results in landscape-scale protection, equity promotion, and policy improvements.

Moreover, the Donnelley Foundation actively engages with the community. Past and present staff members participate in various community initiatives and volunteer for organizations such as the YWCA, TEDx Charleston, and more, inspiring leadership and community involvement.

This recognition for the foundation, particularly during the last year of Executive Director David Farren’s tenure, holds great significance. The foundation’s invaluable contributions to environmental protection, the arts, and community collaboration make them a deserving candidate for the Outstanding Foundation award. Their board members’ involvement in philanthropic leadership roles further exemplifies their commitment to fostering meaningful outcomes in the Lowcountry.

BE THE REASON WHY...

communities come together.

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At Coastal Community Foundation we believe in the power of partnership to spark meaningful change in our communities.

By investing in our Community Partnership Program you’re providing critical operational support so that we can continue to identify and address challenges by building coalitions with community leaders, funders and nonprofits across our region.

Find out more about supporting positive change as a Community Partner at coastalcommunityfoundation.org.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 7

VIEWPOINT

Multi-generational philanthropy is a way to instill and perpetuate family values of helping others and giving back to the community. (Photo/Provided)

THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY PHILANTHROPY

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hilanthropy is a powerful force for positive change in our world. While individual philanthropy is widely practiced, multi-generational family philanthropy can offer a unique and impactful approach to making a difference, while adding a deeper sense of shared purpose, by involving multiple generations within a family coming together to pool their resources, time, and talents for the betterment of their community.

Helen Wolfe, Senior Director of Development and Stewardship, Coastal Community Foundation

Multi-generational philanthropy can involve two or three generations and can contain successive generations or skipped generations. This can

look like a grandparent engaging a grandchild in their next volunteer opportunity or inviting them to an event she or he sponsored. This can also look like a parent asking their child who they want to add to the family’s year-end donation list. Actions big and small contribute to creating a benefit for all generations to receive.

PASSING DOWN VALUES One of the most significant benefits of multi-generational family philanthropy is the opportunity to instill and perpetuate family values. Families can use their philanthropic activities as a platform for discussing and reinforcing the principles that matter most to them. This can include values like compassion, empathy, social responsibility, and a commitment to making the world a better place. By participating in philanthropy as a family, younger generations can learn about the values that have guided their family for generations, ensuring that these principles endure.

8 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

STRENGTHENING FAMILY BONDS Engaging in philanthropic endeavors together fosters strong family bonds. It allows family members to collaborate on projects, share their diverse experiences and perspectives, and develop a sense of shared purpose. These activities often lead to closer relationships, as family members work together towards a common goal that transcends individual interests, inspiring people of all ages to more fully understand and learn from each other.

EDUCATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH Multi-generational family philanthropy is an excellent platform for education and personal growth. Younger family members can learn about different angles of the social issues they are interested in, how the nonprofit sector works, and the complexities of charitable giving. Consider having family members put together a presentation about why they want to make a contribution to a specific nonprofit and then vote as a family. These experiences can be formative, helping younger

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VIEWPOINT

Multi-generational philanthropy can build a legacy of charity that will carry forward to future generations. (Photo/Provided)

generations develop a strong sense of civic responsibility and empathy, as well as gain valuable skills in areas like project analysis, presentation skills, and decision making.

LEVERAGING RESOURCES Combining the resources of multiple generations can have a more substantial impact than individual giving. Family members can contribute using various forms of capital, not just financial.

The sandwich generation may choose to give of their reputational capital, while a younger generation gives their social capital, and the oldest generation may use financial capital. This pooling of different types of resources enables families to address significant societal issues and make lasting changes in their communities in their own unique way.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Multi-generational family philanthropy often involves community engagement. When families become deeply involved in philanthropy together, they establish stronger connections with local nonprofits, communities, and individuals. This not only benefits the recipients of their charitable efforts but also helps family members gain a deeper and fuller understanding of the issues they are addressing.

LEGACY BUILDING

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Families engaged in multi-generational philanthropy are actively building a legacy that extends beyond their individual lifetimes. They create a positive reputation and lasting impact that can be carried forward by future generations.

This sense of legacy is not just about accumulating wealth but about contributing to the greater good and leaving a meaningful mark on the world in their family’s unique way.

INNOVATION AND ADAPTABILITY Multi-generational family philanthropy can be highly innovative and adaptable. Different generations bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, allowing families to explore new ways of addressing social challenges. The ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances is a valuable trait in philanthropy and in business, ensuring that efforts remain relevant and effective over time.

EMOTIONAL SATISFACTION There is a unique emotional satisfaction in giving as a family. Knowing that your efforts have made a positive impact on the world and that you’ve achieved something meaningful together can be deeply gratifying. This emotional fulfillment is a powerful motivator to continue and expand family philanthropy.

While the benefits are plentiful, family philanthropy can also be challenging. Each family member may have their own interests and ideas, making deciding how and where to give seem overwhelming. It’s important to understand that there is no single correct way to give. By initiating conversations and using the right tools and expertise and ensuring that families are well-informed, individually and collectively, to achieve philanthropic goals, families can work together to impact today’s most pressing issues.

At Coastal Community Foundation, we’ve had the honor of working with multiple families covering a broad range of wealth and generational age gaps. In our experience, we’ve noticed that multi-generational family philanthropy offers a range of benefits that extend beyond individual charitable giving and is a compelling way to address social issues and create lasting change by enabling families to innovate, adapt, and experience the emotional satisfaction of making a positive impact together. In a world that often emphasizes individualism, multi-generational family philanthropy reminds us of the power of collective action and the enduring strength of family values.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 9

VIEWPOINT

TRIDENT UNITED WAY’S CHANGEMAKER GRANTS SUPPORT THE WORK OF LOCAL NONPROFITS

By DJ Hampton II, President & CEO, Trident United Way n 1944, Trident United Way was established as a Community Chest, working to raise funds through one general annual campaign, which was distributed to member charitable agencies. Previous DJ Hampton II, iterations of our orPresident & CEO, ganization also inTrident United Way cluded the Social Services Exchange, established in 1922 to serve a similar purpose by reducing the duplication of services and competition for resources.

By 1948 the growing popularity of war bonds became a precursor for payroll deductions as a method for raising funds for philanthropic purposes. Community Chests like ours had increased in number across the United States, with about 1,000 in existence at that time.

Over time Charleston’s Community Chest underwent several name changes, including Community Chest of Charleston County, Community Chest Red Cross, United Fund and United Community Services.

In 1970, we joined community chests across the country to form the United Way network and became Trident United Way, focused locally, yet part of a global movement that now spans 34 countries and over 1,300 communities.

I share this brief history with you to underscore our longstanding commitment to working with local nonprofits to create partnerships and collaborative solutions ensuring we achieve our collective mission in creating positive change for the Tri-County community.

To further this mission, we were thrilled

I

to launch our Changemaker Grants this quarter. This program aims to mobilize resources and empower local 501c3 agencies dedicated to making a difference in our community.

These grants will offer investments toward an agency’s effectiveness, efficiency and future sustainability by providing resources to improve or expand the organization’s mission. Trident United Way will award Changemaker Grants in four cycles before June 30, 2024, with a minimum pool of $100,000 per cycle.

Each grant cycle will have a specific focus, beginning with Capacity-Building grants, which were just awarded last month.

In fact, interest was so strong in our first round that we were able to double our grant pool to over $200,000 and fund 20 local nonprofits to support their internal capacity-building efforts!

Our Q2 grants will focus on organizations that are Improving Access to Opportunity for the ALICE® Population.

In the Tri-County, nearly 40% of households are struggling to afford all their basic needs.

While this does include those earning below the Federal Poverty Line, three-quarters of this group are individuals and households earning above that line, yet still not enough to make ends meet. These families work full-time, or multiple jobs. Their struggle is often invisible, as they don’t fit into the traditional categories of poverty. As such, many programs and systems are not set up or enabled to support them. Trident United Way is partnering with the nationwide United for ALICE program to work toward systemic change for these families. We all know ALICE. Many of us are ALICE or have been ALICE. At Trident United Way we see ALICE, and we are looking forward to partnering with other organizations to further their support of ALICE as well. To learn more about ALICE families in the Tri-County, visit https://unitedforalice.org/ south-carolina

10 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

In Q3 we will provide grants to organizations that direct their support toward Communities of Color. In the first six months of 2023, 71.6% of callers to our local 2-1-1 Helpline identified as Black/ African American. It’s clear that as we find nearly 40% of our total households are struggling to cover their basic needs, for communities of color there is the additional burden of systemic inequities including the disparate financial recovery post-COVID. This has kept too many families from attaining or regaining financial stability. We look forward to partnering with organizations that are working toward a more equitable Tri-County.

Finally, in Q4 we will award grants to organizations focused on Economic Mobility in data-driven areas of need. Our Tri-County is a diverse landscape in many ways, but the socioeconomic divisions between counties, towns and even zip codes is one of the starkest. In our final quarter of the year we will fund nonprofits working hyper-locally to support the neighborhoods that are most in need. We believe firmly that communities are the most knowledgeable and equipped to provide solutions for the needs of their neighbors, and we are eager to support these local partners in their work.

Trident United Way has been an accelerator of social impact in the Tri-County for generations, and we are thrilled that our Changemaker Grants will invest in amazing nonprofits and result in more families achieving financial independence.

If you are interested in submitting your organization for a Changemaker Grant, or volunteering to participate in one of our grant selection committees, please visit tuw.org/changemaker to learn more. If you would like to make a donation to increase our Changemaker Grant pool, please visit tuw.org/give.

We hope you will join us on our mission to build collaborative solutions for a stronger, more equitable Tri-County. UNITED, we thrive.

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FEATURE STORY

Trident United Way recently opened its FoodShare Berkeley County facility in Moncks Corner. (Photo/Provided)

FOODSHARE BRINGS FRESH PRODUCE TO ‘FOOD DESERTS’

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n Berkeley County, 24% of residents live up to 10 miles from a grocery store. While corner stores or discount retailers might be closer, they typically only offer shelf-stable foods such as chips, crackers and other boxed goods. Areas such as these in Berkeley County are called “food deserts” because the distance to access fresh, healthy foods like fruits and vegetables is vast. For those in the community who rely on public transportation, that distance can be insurmountable.

To address this issue, Trident United Way recently opened FoodShare Berkeley County at their Berkeley County Resource Connection Center in Moncks Corner. FoodShare Berkeley County is powered by Trident United Way and part of the FoodShare SC network, which was started by the South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia with the mission of bringing healthy foods to food deserts like those in Berkeley County. Berkeley County is now one of 20 sites in South Carolina with a FoodShare program in

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FoodShare Berkeley County provides produce at discounted prices. (Photo/Provided)

place. Trident United Way hopes to expand to additional centers in Dorchester and Charleston counties in the near future.

WHAT IS FOODSHARE? FoodShare offers “Fresh Food Boxes” ev-

ery other week which are filled with a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables at a very affordable price. Boxes are generally valued at around $40 and can be purchased with SNAP benefits for $5 or with a credit/debit card for $20 if you do not have SNAP. This is available to everyone in the

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 11

FEATURE STORY

community with the hope of making fresh, healthy foods more available and affordable.

Boxes are always filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, but the contents differ each time. Standard items, such as bananas, leafy greens or starchy vegetable is always included so that customers can count on certain staples. Additionally, a “premier produce” item, such as blueberries, grapes or peaches, is always included as well.

Each Fresh Food Box also comes with a recipe card utilizing produce for that week, in addition to other helpful information. This helps customers who receive produce items they may not be familiar with make use of the entire box, and also provides new ideas for healthy meals.

Boxes are packed by community volunteers with the support of Trident United Way. HOW CAN I ORDER A BOX? All boxes are preordered bi-monthly via the website (tuw.org/foodshare-berkeley-county) or by phone (843-761-6033). Boxes are distributed twice a month at the Trident United Way Berkeley Resource Connection Center (500 S. Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner). During distribution week boxes can be picked up on Wednesday between noon-5 p.m. and on Thursday between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The program began packing and distributing boxes with a soft launch at the end of June this year.

By the seventh week of distribution, FoodShare had surpassed the milestone of 10,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables packaged for the community. FoodShare Berkeley County held an official ribboncutting ceremony on October 10.

“We are off to a great start,” said FoodShare Berkeley Manager Laura Fogle. “But it’s just that…the start. We are packing more and more boxes each week, and we intend to continue growing and expanding our reach to support as many community members as possible. Access to fresh, healthy should not be a luxury conditional on income or location. It should be available to everyone. With the support of our community, Trident United Way intends to make that happen here in the Tri-County.”

TO ORDER A FRESH FOOD BOX, OR TO VOLUNTEER TO PACK BOXES, PLEASE VISIT: TUW.ORG/FOODSHARE-BERKELEY-COUNTY

12 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

FoodShare Berkeley County has already distributed more than 10,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables since opening in June. (Photo/Provided)

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NONPROFIT NEWS

CHARLESTON REGION NONPROFIT NEWS From Charleston Regional Business Journal staff reports LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK BREAKS GROUND ON REGIONAL HUB FACILITY IN HAMPTON Work has begun on a new Lowcountry Food Bank facility that will serve as a hub for regional partners as well as provide an improved experience for pickup and learning opportunities.

The Lowcountry Food Bank in 2022 secured land on the Agriculture Technology Campus in Hampton to build a 20,000-square-foot Southern Region Food Center, according to a news release.

The building is strategically positioned to serve neighbors in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties, and provide opportunities for increased engagement, scale and capacity-sharing for partner agencies, who distribute almost 90% of the food that Lowcountry Food Bank procures, the release stated.

The facility will store dry and refrigerated food, enable frozen storage, and will include loading docks, a teaching kitchen, and spaces for offices, volunteers and meeting space for LCFB partners to use, according to the release.

The new facility is slated to open in 2024 and will enable expansion of LCFB food programs in the area.

In addition to increasing efficiencies among LCFB’s other two Food Centers in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the new facility will serve as a hub for LCFB partners, providing an improved experience for food pickup, opportunities to convene through increased coordination, collaboration and shared learning in a teaching kitchen, the release stated.

The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 40 million pounds of food in 2022, according to the release. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps fight hunger by distributing food to more than 230 partner agencies including on-site meal programs, homeless shelters and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank advocates on behalf of those who experience hunger and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices.

BOEING GRANT OF $250,000 TO HELP PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING Boeing awarded a $250,000 grant to Coastal Community Foundation for affordable housing and economic mobility projects.

The funding will be divided between CCF’s www.charlestonbusiness.com

The Lowcountry Food Bank’s new regional hub in Hampton is scheduled to open in 2024. (Photo/Provided)

Place-Based Impact Investing, Economic Mobility Grantmaking Fund, and homeowneroccupied repair projects. All three strategies will work together to build generational wealth and opportunity for underserved residents of North Charleston, according to a news release.

Boeing’s North Charleston facility builds 787 Dreamliners for commercial air carriers.

“We are thankful for Boeing’s dedication to supporting economic mobility in our region,” CCF President and CEO Darrin Goss said in the news release. “Investment and collaboration between community partners is how we can make impactful change. Making sure residents have safe and attainable housing is one step on the path to creating financial stability.”

A portion of the Boeing grant will support Place-Based Impact Investing to create new affordable housing stock. The Economic Mobility Grantmaking Fund provides technical assistance to these projects as well as those supporting entrepreneurship and small business development for underserved and rural communities, the release said. The grant will also be used to fund homeowner-occupied repair projects in several North Charleston neighborhoods. The repairs are meant to allow residents to stay in their existing homes to maintain family stability, neighborhood pride and build generational wealth. Plus, this mitigates the need for the additional affordable housing units required if residents move out of

a home in disrepair.

“We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Coastal Community Foundation, an organization that works to create thriving and equitable communities by identifying and addressing the residents’ unique needs,” Lindsay Leonard, senior director of Government Operations at Boeing South Carolina, said in the release. “When families have reliable access to necessities such as food security, quality education and a safe home, true transformation is possible.”

Over the past seven years, Boeing has granted more than $1.9 million to CCF to support economic mobility efforts in North Charleston neighborhoods. The collaboration began with a focus on STEM education and creating access to higher paying jobs. As CCF and Boeing continued to assess community need, the initiative evolved to include an emphasis on affordable housing and critical home repair.

Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals. The largest community foundation in South Carolina, Coastal Community Foundation’s service area includes Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper counties.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 13

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Your Inside Source for Arizona Government Politics and Business VOLUME 122 NUMBER 10 ■ AZCAPITOLTIMES.COM

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MARCH 5, 2021 ■

Senate bill reins in insurance tactic

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By Kim Kelley

en. Nancy Barto has shown great insight into the health care needs of our Arizona community in sponsoring SB1270. I have a unique perspective to being an advocate for this simple legislation. I was a director of pharmacy at a large health plan in this state for almost 20 years and have been involved with managed care in this state for almost 35 years. I pioneered and implemented utilization management programs in pharmacy benefits throughout my career. I believe in and support good utilization management programs. I am also a patient with complex health care needs. I have survived two different types of breast cancer, have a serious neurologic condition requiring a specialty medication, and an autoimmune disorder called Sjogrens, all which significantly impact my life.

This timely legislation is intended to establish basic guidelines for the insurance industry with regard to their industry practice called prescription medication “step therapy.” This process is currently controlled completely by the health care insurance industry, even though it directly impacts patient care.

While each health care insurance plan has its own unique and different step therapy rules, the protocol requires medical providers to prescribe certain medications before the insurance will cover certain other medications. Patients must try these alternative – and often less costly – medications and fail (as determined by the health plan) before certain restricted medications will be covered under the patient’s prescription benefit.

Currently, the Arizona insurance industry is able to create their own unique and very specific health plan policies based on internal insurance company opinions and processes. There is no oversight or accountability for the unintended consequences to these policies occurring in our community and adversely affecting lives.

On the surface, the basic concept of step therapy makes sense in light of the huge cost burden medications are putting on the health care system. However, the reality is the health care insurance industry makes these prescribing protocol rules that impact patient care with no oversight, and they have been allowed to create a process that is tremendously confusing and extremely time consuming for prescribers, patients, and pharmacies. Every year the health insurance industry requires more rules for medications covered under prescription benefits.

Therefore, time is of the essence to establish basic guidelines to balance the power and disruption this industry has over the

delivery of health care.

The insurance industr y holds all the cards but shares no responsibility for the unintended outcomes. The industry has practices that allow them to make isolated decisions which can be different from medical best practices or keep up with the fast pace of medicine. Patients are being harmed because they and their providers are often unable to understand, endure, and participate effectively in the process.

Personally, I have had unbelievable delays with my own medications because of my health care plan, which caused me to have significant medical problems. It forced me to take an honest look at a system that I helped create. I realized improvements were needed – especially as the volume of these prescription rules increases and prescribers are left with much less time to provide medical care due to the administrative burdens that are consuming not only their time, but so much of their energy.

This legislation is simple. It establishes a framework that requires health plans to use medical science fairly when creating guidelines, facilitate exceptions to step therapy when it makes sound medical sense, and it encourages at least some transparency and accountability. Based on my experience, this legislation will not create costs to the insurer beyond what they should already be doing. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction to create a very basic framework for health plans as they continue to decide what rules they chose to impose on the health care system. This is a chance to pass basic legislation in Arizona to reinforce health plans that are doing the right thing and to redirect those health plans that aren’t.

I hope to see HB1270 pass unanimously in the Arizona Legislature. It is clearly a necessity to avoid the serious and unintended consequences happening to Arizonans who pay in advance and in good faith for their health care and prescription benefits when their medications require “step therapy”.

2020

LEGAL Few can match Mary O’Grady’s expertise in political and government practice. A partner at Osborn Maledon, O’Grady focuses on issues of public law, notably campaign finance, voting rights, redistricting, and election issues. She previously served as Arizona solicitor general, where she oversaw the state’s campaign finance and election laws and challenges to state laws.

She is among a few with expertise on Arizona’s often litigious redistricting

— Kim Kelley was the head of pharmacy for a very large insurer for years.

process. Indeed, she has been at the forefront of some of the biggest political cases in Arizona. A superb litigator, O’Grady’s work also included ten cases heard by the United States Supreme Court. She sits on the board of ALWAYS, a nonprofit that provides pro bono legal services to vulnerable children and youth, as well as to survivors of human trafficking. She also serves on the city of Tempe Family Justice Commission.

Reprinted with permission from Arizona Capitol Times. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.

Mary O’Grady Attorney, Osborn Maledon

Reprinted with permission from Arizona Capitol Times. Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

Take the first step today toward building equity in your brand, promoting your excellence and offering your audience more reasons to trust you. Contact EVG, and a member of EVG’s content licensing team will be happy to answer your questions and get you started.

enveritasgroup.com

Enveritas is the exclusive reprints and logo licensing partner for Charleston Regional Business Journal

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS The following nonprofits are featured in this section:

American Heart Association ..............................................17

Water Mission ....................................................................23

Bishop Gadsden .................................................................19

South Carolina Aquarium ...................................................25

Lowcountry Food Bank ......................................................21

Trident United Way .............................................................27

www.charlestonbusiness.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 15

EDUCATION | ADVOCACY | HEALTH

Healthy diet | Physical activity | Healthy blood sugar levels | Healthy weight | Healthy levels of chloesteral and lipids | Controlled blood pressure Not smoking or vaping | Adeqaute sleep

WWW.HEART.ORG

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: American Heart Association YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: Established our Charleston office in 1990, nationally founded in 1924 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Katie Schumacher, Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 887 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 110, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-480-4900 Email: CharlestonSC@heart.org Website: www.heart.org/southcarolina AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2023: 1700+ TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2023-2024): $2.5 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 80 cents of every dollar goes back to fund several programs, such as innovative and lifesaving research, critical educational programs, advocacy and lifesaving CPR trainings in the Lowcountry.

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: We are honored to serve Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties.

GREATEST NEED: The American Heart Association is committed to advancing health equity – which can exist only when all people have the opportunity to enjoy healthier lives.

We’re removing barriers to health through work in communities, scientific research, advocating for healthy policies and more.

Please join us on this critical journey.

www.charlestonbusiness.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2023 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: Our local American Heart Association positively affects the Lowcountry community in many ways.

They are present in each restaurant where you can breathe clean, smoke-free air. They are also present in every hospital where doctors save countless lives with technology developed from research funded by our organization.

For almost 30 years, the American Heart Association has funded more than $23 million in research here in Charleston.

There are hundreds of local worksites that have American Heart Association inspired walking paths, healthy food and beverage guidelines, and employee wellness initiatives.

The American Heart Association has been dedicated to changing laws in South Carolina so our citizens can live a healthier life.

We also provided education to adults and children on the danger of tobacco and vaping.

Local faith-based organizations developed Tobacco Free Policies and encouraged their congregants to not use tobacco.

We implemented a self-monitoring blood pressure cuff loaner program with Charleston County Public Libraries. The program exists in 18 branches. Library patrons have the opportunity to check out blood pressure cuffs and receive blood pressure monitoring education. Patrons can be referred to a clinic for primary and follow-up care.

We implemented an interactive Hands-Only CPR training kiosk at the North Charleston Coliseum. The interactive kiosk features a touchscreen with a video program that gives a brief “how-to,” followed by a practice session and a 30-second CPR test. With the help of a rubber torso, the kiosk gives feedback about the depth and rate of compressions and proper hand placement. The interactive kiosk can teach the 500,000 annual visitors to the North Charleston Coliseum hands-only CPR in approximately 5 minutes.

We are working with Charleston County School District to provide CPR in Schools training kits to assist in teaching Hands-Only CPR in all local high schools.

We are also dedicated to improving the lives of our children. Thousands of students in the Lowcountry participated in our Kids Heart Challenge, which supports our youth’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Our Get with the Guidelines quality improvement programs have impacted cardiovascular disease care for thousands of patients in Charleston. These programs provide local hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines to ensure the best care for patients.

2024 GOALS: We want to expand our financial support, grow our volunteer base, engage our community in creating a healthier environment, improve our educational programs, train more people in hands-only CPR, shed light on lifestyle changes to improve health, educate others to know their numbers, and change laws that will create a healthier community.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: LOWCOUNTRY HEART WALK February 24, 2024 LowcountrySCHeartWalk.org CHARLESTON HEART BALL April 26, 2024 CharlestonHeartBall.org GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON May 30, 2024 Charlestongoredluncheon.heart.org CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: The American Heart Association accepts donations throughout the entire year. You can fund our lifesaving mission by supporting customized sponsorships that are centered around social media, blood pressure, CPR initiatives, workplace wellness programs and many more. You can also sponsor our heart-healthy campaigns: the Lowcountry Heart Walk, Charleston Hard Hats With Heart, Charleston Heart Ball and the Go Red For Women Campaign. Please email CharlestonSC@heart.org to find more ways on getting involved in building a healthy community.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 17

2022

Giving by the

Bishop Gadsden Community

$650,000 Distributed by residents and family members to team members in thanks for an incredible year of dedication

$568,503

Bishop Gadsden’s Charitable Fund

$2,800 Metanoia

$2,250 Turn90

$2,600

Hallie Hill/Charleston Animal Society

29,536

meals provided

$33,499

total dollars and 19,691 pounds in food donated

$9,366

of in-kind items to My Sister’s House, Ansonborough House, Charleston County Public Library, SI Habitat for Humanity, James Island Outreach, Fresh Start Visions, Hope to Home

$424,400 Distributed to outside Charitable Organizations (Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, James Island Outreach, Low Country Orphan Relief, & Lowcountry Food Bank)

$99,808 32 scholarships awarded to team members

600

plus toys for Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots

10,300

volunteer hours equating to $308,176 investment in our community

$28,867 in Employee Assistance Loans and Grants

800.373.2384 | bishopgadsden.org | A Life Plan Community in Charleston, SC Call 843.406.2502 for Career Services

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Bishop Gadsden, a Life Plan Retirement Community, embraces God’s call to ministry. We affirm positive living for all who live and work here.

We serve with integrity. We exercise wise stewardship. We reach out with a generous spirit.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1850 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Sarah Tipton, President/CEO CONTACT INFORMATION: Kimberly Borts, Vice President Mission and Communications Address: 1 Bishop Gadsden Way Charleston, SC 29412 Phone: 843.406.6334 E-mail: Kimberly.borts@bishopgadsden.org Website: bishopgadsden.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2023: Bishop Gadsden residents and team members continue to support the greater community with their talent and time and gave 10,300 volunteer hours, equating to a $308,176 investment in the Charleston area.

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The greater Charleston, SC, area.

GREATEST NEED: The Bishop Gadsden Charitable Fund is the heart and soul of our philanthropic ministry at Bishop Gadsden. This fund assists our residents in need of financial assistance and supports our resident-selected outreach efforts to the greater Charleston community.

Residents choose the charitable organizations Bishop Gadsden, as a Community, will support through the Charitable Fund and smaller fundraisers, including Generous Spirit Bingo and others.

An annual appeal for the Charitable Fund is sent each spring to the residents, family members, future residents, and board members.

Additionally, team members support the Charitable Fund through the Employee Shining Star program. Those participating wear stars on their name badges. www.charlestonbusiness.com

A CLOSER LOOK: TOP GIVING HIGHLIGHTS: 2022 Giving Highlights: • Distributed $424,000 to are charitable organizations through our Charitable Fund Grant: • Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic $132,100 • James Island Outreach - $80,100 • Low Country Orphan Relief - $80,100 • Lowcountry Food Bank - $132,100 • Metanoia - $2,800 • Turn90 - $2,250 • Hallie Hill/Charleston Animal Society $2,600 • Awarded $88,808 in scholarships to 32 team members for continuing education and education debt relief.

• Received and awarded a record $650,000 for the Annual Employee Appreciation Appeal. Each full-time team member received $1,850 as a thank you for an incredible year of dedication.

• Donated 19,691 lbs. of food, equaling $33,499 to area food banks, which provided 29,536 meals.

• Provided $9,366 of in-kind items to My Sister’s House, Ansonborough House, Charleston County Public Library, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, James Island Outreach, Fresh Start Visions, Hope to Home.

• Employee Team Members donated 600+ plus toys-for Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots.

• Welcomed 206 team members as Shining Stars, contributing to the Charitable, Employee Assistance, and Strongheart Employee Education Scholarship Funds $28,867 in Employee Assistance Loans and Grants.

• Since 2000, more than $12,342,086 has been distributed to charitable causes.

Bishop Gadsden community include: • Charleston Area Senior Citizens • Kids on Point • My Sisters House • Our Lady of Mercy • Charleston Waterkeeper • Reading Partners • Pet Helpers 2024 GOALS: Award 2023 Grant Recipients in February of 2024 with more than $150,000 from our 2023 Charitable Fund and complete the 2024 Charitable Fund Grant process.

Encourage our team members to further their education and pay down debt incurred from previously completed education through our Strongheart Scholarship Program. Work to welcome those in the greater Charleston area when in need of short-term rehab by becoming a patient of our Christie Rehab Center in Gadsden Glen Health and Rehab Center.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Please contact Vice President of Mission and Communications Kimberly M. Borts at kimberly.borts@bishopgadsden.org for information on how Bishop Gadsden can work with corporations in supporting the Bishop Gadsden community, as well as the greater Charleston community.

2023 GIVING HIGHLIGHTS • Bishop Gadsden’s Charitable Fund is currently raising funds for our 2023 Charitable Fund Grant Recipients. The outstanding organizations selected by the Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 19

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Proudly Serving The Lowcountry Since 1983!

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Lowcountry Food Bank serves more than 200,000 food-insecure neighbors every year in the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina.

We do this critical work with the help of 230 partner agencies and community partners - a network of food partners, on-site meal programs and school programs.

Our dedicated staff provides our partners with fresh fruits and vegetables, nutrition education, and the equipment needed to distribute healthy food to people in need.

To best serve our most vulnerable populations, we identify locations that drive our commitment to provide equitable access to nutritious food. We target our food assistance initiatives and programs to reach disproportionately affected communities, individuals and families. Here are a few statistics that show our impact in 2022:

39.7

Millions Pounds Of Food And Essential Items Distributed

14.1

Million Pounds of Food From Retailers That Would Otherwise Go to Waste

33

Million Meals Served

16.6

Million Pounds Of Produce Served

17,000+

Volunteer Hours Worked

325,004 Miles Driven By LCFB Trucks

FEED. ADVOCATE. EMPOWER.

For more information call 843-747-8146 or visit lowcountryfoodbank.org

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: To lead the fight against hunger in our community.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Lowcountry Food Bank MISSION STATEMENT: To lead the fight against hunger in our community.

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1983 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Nick Osborne, President and CEO CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: 843-747-8146 Website: lowcountryfoodbank.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Brenda Shaw, Chief Development Officer Address: same as above Phone: 843-747-8146, ext. 104 E-mail: bshaw@lcfbank.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2023: More than 25,000 volunteer hours in 2023 GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. (Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Williamsburg) GREATEST NEED: Monetary donations to help create meals. Every $1 donation helps create six meals.

www.charlestonbusiness.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2023 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: By pinpointing, through continued technological innovation, specifically where food distributions are most needed and which types of food distributions best meet the needs of the neighbors we serve. We strive to meet the needs of our neighbors who experience food insecurity and provide equitable access to healthy food.

2024 GOALS: Some of our goals for the next three years include meeting current food assistance needs with healthy food, engaging with our neighbors and community to help amplify their voices, investing in the future of our communities, and organizational excellence by further investing in our own business.

Get involved: • Fund a specific Lowcountry Food Bank program or sponsor an awareness campaign • Sponsor and attend Chefs’ Feast, our premier gala event in February or Walk to Fight Hunger in September • Challenge your customers and employees to give to the Lowcountry Food Bank through your company’s annual employee giving campaign • Volunteer with your team at the Lowcountry Food Bank • Host a Fund and Food Drive • Provide in-kind donations to the Lowcountry Food Bank by donating products or professional services

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: Chefs’ Feast 2024 on Feb. 25 is Lowcountry Food Bank’s annual event dedicated to raising funds for our programs that help fight childhood hunger in the 10 coastal counties of SC that we serve. Chef’s Feast celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024!

The Walk to Fight Hunger is an annual, family-friendly event that takes place every September to raise awareness of food insecurity in our community and provide vital funds. All funds raised at the Walk to Fight Hunger support Lowcountry Food Bank’s initiatives that are focused on leading the fight against hunger throughout the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Partner with the Lowcountry Food Bank to position your company as a leader in the fight against hunger and to connect your business to one of the community’s most reputable nonprofits.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 21

6 6 Licensed Licensed Professional Professional Surveyors Surveyors •• 17 17 Survey Survey Crews Crews Latest Trimble Robotics and GPS • LEED AP Professional Latest Trimble Robotics and GPS • LEED AP Professional Staff Staff Charleston County “SBE” Certified • 3D Laser Scanning Charleston County “SBE” Certified • 3D Laser Scanning

• Power Generation •• Power Generation ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey •• ALTA/NSPS Boundary Land Title Survey •• Boundary Construction Staking •• Construction Dock Permits Staking •• Dock Permits Residential

• Commercial •• Commercial Aviation •• Aviation Topographical •• Topographical Landfills

Charleston | Georgetown

8 43.554.7777 | www.plssc.com 8 43.554.7777 | www.plssc.com

• Landfills

• Residential

Charleston | Georgetown

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 IV PE, CEO, and President CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 150 Molly Greene Way, Bldg.

1605, N. Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: 843-769-7395 Fax: 843-769-7395 Website: www.watermission.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Water Mission, Attention: Partner Services Address: 150 Molly Greene Way, Bldg.

1605, N. Charleston, SC 29405 Phone: 843-769-7395 E-mail: partnerservices@watermission.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2022: 300 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2022-23): $42 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 88% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 8 million people in 60 countries. Water Mission’s global headquarters is in North Charleston, SC, and the organization has more than 400 staff members based in Africa; Asia; North, South, and Central America; and the Caribbean.

GREATEST NEED: 2 billion people lack access to safe water. One person dies every 37 seconds from water-related illness. The global water crisis is enormous and urgent, but there is hope. Access to safe water is life-changing, building health and creating educational and economic opportunities that can help break the cycle of poverty. Our vision is that all people have safe water and an opportunity to experience God’s love.

www.charlestonbusiness.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2023 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: In 2023, Water Mission brought safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions to more than 1.9 million people. We served families in developing countries and forcibly displaced people seeking safety in refugee camps, and survivors of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

In addition to meeting critical physical needs, we also have the honor of sharing God’s love with men, women and children.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: • Give a Gift to save lives with safe water at watermission.org • Workplace Match • Walk for Water Sponsorship • Start a Walk for Water Team • Grants • Employee Volunteer Opportunities • Gifts in Kind

2024 GOALS: • Save lives in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas with sustainable access to clean, safe water.

• Provide emergency safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions to survivors of natural disasters.

• Equip local churches in developing countries to share the gospel and show God’s love in their communities.

• Help refugees experience healthier and more dignified living conditions with safe water.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: WATER MISSION WALK FOR WATER, 9 A.M., SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024, AT RIVERFRONT PARK, NORTH CHARLESTON, SC Millions of women and children walk more than three miles to collect water each day for their families. Often, the water collected is unsafe to drink. But there is hope. The flagship Water Mission Walk for Water in Charleston, SC, raises funds and awareness to save lives with safe water.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, join family, friends, and neighbors to bring clean, safe water to people in need around the world.

We walk, so others don’t have to. Visit walkforwater.org to learn more.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 23

The South Carolina Aquarium has a vision of connecting all people with water, wildlife and wild places, and with the help of our community partners, we are able to expand the Aquarium experience well beyond our walls.

Thanks to a generous gift from Aflac, patients at children’s hospitals across the state now have the opportunity to visit the Aquarium from their hospital rooms! A telepresence robot, controlled directly from an in-room tablet, allows patients to create their own path through the exhibits and enjoy an immersive experience from afar.

Help us forge new avenues of connection. Explore corporate opportunities with the Aquarium by calling (843) 579-8600 or visiting scaquarium.org/corporate

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We rely on the support of our paying guests, members, foundations and the generosity of our donors.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: South Carolina Aquarium YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2000 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Kevin Mills, President and CEO Contact information: Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC, 29401 Phone: 843-577-FISH (3474) Website: scaquarium.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Griffin Muli, Manager, Corporate and Legislative Strategy Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC, 29401 Phone: (843) 579-8600 E-mail: gmuli@scaquarium.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2022: 250 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2022-23): $14,179,360 PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 75% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: In 2022, the Aquarium welcomed more than 500,000 visitors from around the world. Beyond our walls, we drive innovation in the areas of conservation and research through field work and global education outreach.

GREATEST NEED: The Aquarium’s conservation efforts are a top strategic priority. There are a multitude of opportunities to support our work in sea turtle conservation, resilience, sustainable seafood and plastic pollution mitigation.

www.charlestonbusiness.com

A CLOSER LOOK: 2023 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: The South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™ continues to provide innovative, lifesaving care for endangered sea turtles. So far in 2023, 35 rehabilitated sea turtles have been successfully released, with nearly 400 sea turtles released since its inception. In March, the Aquarium relaunched Good Catch, a program that encourages communities to support local, sustainable seafood practices and consumption of responsibly harvested seafood. In July, the Aquarium broke ground to begin renovations for their new multidisciplinary learning center, the Boeing Learning Lab at the Charleston Maritime Center. This facility will comprise 8,500 square feet of educational space that includes four indoor classrooms, one open-air classroom, a broadcast studio to conduct virtual programs and office space for Aquarium staff.

2024 GOALS: The Aquarium has always upheld the mission of providing accessible STEM education programs to students of all ages. With the opening of the Boeing Learning Lab in 2024, the Aquarium will have the capacity to double the number of students they serve annually through their core education offerings, such as Dominion Energy School Programs, the Aquarium’s free standards-based curriculum for K-12 students, and a robust slate of teen programming, including the High School Intern Program and Teen Science Cafés.

The opening of the Boeing Learning Lab represents the advancement of Landmark, the Aquarium’s five-year strategic plan which prioritizes unlocking and animating the waterfront for families, students, residents and tourists.

the region’s top business and civic leaders to honor the Aquarium’s talented team of women in science. The Conservation Gala includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner and awards program and concludes with an after party featuring the immersive holiday light spectacular, Aquarium Aglow.

Sea Life by Starlight also returns to the Aquarium on Saturday, Dec. 9. This celestialthemed festive fundraiser is all-inclusive, featuring a full bar, small plates, a silent auction, dancing and more to benefit the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Advance your business’s philanthropic goals supporting STEM education, sea turtle rehabilitation, wildlife conservation and more by partnering with the Aquarium!

From event sponsorships to Corporate Circle membership, we have numerous opportunities to complement your community engagement goals, complete with rewarding benefits for your employees.

To discuss corporate giving opportunities, please contact Griffin Muli, manager, corporate and legislative strategy.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: The upcoming South Carolina Aquarium Conservation Gala, on Nov. 18, will unite 400 supporters and Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 25

WHO IS

ALICE ?

ALICE

®

Despite working full-time or multiple jobs, ALICE walks a fine line to stay afloat, earning above the federal poverty level, but not enough to cover the rising costs of living, leaving them and their families in a perpetual cycle of financial instability.

represents Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households

40%

In the Tri-County, nearly 128,000 households live below the ALICE threshold.

HOW TRIDENT UNITED WAY IS HELPING Trident United Way is paving the way to financial stability for ALICE families. With our large network of nonprofit partners, volunteers and donors, we connect ALICE to immediate relief and assistance programs that open opportunities for lasting change.

HOW YOU CAN HELP IF YOU ARE

YOU CAN

A community or business leader

Organize a giving campaign and educate your employees about TUW and community resources available.

Part of a nonprofit

Partner with TUW.

A company

Create HR policies & stipends to lower costs for essentials like transportation, technology and child care.

Everyone

Donate, volunteer or spread the word. #TUW4ALICE

If you are an ALICE household, call 211 to connect with resources that can open opportunities for you and your family.

Visit TUW.org/ALICE for more ways to contribute.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Trident United Way MISSION STATEMENT: MISSION - Trident United Way is a catalyst for measurable community transformation in education, financial stability and health.

VISION - To be the leader in uniting our community to improve lives.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION: Trident United Way YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1944 – we are celebrating our 79th year of serving our community.

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: D.J. Hampton, II, J.D. – President and Chief Executive Officer CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: Administrative Offices: 6296 Rivers Avenue, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843.740.9000 Website: tuw.org OTHER TRIDENT UNITED WAY LOCATIONS: BERKELEY RESOURCE CONNECTION – Moncks Corner Phone: 843.761.6033 DORCHESTER TUW RESOURCE CONNECTION - Summerville Phone: 843.695.4261 CORPORATE GIVING CONTACT: Mike Gibbons, Interim Vice President of Advancement Address: 6296 Rivers Avenue, Suite 200 North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843.740.7739 E-mail: mgibbons@tuw.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2022: 3,230 volunteers served through Trident United Way in fiscal year July 2022 through June 2022.

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET: $6,907,350 (2021-2022) PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 74.59% (2021-2022 Program Operations from our most recent 990) GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.

www.charlestonbusiness.com

A CLOSER LOOK: GREATEST NEED: Despite working fulltime or multiple jobs, 40% of Tri-County households struggle to make ends meet.

That means 2 out of 5 neighbors can’t afford all of the essentials like food, housing, transportation and healthcare.

Meet ALICE®. ALICE stands for households who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed and represents nearly 128,000 TriCounty households that are employed.

Despite earning above the Federal Poverty Level, (FLP = $30,000 annually per household) and less than $60,000 annually per household, these hardworking households cannot afford life’s necessities due to factors beyond their control. While vital for our communities, these roles don’t generate enough income to cover the rising costs of living, leaving ALICE vulnerable to a cycle of financial instability.

2023 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: In June 2023, TUW launched FoodShare Berkeley County program to close the gap in access to fresh fruits and vegetables with plans to scale this “food as medicine” program into Dorchester and Charleston counties. Each FreshFood box contains 10-12 varieties of fresh produce and is available for $5 with SNAP or $20 purchase with debit card. From the program’s inception to date, 619 boxes totaling 11,872 lbs. have been purchased by individuals and families.

This program is generously sponsored by Nucor Steel Berkeley.

USDA Community Garden Grant – Year one of a three-year grant completed. Communityled gardens in each county of service were planned, installed and planting will occur in fall of 2023. This federal grant provides wonderful opportunities for community engagement that leads to healthier lifestyles and hyperlocal access to fresh vegetables. Since June 2023, 11,255 lbs. of produce distributed to 395 individuals who screened for food insecurity in partnership with Lowcountry Food Bank.

New Food Pharmacies have been implemented at St. James Health and Wellness Center in McClellanville and Elijah Wright Family Health Center in Cross. Those identified as needing extra support (50-60% of patients at these locations) are then given access to fresh fruits, meats, and dairy from on-site Food Pharmacies at the clinics.

Free Tax Filing Assistance – in partnership with SC Thrive, supported clients with filing more than 1,000 tax returns and saving nearly $300,000 in filing fees and $3.9M in tax refunds. 3,552 households served through TUW’s Resource Connection Centers in Summerville and Moncks Corner. Staff assists with basic needs, referrals to other agencies, tax filing, benefits applications and more.

38 individuals assisted through our Barriers to Employment Fund to help our neighbors obtain and sustain employment, which can be transformational not only for the person starting a new job, but for their entire family for years to come.

2024 GOALS: Trident United Way’s new Changemaker Grants program will offer investments toward an agency’s effectiveness, efficiency and future sustainability by providing resources to improve or expand the organization’s mission. Changemaker Grants will be awarded in four cycles before June 30, 2024, with a minimum of $100,000 per cycle.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS: 2024 is Trident United Way’s 80th year in service to the Tri-County community with special events throughout the year. There will be multiple opportunities to support this event and invest in the mission-fulfillment work of programs and partnerships serving Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.

CORPORATE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Contact Mike Gibbons mgibbons@tuw.org or 843.740.7739 for more information.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 27

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HELPING OUT

Volunteers make our communities better The tireless efforts of those who volunteer their time and talent continue to enhance lives in the Lowcountry. From school supply and clothing drives to hammering nails in new home construction, these contributions are an invaluable component of the outreach programs run by area nonprofits.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry 29

HELPING OUT

30 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry

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IT’S OUR PLACE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our role in the community goes beyond banking. South Carolina is our home, too. Through volunteering in our neighborhoods, supporting local nonprofit organizations, and awarding college scholarships, we take personal pride in embodying the credit union motto, “PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE.”

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