Generosity Across Generations

“We are honored so many individuals have entrusted their philanthropic resources to the Spartanburg County Foundation. Each one brings a unique take on how they can make a difference. Their work inspires and energizes us every day.”

Karen Nichols, Vice President of Philanthropic Services

In philanthropy, there are no minimum age requirements and no age limits. The growing number of young philanthropists opening funds with the Foundation is inspiring. Among the youngest were Adom Appiah (Ball for Good) in 2017 and Tradd Hodge (The Giver Foundation) in 2022. These funds continue to inspire other young philanthropists to their causes, and positively impact our community in many ways.

In 2024, college student Van Adamson-Thompson brought a new wave of excitement for the next generation of philanthropy in our community by opening the Middle Tyger Community

Scholarship Fund. He was inspired to open this fund from his own experience as a Byrnes High School student moving on to study economics at the University of North Carolina and civic engagement and social change at Duke University. He wanted to share his passion for serviceoriented leadership by providing guidance and funding support for juniors at Byrnes. He had just completed an internship at the White House when coming to the Foundation to open his fund. He now works as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company as he continues to build The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship Fund.

Van Adamson-Thompson

Middle Tyger Community Scholarship

The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship application process was patterned after Van Adamson-Thompson's work with Stanford University’s six pathways for public service and community engagement: Community-Engaged Research, Community Organizing and Activism, Direct Service, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Governance. The application process includes a mentorship component and works within the six pathways to help high school juniors learn as they seek financial support.

To learn more about the Middle Tyger Community Scholarship Fund, visit middletygerscholarship.com

Philanthropy Through Wofford's Launch Program

Sarah Butler, Launch Program Manager at Wofford College’s Career Center (and a GLDI alum) approached Foundation team members Ashley Whitt (SCF Vice President of Grants and Community Impact) and Karen Nichols (SCF Vice President of Philanthropic Services) to discuss ways to incorporate philanthropy in her class for Launch students. After a classroom presentation, Ashley and Karen surprised the students with a unique opportunity: to direct the Foundation's award of a "Just Because" grant to a local 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The powerful result had students preparing pitches to help them choose a nonprofit to receive grant funds. They researched local organizations, learned the importance of “elevator” pitches, and crafted messaging to build a compelling case for support. Class members then voted for the best pitches, learning from each group’s approach, ultimately directing the Foundation's grant to Brown Girls Read. Through this hands-on learning process, the class gained a deeper understanding of philanthropy, community impact, and the power of giving along the way.