4 minute read
Grantmaking: Guided by Trust, Informed by Data
Building trust and transparency between the Foundation and the nonprofit sector is key to improving the lives of all Spartanburg County residents and seeing everyone reach their full human potential.
The Foundation’s grantmaking opportunities, through the Spartanburg Community Fund, are designed to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem by growing their capacity to serve and continuously improve. We collaborate closely with each grant partner to understand the data that informs their work, how impact is measured, and how we can support them as they serve across Spartanburg County.
Centering Relationships
Building relationships often begins with listening—taking the time to understand a nonprofit’s mission, the communities they serve, and the challenges they face. This connection often happens through one-on-one meetings and the Foundation’s capacity building initiatives. The Foundation offers training and workshops through initiatives like Nonprofit Connect learning sessions, Nonprofit Capacity Building Boot Camp, and additional fundraising sessions for Boot Camp participants. These events not only help build knowledge for participating organizations, but they also create an environment that fosters partnerships between organizations.
Impact stories from these three organizations were featured in our Annual Meeting Film. We also highlight our grant recipients through social media spotlights, our annual report, and Grantee Spotlight exhibits held in the Gallery of Philanthropy.
You can view the full exhibit of 2024 grantee spotlights by visiting bit.ly/SCF24Grantees.
Data-Informed
A closer look at three organizations that received funding in 2024 highlights how data informs the Foundation's grantmaking decisions.
Project R.E.S.T.
74% increase in shelter occupancy
Project R.E.S.T. (formerly Safe Homes - Rape Crisis Coalition) experienced a significant rise in need for its emergency domestic violence shelter in Spartanburg in 2024. At the same time, they faced a notable decrease in federal funding from VOCA (Victims of Crime Act). An estimated 5,000 residents need support to reclaim their lives after surviving domestic violence and sexual assault. Through listening and learning, the Foundation has fostered a deep understanding of the organization's evolution, processes, collaboration with other agencies, and approaches to meeting a data-supported community need. *1
Rebuilding Together Spartanburg
13% of households face housing issues
Many hardworking, older homeowners in the county live without functional kitchens or plumbing (bathrooms, showers) because they cannot afford the high cost of repairs. This data clearly illustrates a critical need. Through participation in the Foundation’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Boot Camp, Rebuilding Together Spartanburg (formerly Christmas in Action) and the Foundation's team built a stronger relationship. This led to deeper discussion on Rebuilding Together’s vision for sustainability and its partnerships that support home repair. *2
Ruth's Gleanings
33k residents face food insecurity
Addressing food insecurity in Spartanburg County requires a coordinated effort, and multiple organizations are rising to the challenge. Ruth’s Gleanings tackles the issue from two angles through its FoodShare and Gleanings programs, supported by an expanding network of community partners. Founder of Ruth’s Gleanings, Tonja Smith, has been involved with the Foundation as she built the organization’s capacity and refined its programs to meet this urgent need. The organization’s case for support was also backed by data in the Strategic Spartanburg Food Security Dashboard, resulting in a Spartanburg Community Fund grant. *3
Further Information:
1) Study: South Carolina in 2020, The Economic Impact of Domestic Violence published by the Jamie Kimble Foundation jkffc.org/files/8bfe809e-c9fe-4504-b20f-593f24e17b0d-c5cb8b8c-e286-43b0-bd11-0e52a1dcd552/sc-dv-study.pdf
2) County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2025). Spartanburg County, South Carolina health data. University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Spartanburg County Community Conditions, Physical Environment [Data dashboard]. Retrieved from countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/south-carolina/spartanburg?year=2025
3) Strategic Spartanburg.(2024). Spartanburg Food Security [Data dashboard}.www.strategicspartanburg.org/foodsecuritydashboard
