Giving Knows No Age: 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.

Van Adamson-Thompson

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 service oriented 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.

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.

Wofford College’s Launch Program Students

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.

Dr. Alysa Handelsman and her students chose Housing 360 to receive a Just Because Grant

First Steps in Philanthropy from the Classroom

Dr. Alysa Handelsman, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Community Sustainability Specialist at Wofford College (also a GLDI alum), challenged her students to engage with local community leaders. A visit to the Spartanburg County Foundation and an impromptu chat with President and CEO Troy Hanna led to another “Just Because” grant opportunity.

Wofford students Sydney Heslop, Maura Jackson, Carlee Mason, and Grant Owen chose to direct the grant to Housing360, the nonprofit affiliate of Spartanburg Housing. The students volunteered with the organization, helping in the Determined Minds afterschool program throughout the fall 2024 semester.

Ms. Jackson learned of the scholarship fund opened in her honor during a special luncheon with family and friends

To Marking Milestones: Giving Has No Age Limits

These stories reflect a growing generation of young philanthropists inspired to give back early in their lives. In contrast, 105-year-old Spartanburg resident Hazel B. Jackson’s story sits on the other side of life’s spectrum and offers a powerful example of philanthropy later in life.

Dr. John Moses, Jr., a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Duke University, and his family have been friends with Ms. Jackson and her family for generations. Dr. Moses worked with Ms. Jackson’s grandson, Damon Stinger, to create the Hazel S. Jackson Nursing Educational Fund. Though neither Dr. Moses nor Mr. Stinger live or work in Spartanburg County, Ms. Jackson and her commitment to family, friends, her church, and helping others have inspired the scholarship fund that will provide scholarships for students who are members of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church who wish to pursue a nursing degree. Dr. Moses, Mr. Stinger, Ms. Jackson, family members, and Karen Nichols (SCF Vice President of Philanthropic Services) surprised Ms. Jackson with the presentation of the scholarship fund at a special luncheon.

Learn more about some of Spartanburg County Foundation's newest fundholders in our Annual Film, which you can view here.