4 minute read
A Look Back at 2020
Brand Evolution A Reservoir of Giving
Ì Learn more about our history at www.spcf.org “Let’s rejoice that we live in a community that places such a high premium on giving.”
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Jim Barrett
President of The Spartanburg County Foundation, 1985 - 1997
A Reflection on The Spartanburg County Foundation Brand
One of the defining characteristics of The Spartanburg County Foundation is innovative leadership. It stems from the Foundation’s rich history of innovation – from its creation in 1943 as the state's first community foundation, through decades of countless investments in technology and philanthropic innovations.
ORIGINS OF THE LOGO
During the 1950s, The Spartanburg County Foundation adopted a "reservoir" to illustrate the functions of a community foundation. Founder Walter Montgomery drew upon the engineering innovations of the day by stating, "As truly representing the functions of a foundation… as the great dams and power plants that cover our land, and the impounded waters flow through the turbines… so the impounded contributions, small and large, in the reservoir of benevolent funds flow into the channels of county needs through the gates of education, health, recreation, and welfare."
The Foundation's logo was inspired by this metaphor, using a fountain to symbolize the "flow of benevolent funds" into the Spartanburg community. While this historical reference continues to serve as an important reminder to the Foundation, its origins have become less known to the community at large.
LEGACY LOGO
EVOLVED LOGO & VARIATIONS
2021 will see the introduction of a new brand system for the Foundation, designed to be more flexible with today's myriad of communication methods.
EVOLVING THE BRAND
In this spirit of heritage and innovation, 2021 will see the introduction of a new brand system for the Foundation. This collection of brand elements and materials will help establish more cohesive and flexible communications from the Foundation as we continue to innovate and evolve.
The most prominent feature of the new brand system is an evolution to the Foundation logo. This refreshed logo has been thoughtfully designed to retain an unmistakable connection to the Foundation's heritage while providing more clarity and flexibility for today's wide variety of outreach. More importantly, its many variations will prepare us for unknown uses that are yet to come in the future.
For over 75 years, The Spartanburg County Foundation has evolved, innovated, and adapted to the community's needs. Despite those many changes and challenges, the Foundation has – and always will – remain focused on being a philanthropy catalyst that serves our community as both a fiduciary and community leader. We believe this new brand system will provide a meaningful reflection of those efforts for years to come.
Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy A Place For Everyone
15,000 21
SQ. FT. OF SPACE FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT
2,500
SQ. FT. SPACE DEDICATED TO A PARTNER IN RESIDENCE VIRTUAL EVENTS HOSTED
1st
CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY IN SC
"As a small business owner in Spartanburg, it is imperative to support and commit to our community. Spartanburg has supported Wingstop for over twelve years. It was an honor and privilege to donate to The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy. As it is written in Luke chapter 12 “to whom much is given, much is required.”
Jesse and Lorena Prioleau
Donor In 2020, The Spartanburg County Foundation celebrated the completion of The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy – South Carolina’s first center dedicated to philanthropic services.
This breakthrough facility contains 15,000 square feet of collaborative, multi-use space – all designed to foster collaboration, spark ideas, and facilitate action in the community. Beyond its inviting architecture, The Center’s most striking features are flexibility and availability to all who need it.
THOUGHTFUL SPACES
Through thoughtfully designed spaces, The Center caters to a myriad of needs from research to collaboration to convening and celebrations. Structured spaces such as the Innovation Lab offer a range of strategic uses from community conversations to film screenings and discussions in a classroom-style setting. Nonprofits can use this space for training and other capacity-building efforts. Connectivity options, including live streaming technology, allow meetings and presentations to have unlimited reach.
More collaborative spaces such as The Community Room provide a casual place for convening and discussing philanthropic ideas – or just to enjoy a cup of coffee and socialize. These informal, spontaneous conversations can spark ideas that lead to bold steps in addressing the issues and challenges in our community. The Center’s flexible spaces, such as The Gallery of Philanthropy, are already being used to host live-streamed productions, conduct meetings, and share stories of philanthropy and giving through a number of interactive displays.
The Nonprofit Partner in Residence will create an opportunity for a large nonprofit or a national/regional funder to be immersed in a southern community that has many great assets, but also sees a lot of need.
DONOR DIVERSITY
Many spaces throughout The Center are directly supported by a diverse collection of individuals, companies, and organizations through gifts, both large and small. Many supporters are first-time donors to the Foundation – inspired by The Center’s mission and potential for positive impact in Spartanburg County. This geographic, economic, and generational diversity of donors is a shining example of how philanthropic innovation can bolster community support.
As a gathering place where members from all walks of life can come and consider the role of philanthropy in the life of Spartanburg County, The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy is truly a community asset for everyone.
