Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina

Empower Charleston

Empower Charleston is a fund and program of Coastal Community Foundation. The program provides two-year, capacity-building grants with a component of programmatic support to nonprofit organizations serving Berkeley, Charleston and/or Dorchester counties. To learn more, please visit: https://empowercharleston.org/

Stirling Halversen, stirling@empowercharleston.org

Average award: Past Empower Charleston Investees have been awarded from $10,000 to $50,000 per year during their engagement periods. Typical investments are for two years.

Deadline: March 13, 2026

Apply

Criteria for eligibility

  • Nonprofit organizations serving Berkeley, Charleston and/or Dorchester counties are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, effective, sustainable programs with clear measurable outcomes and impact, and a desire for collaborative engagement with Empower Charleston Partners. While each investment is unique, past Investees have included nonprofit organizations that are working to improve education, mental health and wellness, and economic mobility. To learn more, please visit: https://empowercharleston.org/

     

Application process and schedule

  • Interested applicants will apply through CCF’s online portal. The investment cycle is conducted every two years with the next application process opening in early 2026. The application process typically consists of two phases, the first of which is an application. Organizations who advance to Phase 2 will be notified to submit a Phase 2 application which will be due later that month. In addition to the Phase 2 application, the process also includes an interview and site visit.

Contact