Since March 2020, the COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund of Coastal Community Foundation has awarded $2.5 million in grants on a rolling basis to nonprofits working with communities disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and whose work is within the nine counties of coastal South Carolina: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper Counties.
The economic recession brought on by the pandemic in 2020 led to the highest rate of unemployment in nearly 50 years, putting demand for direct services such as food and housing support at an all-time high. The COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund has been an ongoing source of support to ensure nonprofits could quickly meet that added demand while navigating other challenges.
This article has been continually updated with details of each recipient as grants were awarded from the fund since March 2020.
All Regions — $372,300 awarded
Lowcountry Food Bank, serving all nine coastal counties of South Carolina, was awarded $50,000 to purchase at least 17,000 pounds of shelf-stable food; provide at least 1,100 food assistance boxes to its 275 partner agencies throughout South Carolina, and support weekend hunger-relief backpacks and School Pantry boxes for students.
Ronald McDonald House Charities – which serves 9 Lowcountry Counties – has been awarded $4,000 to order meals from local restaurants for resident families.
We Are Family – which provides affirming spaces and microgrants for LGBTQI+ youth throughout 9 Lowcountry Counties – has been awarded $8,000 to reopen their Emergency Assistance Grant, their Community Response Grant, and to provide virtual programming.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, SC – which serves all nine coastal counties – was awarded $60,000 to support Spanish-speaking immigrants by providing rent, utility, and grocery assistance.
The Homeless Period Project, Inc. — advocating in all nine coastal counties to end the stigma around menstruation and to provide menstrual hygiene products for women and girls in challenging situations — was awarded $2,800 to continue their work in supplying women and girls in need.
The College of Charleston Foundation — which promotes programs of education, research, and student and faculty development — has been awarded $10,000 to assist students with basic needs including food, rent, transportation, and other needs related to campus closure and virtual learning.
The Palmetto Project — whose mission is to identify and implement innovative, evidence-based solutions to social and economic challenges in South Carolina — was awarded $10,000 to provide 430 South Carolinians direct, in-person, online, and over the phone assistance through the InsureSC Call Center to help apply for and secure unemployment compensation and SNAP, identify and utilize medical home, and ensure that every child with unemployed parents is enrolled in Medicaid or other coverage.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, providing services for over 80,000 veteran patients who span from Myrtle Beach to Savannah, was awarded $15,000 to expand the Curbside Delivery program to reach veterans in rural areas of counties and continue to supply shelf-stable food and critical resources through the end of the calendar year.
The American Cancer Society was awarded $15,000 to provide free lodging at local hotels for cancer patients.
The Lowcountry Food Bank, which leads the fight against hunger in our community, was awarded $25,000 to conduct 9-holiday drive-thru distributions to provide more than 1,900 families with at least 81,000 pounds of nutritious, shelf-stable, and perishable food items including fresh produce.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, SC. Inc., was awarded $45,000 to support basic needs such as rent, mortgage, and utilities for Spanish-speaking immigrants in the nine coastal counties.
Coastal Community Foundation was awarded $52,500 to provide a year of free services from TalkSpace to 1,000 nonprofit workers across their nine-county footprint. TalkSpace is a counseling platform that provides video, phone, and messaging services between clients and licensed mental health professionals. By offering free access to TalkSpace, CCF hopes to address many barriers that impede workers from accessing behavioral healthcare.
$75,000 was allocated for rural capacity building across all regions.
Tri-County region: Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester counties — $778,364 awarded
The Carolina Youth Development Center, serving Berkeley and Charleston counties, was awarded $10,000 to increase direct care staff at its group homes for displaced children. The nonprofit is accepting up to 29 more children upon referral from DSS — almost doubling its current population and significantly increasing CYDC’s need for staffing. See how the grant is helping the staff care for the influx of children here.
Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center — serving Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties — has been awarded $10,000 to support the purchase of technology and staff resources to remotely provide Telehealth services to families seeking trauma treatment services.
Lowcountry Local First has been awarded $10,000 to support programming and resource cultivation for the Charleston County business community.
Pattison’s Academy — serving Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties — has been awarded $10,000 to continue providing basic needs services to children with disabilities, many of whom are considered immunocompromised.
HELP of Summerville has been awarded $5,000 to provide financial assistance of up to $150 on a one-time basis to help cover rent and/or utility costs for individuals in the Tricounty area.
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. has been awarded $15,000 to continue to offer emergency and basic resources to the Charleston County community as new needs arise.
Ashley Ridge Church – which operates in Charleston and Dorchester Counties – has been awarded $8,000 to buy groceries that are delivered directly to persons in need in neighborhoods with Section 8 housing, high rates of free and reduced school lunches, and populations of elderly residents on fixed incomes.
East Cooper Community Outreach was awarded $15,000 to provide food distribution, emergency financial assistance for housing/utility payments, and assistance with emergency medical prescriptions for people facing the barriers of situational poverty in Berkeley and Charleston Counties.
East Cooper Meals on Wheels – which serves Berkeley and Charleston Counties – has been awarded $10,000 to deliver meals to nearly 300 recipients a week, many of whom are elderly and have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Meals on Wheels of Summerville was awarded $8,000 to provide meals to elderly and vulnerable populations. Currently, they are serving 214 individuals, with more on a waiting list.
Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, which provides services for abused children and their families throughout the Tri-County area, was awarded $10,000 to support its conversion to telehealth services.
Camp Happy Days – which provides free, year-round programs and events for children diagnosed with cancer and their families in all nine Lowcountry counties – was awarded $8,000 for family emergency assistance.
Fresh Start Visions – which assists those who were recently incarcerated with meeting essential needs and finding employment in the Tri-County region – was awarded $8,000 to provide a range of essential services including clothing, toiletries, housing cost assistance, and health screenings.
The Green Heart Project was awarded $8,000 to launch Veggie Bags, a new initiative at the William Enston Home that will deliver fresh produce to Charleston residents on a “pay-what-you-can” basis.
The Humanities Foundation – which works to increase the availability of affordable housing in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties – was awarded $8,000 to provide one-time grants of $200-$300 for rent and utility assistance.
Trident Technical College Foundation – which supports students, faculty, and staff at Trident – was awarded $8,000 to provide students with laptops to enable them to participate in online classes.
Hearts of Huger serving Berkeley County was awarded $5,000 for PPE and to provide financial assistance to constituents in need.
Shifa Free Clinic in Mount Pleasant was awarded $3,000 to support the continued distribution of food and basic necessities/supplies to an average of 350 families per week in the Tri-County Area.
Edisto Indian Free Clinic – which provides free and/or discounted medical care and medications to residents of Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Hampton Counties with no insurance – was awarded $6,760 to assist with conducting screenings of all potential patients.
Sea Island Hunger Awareness Foundation – which distributes nutritious, shelf-stable food to Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island residents – was awarded $8,000 to purchase food items to provide emergency food assistance.
Charleston Area Senior Citizens – which serves older adults, homeless, and families in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties – was awarded $6,000 to purchase shelf stable food items, frozen meat and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and personal hygiene products for 684 individuals.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Clare of Assisi – which assists the most needy in Berkeley County either through financial support or home repair assistance – was awarded $9,500 to provide rent and utility assistance to those in need.
Charleston Jewish Family Services was awarded $10,000 to provide emergency food and rental assistance to the elderly, families with young children, and those who are immune compromised in Charleston County.
Metanoia – which invests in neighborhoods and quality housing to create strong communities in Charleston County – was awarded $7,500 to support curriculum and educational resources as part of their Virtual Learning Plan.
Teach for America – which works to strengthen educational equity in Berkeley, Charleston, and Colleton Counties – was awarded $7,500 to support a virtual teaching platform as part of their newly launched summer training program.
My Sister’s House – which provides support, services, and education to survivors of domestic violence in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties – was awarded $10,000 to provide rapid rehousing options through hotel and rental assistance.
The Outreach Center at St. Matthews Lutheran Church – which serves low income individuals and families in Charleston County – was awarded $2,500 to provide rent and utility assistance for the increased requests from the lifted eviction moratorium.
Coastal Conservation League was awarded $7,500 to cover staff time, produce, delivery, and other supplies necessary to provide fresh produce to approximately 900 people over the next year.
Pringletown Community Service – which works to support sustainable and healthy communities in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties – was awarded $5,000 to help at least 300 families purchase turkeys and other items for the upcoming holiday seasons.
Charleston County School District (CCSD) was awarded $10,000 to help with the expansion of Operation Kid Care, an emergency childcare program for educators and their families.
Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic, providing health and wellness needs for the uninsured in Charleston County, was awarded $15,000 to help secure unbudgeted equipment and supplies such as PPE, infrared thermometers and increased cleaning for the facility.
Fetter Health Care was awarded $20,000 to continue to support the Tri-County area in providing primary care, behavioral health, and emergency dental services to the vulnerable, uninsured and underinsured populations. The funds will be used to purchase PPE for the staff to ensure safe practices as they continue to work on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Tri-County Cradle to Career, a collaborative that works to close the academic achievement gap for all children in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, was awarded $5,000 to help offset salaries and consultant fees for their recovery plan in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Be A Mentor, whose mission is to enable youth to reach their full potential through mentorship from a caring adult, was awarded $5,000 to help program staff meet the social, emotional, and basic learning needs of their mentees during this challenging time.
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services was awarded $7,500 to expand legal services by hiring an additional staff attorney and paralegal to help low-income individuals and families overcome equity barriers, preventing injustice, and securing basic needs.
Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy was awarded $5,000 to provide first responders and the community with stress management and wellness trainings as they continue to take extra safety precautions during the pandemic.
The Cares Clinic — providing Berkeley County with free, quality healthcare and education for future healthcare professionals — was awarded $7,500 to purchase food from the Lowcountry Food Bank to provide food to St. Stephen’s community members.
The City of Charleston was awarded $25,000 to help support the operation of a warming center for the greater Charleston region. The warming center will operate November through March, when low temperatures present a health and safety risk to individuals who are homeless.
Trident United Way was awarded $25,000 to support the placement of AmeriCorps Family Navigators across the Tri-County area. This project is designed to increase the service capacity of their partners to meet the demand of the increase in clients requesting assistance due to COVID-19.
Canaan Christian Church Seniors Ministry, whose mission is to help provide direction and support for the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical well-being of senior members in Berkeley County, was awarded $5,000 to supply 150 people with at least one week of meals, a weekly snack bag, soap, and hand sanitizers.
Community Resource Center, serving the Tri-County region, was awarded $15,000 to support the purchase of food, hygiene products, diapers, hydraulic pallet jacks, PPE, rain and water gear, and more, to help up to 6,500 people.
Kids on Point — which introduces young people to the world of opportunity outside of their under-resourced neighborhoods through year-round, academic, athletic, and enrichment programming — was awarded $25,000 for the purchase of academic supplies, food, technology, and other essentials for over 750 students, teachers, and families in Charleston County.
Reading Partners’ was awarded $15,000 to provide equipment for ten new COVID-19 response remote tutoring centers in the Tri-County region. The centers provide a safe, socially distanced environment for 700+ tutors and 640 students to continue to receive coaching and support while using the new online tutoring platform.
The ARK of SC, providing hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia in the Tri-County region and Colleton County, was awarded $15,000 to support staff salaries, ongoing caregiver support, sanitation supplies, and other expenses.
The Aldersgate United Methodist Church, serving the Tri-County region, was awarded $15,000 to install a laundry room in their Winter Warming Shelter — a warm place for under-housed men, women, and children to sleep when temperatures drop. The laundry room will help provide shelter guests will clean linens, towels, blankets, and more.
Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, which works to close the academic achievement gap for all children in the Tri-County region, was awarded $15,000 to support staff salaries, as well as many operational costs.
Trident Literacy Association was awarded $15,000 to support professional instruction for up to 175 students for four months. It will also support the cost of essential equipment, IT, utilities, space, and materials to ensure instruction continues without interruption to meet the needs of adult students who have lost their jobs or had hours cut due to COVID-19.
The South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, serving the Tri-County region, was awarded $30,000 to support three months of the Startup Capital for Explorers program. This will cover the cost of the technology, materials, and training needed for Explorers to create their product.
Trident Technical College Foundation was awarded $20,000 to support the cost of adjunct instructors, travel expenses for collaboration, and registration fees for professional development. In addition, supplies and material expenses will be covered.
Addlestone Hebrew Academy was awarded $15,000 to help create a safe and health-conscious environment for students, families, and staff — including the purchase of ultraviolet radiation lamps, sanitizing stations, laptops, and an additional full-time rotating substitute teacher.
Camp Happy Days, which offers support and encouragement to children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, special events, and access to crisis resources, was awarded $30,000 to provide financial assistance to families.
East Cooper Community Outreach, serving Berkeley and Charleston counties, was awarded $15,000 to support emergency financial assistance for housing and utilities and case management services to individuals and families.
Windwood Family Services, which offers outpatient and community-based prevention programs throughout the Tri-County area that address child maltreatment and aim to strengthen families, was awarded $4,000 to support a 6-month pilot program that includes 45 hours of individual behavioral health therapy, computer equipment, program administration, and virtual therapy supplies.
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston was awarded $20,000 to support emergency food assistance for food-insecure families and emergency rental assistance for 35 families facing homelessness.
Teacher’s Supply Closet, providing free school supplies to children and families in need in the Tri-County region, was awarded $5,000 to provide COVID-19 related supplies to 500 teachers and approx. 12,000 students — including disinfectant wipes, paper towels, disposable mask, and more.
Canaan Christian Church, serving Berkeley County, was awarded $7,500 to support utility assistance services, a food distribution program, and medical payments for seniors.
Charleston Jewish Federation, serving the Tri-County region, was awarded $15,000 to expand the frequency and scope of the food distribution program, including weekly food deliveries of produce, meat, and dairy for 300 families in the downtown Charleston area.
The Southeastern Chapter of the National Action Network, a faith-based civil rights nonprofit organization, was awarded $25,000 to provide nutritious food to families and individuals in the Tri-County.
Trident United Way was awarded $107,604 to provide financial assistance to families and invidivuals.
Southern Lowcountry region: Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties — $816,157 awarded
Second Helpings — serving Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper Counties — typically feeds nearly 20,000 people per week with donated food from restaurants and grocery stores. Those donations have been reduced by half over the past few weeks due to the pandemic. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000 to purchase nonperishable food and sanitation supplies to continue serving people in need.
Agape Family Life Center in Jasper County has been awarded $6,000 to purchase nonperishable and perishable foods and basic household items for 3,000 individuals.
Bluffton Self Help in Beaufort County — which provides food, clothing and emergency financial assistance to Bluffton residents from low to moderate income working families — has been awarded $15,000 to support emergency financial assistance and the operation of its Wellness Food Pantry which includes purchase and delivery of food.
HELP of Beaufort was awarded $10,000 for financial assistance and food purchases to continue serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper Counties with the Mobile Meals Program, which provides free meals to homebound clients with medical conditions.
Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project — which serves the poor, elderly, disabled and working poor of Hilton Head Island — has been awarded $15,000 to provide rent/mortgage, prescription and utility assistance.
Sandalwood Community Food Pantry in Beaufort County has been awarded $5,000 to purchase additional food to meet increased demand, as well as to help meet necessary health precautions.
Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry has been awarded $15,000 to support their Emergency Personnel Kids Camp – which provides a safe place for children of essential employees to stay while their parents are working – as well as a Grab-and-Go Community Meal Program.
Hopeful Horizons – which is the only children’s advocacy, domestic violence, and rape crisis center serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties – has been awarded $15,000 to replace their cancelled major annual fundraising event which supported needs such as payroll, rent/housing assistance, and technology for telehealth services.
Jasper County Hunger Free Zone – which serves older individuals in Jasper County – has been awarded $3,500 to purchase additional food items and cleaning supplies to ensure they remain clean and safe as they face increased demand for service.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital – a not-for-profit, fully accredited hospital serving Beaufort, Berkeley, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties – was awarded $10,000 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
The Lowcountry Strong Foundation – which serves Beaufort and Jasper Counties – was awarded $5,000 to reimburse participating restaurants in the Hungry Heart Worker Relief Fund, which provides food to those who work in hospitality who need a meal during the pandemic crisis.
Volunteers in Medicine – which serves the low income or disadvantaged populations living/working on Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands – was awarded $5,000 to provide prescription assistance to the nearly 10,000 people currently utilizing their services.
Boys & Girls Club of the Lowcountry was awarded $8,000 to purchase supplies for 650 high need families in Beaufort and Jasper Counties.
Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, serving Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, was awarded $15,000 to purchase food, personal necessities, everyday household items, infant and children needs as the nonprofit expands to meet increased demand during the pandemic.
Antioch Educational Center – which provides education, job preparedness, and health/wellness services to low income families in Jasper County – was awarded $8,000 to supplement food purchases and assist other agencies such as Jasper County School District.
Neighborhood Outreach Connection serving Beaufort County was awarded $10,000 to provide rent assistance to households in need.
Love House Learning Academy – which provides programs and services for at-risk youth and senior citizens in Beaufort County – was awarded $5,000 to cover food, supplies, and fuel costs for meal deliveries to 85+ homebound senior citizens.
Meals on Wheels of Bluffton-Hilton Head was awarded $10,000 for food distribution in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
The Children’s Center – which provides year round day care, after school care, and summer camps for working families in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties – was awarded $10,000 to assist with necessary infrastructure changes for COVID-19 mitigation protocols.
The Gullah Geechee Initiative – which provides services and programs for youth on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County – was awarded $2,678 to fill 200 bags of food as part of their “Bags-to-Go” Distribution Project.
Boys & Girls Club Bluffton was awarded $7,500 to support reopening limited on-site services as well virtual programming open to any and all children in Beaufort County.
Memory Matters – which helps adults with cognitive impairment diseases in Beaufort and Jasper Counties stay in their homes and communities – was awarded $15,000 to support the heath and safety precautions which will allow them to reopen their facility and provide respite care.
Campbell Chapel Community Development Ministry was awarded $5,100 to cover rental costs for a refrigerator truck and other equipment to provide food to vulnerable residents in Beaufort and Jasper Counties.
HELP of Beaufort was awarded $7,500 to provide rent and utility assistance to approximately 25-40 individuals in Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties.
Allendale County Rescue Squad – which provides emergency medical services, fire stand-bys, hospital interfacility transfers, and dialysis and convalescent transportation for Allendale County citizens – was awarded $5,000 to purchase two air purifying kits to decontaminate their N95 masks for reuse.
Family Promise of Beaufort County – which provides temporary shelter and assistance for homeless families with children in Beaufort County – was awarded $11,200 to provide lodging for 4 families.
The Charity Foundation, received a $30,000 grant to pursue a project called the Movement to bring more COVID-19 testing to underserved, majority-Black communities during the pandemic that is disproportionately affecting Black South Carolinians. In coordination with medical partners, Charity Foundation is leading the effort to set up 10 testing sites across Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper counties.
Lowcountry Food Bank — serving Beaufort, Colleton, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, and Jasper Counties — has been awarded a total of $60,000 to purchase food for food assistance boxes containing nutritious, shelf-stable food to supplement the fresh produce they are receiving and distributing.
The Beaufort County School District was awarded $15,000 to help with the purchasing of pre-kindergarten digital curriculum, creative curriculum cloud, and I-pads.
Neighborhood Outreach Connection has been awarded $10,000 to provide rent assistance to low income families in Beaufort County.
Agape Family Life Center, serving Beaufort and Jasper Counties, was awarded $40,000 to support the Wellness-Basic Needs Program. The program will provide emergency assistance for families with financial and housing insecurities.
Cancer Thrift Store of Beaufort was awarded $10,000 to support 500 cancer patients in accessing adequate PPE to protect against COVID-19, including face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and various cleaning supplies.
Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic, which provides compassionate, skilled medical care to those in need, was awarded $25,000 to support personnel additions. This includes hiring a paid medical director, paid flex nurse, and miscellaneous staffing costs.
HELP of Beaufort, which builds healthy communities by providing education, a safety net, and opportunities for those most vulnerable, was awarded $100,000 to provide support to at least 100 people with utilities and rental assistance.
Lowcountry Legal Volunteers — providing Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties with free legal services and education to low-income residents — was awarded $50,000 to support the addition of a second attorney and other salary allocations, the production of a webinar series, and up to ten live clinics.
Marshview Community Organic Farm, serving Beaufort County, was awarded $20,000 to support the purchase and preparation of up to 500 weekly meals to provide emergency assistance to 500 families for 6 weeks, as well as delivering 50 extra meals per weekday to senior citizens.
St. Stephen AME Church, serving Jasper County, received $20,000 to purchase approximately 100 tablets for senior citizens, 300 care packages, and 400 “Home for the Holidays” Thanksgiving and Christmas boxed meals for families of four.
Helping Hand Center, which improves the quality of life for elderly and disabled citizens in Jasper and Hampton Counties, was awarded $6,000 to help support approximately 40 people through the purchase of Ensure Supplement Drinks, Glucerna Supplement Drinks, and other essential supplies.
The Children’s Center was awarded $9,000 to support the “Essential Worker Recognition Program” where staff members will be awarded gift cards up to $500.
Bluffton Self Help, serving Beaufort County, was awarded $20,000 to support the purchase of fresh, healthy food for 800 individuals who are served on a weekly basis, as well as to support extended services such as emergency financial assistance.
The Legacy Foundation, serving Jasper County, was awarded $10,000 to continue the current Virtual Tutoring Program for six weeks during the summer for 60 third graders.
Meals on Wheels Bluffton-Hilton Head, delivering hot, nutritious meals to clients regardless of their ability to pay and without any form of discrimination, was awarded $20,000 to support an estimated 2,667 meals for the Saturday meal program, in addition to its weekday meals.
Second Helpings, serving Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, was awarded $15,000 to support the purchase of 24,000 to 37,000 pounds of food to continue to feed South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
Closing the Gap Healthcare, working to decrease health disparities and increase the health literacy of African Americans and the underserved communities throughout the Carolinas, was awarded $100,000 to support the “I GOT IT!” campaign for the administration of 6,000 vaccines for hesitant individuals in underserved minority areas. The “I GOT IT!” campaign will include statewide cable TV, radio, video, and billboard campaigns to encourage vaccine participation.
Family Promise of Beaufort was awarded $10,000 to help support lodging expenses for four families at extended-stay hotels for four weeks.
Extra Mile Club of the Lowcountry was awarded $1,679 to help provide distance learning services to Beaufort County students.
Liberty Covenant Fellowship was awarded $15,000 to support the organization’s Long Bay Youth Summer Camp.
Waccamaw Region: Horry and Georgetown Counties — $553,147 awarded
Conway Downtown Alive in Horry County has been awarded $15,000 to provide direct, one-time relief payments to up to 70 employees of independent hospitality businesses in downtown Conway. More workers in Horry County have applied for unemployment benefits than any other county in the state, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.
The Salvation Army of Horry County was awarded $10,000 for food purchases and utility assistance. The nonprofit’s thrift store, a main source of income, is closed during the pandemic, prompting the need for additional support to continue serving Horry County’s low-income population.
North Strand Housing Shelter (Worldview Ministry International, Inc.) — which provides housing and program assistance to veterans and families with children in Horry County— has been awarded $10,000 to provide food to residents and cover operating expenses including utilities and transportation for the next two months.
Churches Assisting People, which provides emergency assistance to those in need in Horry County, was awarded $5,000 for food distribution.
Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties, which provides support services to victims of domestic violence, was awarded $5,000 to support constituents with food, shelter and other needs.
North Strand Helping Hand, an emergency relief organization providing comprehensive services to those in crisis in Horry County, was awarded $4,000 to purchase food and provide emergency services.
SOS Health Care, Inc. was awarded $10,000 to provide iPads to families in Georgetown and Horry Counties so they can receive virtual therapy and to pay for sick time off for employees.
The Center for Counseling & Wellness Inc. — which provides out-patient mental health and/or addiction treatment in Georgetown and Horry Counties — has been awarded $5,000 to support counselors and front office salaries.
The Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach has been awarded $5,000 to purchase to-go containers, portable drinks, and food to provide free meals to the working poor, families, veterans, senior citizens, and transients in Horry County.
Neighbor to Neighbor of SC – which works with homebound seniors and homebound adults with disabilities – has been awarded $6,720 to supplement extra staff, procure sanitation supplies, and provide incentives for volunteers.
Smith Medical Clinic, Inc. – which provides free medical care to low-income and uninsured individuals in Georgetown County – has been awarded $5,365 to fund cell phone service, postage to mail prescriptions, lunch for staff/volunteers, and postage supplies.
The Children’s Recovery Center – which serves children who are victims of physical and sexual assault – was awarded $5,000 to match salaries for Direct Care Staff for a one-month period in lieu of missed fundraisers.
Black River United Way has been awarded $50,000 to provide basic needs like rent/mortgage/utility assistance, food, transportation, and internet to residents of Georgetown County experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Friendship Medical Clinic – which provides primary care and medications to low-income adults in Horry County – has been awarded $5,000 to assist with medical care and treatment of clinic patients.
United Way of Horry County was awarded $55,000 to provide mass food distributions to families facing food insecurity due to school closures.
Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach – which assists individuals and families in Horry County with immediate short-term needs like food, rent assistance, and prescription medicine – was awarded $10,000 to help with rent and utility assistance.
Lower Cape Fear LifeCare – which provides a range of health services in Charleston, Georgetown, and Horry Counties – was awarded $2,400 to purchase personal protective equipment and provide telehealth technology.
New Directions of Horry County was awarded $10,000 to assist with their 4 shelter facilities which provide basic necessities, shelter, and connection to resources for homeless individuals in Horry County.
Georgetown County Family YMCA was awarded $15,000 to benefit approximately 80-100 families by providing summer learning to school age children through a certified teacher.
Palmetto Works Community Development Corporation was awarded $7,650 to host a virtual summer camp for kids in Horry County.
Teach My People – which teaches children and youth in partnering schools to help them overcome academic and social challenges – was awarded $10,000 to support teachers and cover basic operating costs benefiting 124 students in Georgetown County.
Black River United Way – which serves communities in Georgetown County – was awarded $8,200 to assist with four weeks of teacher stipends for tutoring instruction, program support, and supplies for 24 families.
Family Outreach of Horry County – which works to prevent abuse, neglect, and poverty in Horry County families – was awarded $15,000 to support expectant and young mothers and their children through support and supplies.
Friendship Place, Inc. – which works to address unmet community behavioral health issues in Georgetown County – was awarded $15,000 to support general operating costs for their Riverside Behavior and Learning Collaborative.
The Village Group was awarded $8,812 to purchase 60 mobile hotspots with two months of service as well as Chromebook usage for youth living in poverty in rural Georgetown County.
Freedom Readers – which serves children struggling with reading in low-income communities in Georgetown and Horry Counties – was awarded $10,000 to provide care packages to 50 students for personalized summer instruction and to hire teachers to further assist students.
Eastern Carolina Homelessness Organization (ECHO) was awarded $12,500 to purchase mattresses, box springs, cleaning supplies, and basic hygiene products to help support homeless individuals and families in Horry County.
Chabad Jewish Academy, which works to provide education and a vibrant Jewish identity for K-5 students in Horry County, was awarded $7,500 to help offset COVID-19 cleaning costs for their after-school care.
A Father’s Place, which engages and empower fathers in the positive support of their children, was awarded $10,000 to provide emergency needs for clients, technology upgrades, DHEC compliance for facilities, and more.
The Georgetown County Family YMCA was awarded $10,000 to support operating expenses including staffing costs, rent, and cleaning and sanitation.
The Shepherd’s Tale, serving Horry County, was awarded $5,000 to support serving 80 to-go meals Monday through Friday, as well as 100 “weekend packs” every Friday of the month.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand was awarded $15,000 to assist in restarting the Boys & Girls Club fall program in Horry County in addition to complying with COVID-19 social distancing protocol.
The Children’s Recovery Center was awarded $20,000 to provide 75 forensic interviews for children who are victims of traumatic abuse incidents, as well as for the purchase of PPE for 2021.
Smith Medical Clinic, serving Georgetown County, was awarded $25,000 to ensure low-income, uninsured residents have every opportunity to get vaccinated against influenza, as well as provide critical cancer screenings and women’s health care.
Teach My People, a faith-based afterschool and summer program serving Georgetown County students impacted by the negative effects of poverty, was awarded $20,000 to assist in moving their afternoon program to a full day program. The funds will be used to compensate instructors for the additional hours they work during the new program model.
The Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, dedicated to providing those with Special Needs life-changing opportunity, was awarded $5,000 to support the preparation of the facility for safe play — including the purchase of sanitizing wipes, restroom cleaning, social distancing stickers, and signage.
Miss Ruby’s Kids, serving Georgetown and Horry counties, was awarded $10,000 to support the cost of laptops and tablets for virtual visits, books and backpacks for students, learning program subscriptions, resource kits for mentors, library supplies, reimbursement fees, and sanitation kits.
Mobile Meals of the Grand Strand, providing home-delivered nutritious meals to individuals in Horry County unable to prepare them on their own, was awarded $7,500 to support the cost of meals for five days a week for 150 to 175 individuals.
St. Christopher’s Children was awarded $7,500 to support the purchase of clothing for 50 children, which includes shoes, pants, undergarments, shirts, belts, and coats.
The Village Group, serving Georgetown County, was awarded $10,000 to support the purchase of 35 Chromebooks and software for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Carolina Human Reinvestment (CHRSC), serving Georgetown County’s at-risk youth and their families through gardening and education programs, was awarded $15,000 to support staff salaries for the Virtual Learner’s Day Program and CHRSC Community Garden.
Freedom Readers, serving Georgetown and Horry counties, was awarded $15,000 to support the purchase of 1,200 books for six weeks of online reading practice, as well provide funds for safety training, a subscription to Moodle to host the online training program, supplies.
Healthy Learners, providing children with access to health care services, was awarded $30,000 to support trainings, health screenings, health care services, and staff recruitment and employment. Healthy Learners currently serves Georgetown County, but a program expansion is underway in Horry, Colleton, and Hampton counties to serve more children and provide access to critical services.
Little Smurf, currently serving 50 Georgetown County students by providing a safe environment for them to do schoolwork, virtual and in-person tutoring services, computers, and meals, was awarded $10,000 to support the costs of food, new computers, and hazard compensation for staff members.
Bible Way Community Learning Center, providing high-quality childcare for children in Georgetown County ages six-12, was awarded $10,000 to support efforts to sanitize the center, as well as purchase new technology, and hire two additional full-time employees.
About the fund
The COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund of Coastal Community Foundation is a regional, collaborative effort supported by Black River United Way, the Chapin Foundation, Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Social Venture Partners Charleston, Trident United Way, United Way of Horry County, United Way of the Lowcountry and Waccamaw Community Foundation.
