Neighborhood associations in Charleston and Colleton Counties receive funding for civic leadership projects
CHARLESTON, SC – August 4, 2015: The N.E.W. Fund of Coastal Community Foundation is proud to announce $28,645 in support for 11 neighborhood associations in Charleston and Colleton Counties for the 2015 grant cycle. Grants support projects that improve quality of life and develop and sustain leadership within N.E.W. Fund neighborhoods such as youth activities, health fairs and voter registration drives.
The N.E.W. Fund – or Neighborhoods Energized to Win Fund – is often the first funder for beneficiary organizations. Unlike the rest of Coastal Community Foundation’s funds, neighborhood associations seeking funding from the N.E.W. Fund do not need 501(c)3 status to apply. This opens up support for small organizations making an impact in their neighborhoods.
One such organization is Hand-In-Hand Community Outreach of Ruffin in southwestern Colleton County. They will use their grant from the N.E.W. Fund to expand a community center activity room to accommodate handicapped citizens and install a town sign to increase civic pride. Sirena Memminger, Chairperson of Hand-In-Hand, explained, “This [grant] will provide additional space for enriching, creative activities for young people and adults and will involve families of all generations visiting the community center for events.”
Union Heights Community Council in North Charleston received funding to solve a problem citizens of Ruffin don’t face – access to the outdoors. Through the Get Out and Catch ‘Em Fishing Program, Union Heights youth and families bond over fishing and create a forum for the Council to promote careers in the sciences. “Establishing a beginning fishing workshop and providing access to equipment removes barriers that prevent poor families from engaging in fishing as a recreational activity,” shared Omar Muhammad, a Union Heights Board Member.
Donors contribute to The N.E.W. Fund annually to support grantmaking. This year’s funding includes $8,000 from the Lothmann Family Fund, $5,000 from the City of North Charleston and other support from Solvay, the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation and the Zucker family.
The N.E.W. Fund has awarded $984,877 to neighborhood associations since its founding in 1991. A selection committee of community members funds grants from $500-$3,000. For additional details on applying to or supporting The N.E.W. Fund, please contact Program Officer Sydney Fowler at sydney@coastalcommunityfoundation.org.
N.E.W. Fund 2015 Grantees
Charleston County
Chicora-Cherokee Neighborhood Council
Eastside Community Development Corporation
Fresh Future Farm
Magnolia Neighborhood Council
Mount Horr Village Summer Camp
Rosemont Senior Citizens
Sewee to Santee Community Development Corporation
Union Heights Community Council
Colleton County
Hand-In-Hand Community Outreach
Jacksonboro Community Center
St. John AME Church Summer Camp
Photo: N.E.W. Fund Grantees from Colleton County. Front (L to R): Kenneth Sanders, Jacksonboro Community Center; Sirena Memminger, Hand-In-Hand Community Outreach; Kathy Shider, St. John AME Church. Back (L to R): Christopher Hamilton, Jacksonboro Community Center; Wayne Shider, St. John AME Church; Rev. William C. Miller, St. John AME Church.
About Coastal Community Foundation: Coastal Community Foundation empowers individuals, families and organizations to make a lasting impact through permanent, endowed funds for charitable giving. The Foundation serves Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper counties. To learn more, go to www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org or call (843) 723-3635.
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