Building Black Philanthropy. Investing in Community. Creating Lasting Change.

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The Lowcountry African American Giving Circle (LAAGC) brings together individuals, families, and businesses committed to strengthening African American communities throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry.

By pooling our time, talent, and resources, we support organizations and initiatives advancing education, economic opportunity, leadership development, and community empowerment.

Choose How You Want to Make an Impact

Give Today | Become a Member | Become a Founding Donor

Black Philanthropy Month

Black Philanthropy Has Always Been a Force for Change

For generations, African American communities have strengthened families, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and civic institutions through collective generosity.

The Lowcountry African American Giving Circle carries that tradition forward by bringing people together to invest in solutions that strengthen communities across the Lowcountry.

Choose Your Path

How would you like to participate?

Make a gift today to support current community investments.

Membership

Join a community of changemakers.

Participate in educational events, connect with fellow leaders, and help inform community investments.

Community Member

$500 annually
- Voting privileges
- Grantmaking participation
- Access to member events
- Community leadership opportunities

Young Professional Member

$250 annually
- Available for ages 40 and under
- Full membership engagement
- Leadership development opportunities

Founding Donor

Create a legacy for generations to come.

Founding Donors help build the permanent LAAGC Endowment Fund, ensuring resources will be available to strengthen communities for decades. Please contact Tiara Salaam, Philanthropic Advising Officer, at tiara@coastalcommunityfoundation.org to start a conversation about becoming a Founding Donor.

Founding Donor Commitment

$5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000+
- Payable over four years
- Supports permanent endowment
- Founding donor recognition
- Generational impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Giving Circle?

A giving circle is a group of individuals who pool their resources and work together to invest in community priorities. By giving collectively, members can make a larger impact than they might achieve through individual giving alone.

Who can join LAAGC?

Anyone who shares LAAGC’s commitment to strengthening African American communities in the Lowcountry is welcome to participate through membership, philanthropy, volunteer engagement, or charitable support.

What are the benefits of membership?

Membership offers opportunities to:

Participate in collective philanthropy.

Connect with other community leaders and changemakers.

Learn about community issues and solutions.

Help inform grantmaking priorities.

Engage in events and educational opportunities.

What’s the difference between a Member and a Founding Donor?

A Member joins the Lowcountry African American Giving Circle and participates in the collective giving experience, including opportunities to engage in learning, networking, and grantmaking activities. Members help shape how resources are invested in the community. Membership options include a $500 annual Community Membership and a $250 Young Professional Membership for individuals age 40 and under.

A Founding Donor makes a commitment of $5,000 or more to help build the permanent LAAGC Endowment Fund, creating philanthropic resources that will support future generations. Founding donor commitments may be fulfilled over up to four years.

Can I be both a Member and a Founding Donor?

Yes.

Many supporters choose to participate as active members while also making a Founding Donor commitment to help build the long-term legacy of LAAGC. The two opportunities serve different purposes and can complement one another.

Do I have to become a member to donate?

No.

Gifts of any amount are welcome. If you would like to support the mission of LAAGC but are not ready to become a member or make a Founding Donor commitment, you may make a charitable contribution at any time.

How are donations used?

LAAGC supports initiatives that advance economic opportunity, education, affordable housing, social justice, leadership development, and community empowerment in African American communities throughout Coastal Community Foundation’s service area.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Contributions are made through Coastal Community Foundation, a qualified charitable organization. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding the tax treatment of their specific gift.

Can I make my Founding Donor commitment over time?

Yes.

Founding Donor commitments may be fulfilled over a period of up to four years, making it easier to participate in building LAAGC’s permanent endowment.

Can I give through my donor-advised fund, appreciated stock, or other assets?

Yes.

LAAGC accepts a variety of charitable gifts, including donor-advised fund recommendations, appreciated securities, wire transfers, and charitable contributions by check. Donors interested in alternative giving methods are encouraged to contact Coastal Community Foundation.

How do I get started?

Choose the option that best fits your goals:

I want to help make grant decisions and participate in LAAGC activities. → Join as a Member

I want to help build a permanent legacy fund. → Become a Founding Donor

I want to make a gift today. → Donate Now

Please contact Tiara Salaam, Philanthropic Advising Officer, at tiara@coastalcommunityfoundation.org to start a conversation about LAAGC Membership.