Our Vision
Our vision and expertise earned over nearly five decades makes Coastal Community Foundation uniquely qualified as leaders in the community. Our strategies to advance the long-term regional success of coastal South Carolina have always included grantmaking to support regional nonprofits, incubating grassroots causes and facilitating solutions to community-wide problems. Drawing on the passion of our community of donors and fundholders, the knowledge of our past work, and the wisdom gained from listening to thousands of our neighbors, we are narrowing our focus and working to accelerate change across our nine-county region through six vitally interconnected pillars.
Pillars
-
Education
Education is the fundamental building block of a successful community. One- third of our region’s schools are underperforming, which means thousands of our children are not gaining the skills they need for college, career, and life. By providing high-quality public education to all children, as well as ensuring they can attain higher education and workforce training and development, we will grow vibrant and diverse communities with thriving local economies.Economic Mobility
Addressing economic mobility helps build stronger, more resilient communities and improves the quality of life for the hospitality worker commuting two hours for a low-wage job or the family striving to make ends meet despite both parents working full-time. The ability to secure safe and affordable housing, gain access to capital to start or expand a small business, or compete for jobs with higher wages, benefits, and a career ladder will move people toward economic security and help stabilize our communities.Coastal Resilience
Rising sea levels, flooding and frequent and intense storms greatly impact our community, economy, environment and the way we live. Many of our community members lack sufficient resources to prepare for and recover from these naturally occurring disasters that are worsening, and they are disproportionately hit hard. That’s why we invest in conservation efforts, critical infrastructure, and long-term disaster recovery to help protect the Lowcountry’s natural resources and ensure that all residents can thrive in a resilient, sustainable environment.Physical and Mental Well-Being
Physical and mental well-being is the result of a variety of positive behaviors and choices that enable us all to live our healthiest lives possible. Addressing health disparities and encouraging positive lifestyle changes creates opportunities for all to experience sustained wellness that can result in a strong sense of satisfaction, confidence and belonging.Culture and Inclusion
We believe in communities that embrace the heritage, culture and expression of all its citizens to ensure coastal South Carolinians live where they can belong, thrive, and contribute. With a focus on access and inclusion, we can invest in initiatives and programs that highlight our region’s vibrant, distinctive culture to enhance our understanding of all facets of the region. As the Lowcountry grows, supporting initiatives that honor heritage and foster belonging is essential in ensuring that all individuals can flourish, feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a unified, inclusive community.Family Philanthropy and Future Leader Cultivation
The visionary community leaders who founded each of our organizations understood the power of philanthropy. Their generosity has provided the financial strength to sustain numerous nonprofit organizations doing important work throughout our coastline. We aim to inspire a culture of generosity where donors not only actively co-invest in our community leadership priorities, but use their own donor advised funds to pursue grantmaking to organizations that match their personal passions and reflect their family values and multi-generational legacies.