August brings the final stretch of summer. As we move toward the close of the year, we're reminded that meaningful change doesn't happen all at once. It's built through relationships, a common purpose, action, and the people who continue showing up even when progress feels slow.

This month, we're highlighting the partnerships, civic engagement, and opportunities that challenge systems keeping poverty in play across our state. We're making space to ask a deeper question: What keeps us committed to the work at hand? Knowing our why can help ground us, reminding us why this matters.

Latest & Learning:

What's Your Why?

In our new Latest & Learning series, Director of Culture and Values Ericka Wooten explores a simple but powerful question: What's your why?

Her words reflect on the faith and conviction that ground her commitment to challenging poverty and advancing dignity for every person.

She shares how her own "why" is rooted in the love of God and love of neighbor, while also making space for the many different beliefs, experiences, and paths that bring people to this work.

Explore our new Latest & Learning post and meditate with us on this question: What's your why?

Systems Change Grantee Gathering

Grantee partners from round one of our 2026 Systems Change Grants recently came together for their first gathering with the SCFSC team, creating space to build relationships and share perspectives.

The day was filled with many conversations about how we can learn from one another as this new cohort moves forward, and we're grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside these organizations.

We look forward to seeing how their collective efforts continue to challenge the systems that perpetuate poverty across South Carolina! And we’re excited to announce the second round of SCG grantee partners in the fall.

Community Engagement Grant

Closes October 5th

SCFSC's Community Engagement Grants provide support for event sponsorships, outreach, trainings, workshops, celebrations, and other emerging needs that advance the Foundation's three focus areas of economic mobility, housing security, and/or health care. Applications are open through October 5th!

Voter Registration Day Is

September 15th

Did you know that 1 in 4 eligible Americans aren't registered to vote or aren't sure of their voter registration status? National Voter Registration Day is September 15th. As the 2026 election season continues, you can help ensure that South Carolinians have the information and resources they need to register and participate in the democratic process. Register to vote, check status, get involved as a Poll Manager, and access resources by visiting scvotes.org.

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers Opens

New Hampton County Office

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers recently celebrated the opening of its new office in Varnville, SC. We are excited to partner with LLV, a participant in the Health Care Systems Change Initiative, on their expanding work in Hampton County.

SCACED Voter Engagement Mini Grant

SCACED is offering Voter Engagement Mini Grants of up to $500 to help South Carolina organizations and community groups educate, register, and activate voters. The opportunity is available to SCACED members, with proposals due August 31st.

2027 Relentless Challenge Grant

The South Carolina Department of Commerce's 2027 Relentless Challenge Grant offers funding to support entrepreneurship and small business growth across the state. Eligible nonprofits, higher education institutions, and local governments can apply for up to $50,000 through the Traditional Small Business Track or up to $75,000 through the Innovation Track. Applications open September 1st and close September 30th.

South Carolina Legal Services

Disaster Recovery Kit

South Carolinians still face legal roadblocks tied to Hurricane Helene. South Carolina Legal Services has created an information and resource kit to help citizens access the free, trusted legal support they need to recover. Access the kit below and help spread the word of these resources!

9/11-9/12 | Healthy Learners Songwriters in the Round

Join Healthy Learners for an unforgettable evening of live music while supporting their mission to remove health barriers to learning for children across South Carolina. Proceeds from the event help ensure students have access to the healthcare they need to thrive in school and beyond.

9/16 | State of Disability Pride SC: Virtual Town Hall

Hear from the Advocacy Team at Able South Carolina on September 16th as they talk about the issues impacting people with disabilities and share updates on current events during this virtual town hall. Registration required.

9/24-9/25 | Growth Spark Summit

The Growth Spark Summit returns to Denmark Technical College on September 24th and 25th, bringing together community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and business professionals to explore solutions for rural South Carolina. Sessions will focus on economic development, education, healthcare, housing, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

9/25 | SC EPiC Cradle to Career Conference

SC EPiC’s annual conference on September 25th at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina will include leading researchers, policymakers, and agency partners working to connect economic research with education and workforce policy in South Carolina.

10/20-10/22 | SC Office of Rural Health 29th Annual Rural Health Conference

The South Carolina Office of Rural Health will host its 29th Annual Rural Health Conference October 20th to 22nd in Spartanburg. The conference brings together healthcare leaders, community partners, and advocates from across the state to strengthen rural health and improve access to care.

10/23 | 2026 Housing Innovation: Children's Edition

Join housing and community leaders for a conversation focused on innovative approaches to housing that support children and families in West Columbia on October 23rd. The event offers an opportunity to explore how housing stability can shape health, education, economic opportunity, and long-term outcomes.

10/28-10/30 | SCACED Opportunity SC Conference

The South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development will bring partners together this October 28th-30th for its annual conference. The 27th annual gathering will take place in Florence, addressing integrated, innovative, and sustainable solutions to help build, grow, own, and thrive in low-wealth communities across our region. Early Bird Registration closes on August 31st!

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