February Newsletter from the

Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC

Hello, February! This month, we're drawing inspiration from South Carolina pioneers who have led courageous systems change work across our state as we celebrate Black History Month. In this month's newsletter, we are excited to share a wealth of resources with you—from grant opportunities and nonprofit best practices to upcoming events, community news, and tools to support your work. This month also marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time for reflection, renewal, and deepening our commitment to compassion and service. With gratitude, we thank you for all you do to advance hope and justice across our state!

Black History Month:

A Century of Celebration

Our staff is proud to celebrate Black History Month! We honor African Americans’ contributions—past and present—while advocating for a just society that recognizes the dignity of every person.

This year’s national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” is part of BHM100, a national initiative marking 100 years of honoring Black history while imagining the next century.

We are taking this celebration a step further by highlighting Black leaders from South Carolina whose courage and vision changed unjust structures and created powerful ripple effects we still feel today.

Stay tuned across our social media platforms this month as we illuminate the lasting impacts that these pioneers of systems change have had on our state!

More Ways To Get Inspired This Month:

12 Black Leaders To Know in South Carolina

Center for Civil Rights History & Research at the University of South Carolina

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact Video

Eyewitnesses to the Movement: The Lowcounty and the Civil Rights Movement Video

SCFSC Team and Board of Trustees

Celebrate OneSC Award Recipients

We had the recent joy of gathering with leaders and change-makers from across the state for the OneSC Forum and the Riley–Wilkins Leadership Awards Dinner last month—and we’re still feeling so grateful to have been part of this celebration.

Being in a room filled with people so deeply committed to service, collaboration, and long-term impact was both humbling and energizing. It was an inspiring and much-needed reminder of what’s possible when champions come together with shared purpose.

Congrats to the recipients of this year's OneSC Awards:

• Representative Neal Collins Video

• William “Bill” Finn Video

• Center for Heirs’ Property Video

Thank you to the Riley Institute and all involved for bringing together so many champions who embody the spirit of OneSC!

SCFSC 2026 Grants Timelines and

Overview Webinar Recording

In case you missed our recent 2026 Grants Overview Webinar, you can watch the recording at anytime on our website!

At our recent webinar, we shared more information about our funding opportunities for nonprofits addressing poverty through systems change in South Carolina communities. The webinar covered the Foundation’s new grants, goals and eligibility, funding amounts, timelines, and how to apply.

Watch the webinar here. Questions? Contact Ashlee McGandy, Grants Manager, at (803) 254-0230 ext. 12 or amcgandy@sistersofcharitysc.com for more information.

Learn More About SCFSC Grants

South Carolina Legislative Kickoff Celebration Calls For Connection

The steps of the State House were filled with joy during the recent South Carolina Legislative Kickoff Celebration. Hosted by Be The Ones, ACLU SC, WREN, NAACP LDF, SCADP, and SC Tenants Union, this gathering served as an opportunity for South Carolinians to reimagine how we engage with the legislative process by creating space for proactive engagement and connection.

Learn More About the Legislative Kickoff Celebration

ACLU SC Provides Resources

For Immigration Rights

Did you know that ACLU SC provides up-to-date information on immigration rights? From assistance on finding an attorney, to requests for workshops and community support, trainings, and more, be sure to consult their website below if this resource might help your community!

Learn More About Immigration Rights

Leon Levine Foundation Offers

Up To $2.5M for Nonprofits

Serving Students in SC, NC

The Leon Levine Foundation is offering up to $2.5M in total general operating funding for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving students across North and South Carolina through their Carolina Career-Connected Learning Program (CCCLP). Programs must serve students in Grades 7-14 or first-generation college students, with a primary focus on low-income populations. Learn more and apply below!

Learn More About CCCLP And Apply Here

Midlands Gives: Registration Deadline 3/1

Calling all SC Midlands nonprofits! Are you registered for Midlands Gives Day? An initiative of Central Carolina Community Foundation, Midlands Gives brings the region together as one community throughout the year, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits across the Midlands. The deadline to register is March 1. Visit their website for eligibility requirements!

Learn More About Midlands Gives

Together SC Launches 5^th Edition of Guiding Principles for SC Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations, are you looking for assistance in best practices for your 501(c)(3)? Together SC has recently published the 5th edition of Guiding Principles For South Carolina Nonprofits. Through this updated guide, your organization gains insight to ten critical focus areas vetted by the state's most respected nonprofit leaders, professional advisors, and volunteer experts. Access the latest edition of Guiding Principles below, including workbook resources and more.

Access The Guide Here

SC Nonprofit Leaders Join Rural Investment Collaborative CIT Cohort

Seven SC leaders are participating in the 2026 cohort of The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's Community Investment Training (CIT) program, which trains rural leaders to develop investment-ready community and economic development projects. The 16-week program—part of the Rural Investment Collaborative—teaches participants how to access capital, build partnerships, and advance projects that strengthen rural areas. Congrats to these South Carolina participants! SCFSC is proud to be one of the funders providing mini-grants to participants.

Learn More About The CIT Cohort

GOAL Celebrates 4th Year of

Justice Ministry

More than 500 people across 30 congregations came together to kick off the 4th year of Greenville Organized for Accountable Leadership (GOAL) Justice. Congratulations to these friends for their continued pursuit of social justice through direct action, community building, research, and faith.

Learn More About GOAL Justice

Clean Energy Fund of the Carolinas Ensures Clean Energy Financing For All

The Carolina SURE (Smart Upgrades for Residential Efficiency) program, launched earlier this year, is now providing financing for homeowners to invest in quite a number of home upgrades through the Clean Energy Fund of the Carolinas (CEFC), which works to ensure that clean energy financing is not a privilege but a tool for progress available to all.