In This Issue
Note from the President/CEO
Grant Information and Awards
The Giving Marketplace
Lowcountry Volunteer Connections
In Other News
Connect with Us!
Community Foundation Board and Staff
Board of Directors
John Weymouth
Chairman
 
Jim Allhusen

Donna R. Bafundo

Sandra Benson 
 
Brad L. Bloom
 
Denis C. Bonnett
 
Marva J. Brooks

Cheryl Comes 
 
Jerilyn A. Farren
 
J. Dudley King Jr.

Kimberly Kord 
 
Michael J. Marks 
 
Elizabeth B. Mayo

Allen Ward

David Wetmore 
 
J. Eric Woods
 
Staff 
President and CEO

Grantmaking and Scholarship Administrator
 
VP for Finance and Administration

Donor Services Associate
 
  VP for Marketing and Communications
 
Communications Associate

  Donor Services Associate
   
  Administrative Assistant
 
VP for Development and Donor Services
 
Service Area Liaison

VP for Grantmaking and Community Leadership
 
March 2017
 
Note from the President/CEO

   
Denise photo
Denise K. Spencer, President and CEO
Failing Retirement
A large portion of the population of the Lowcountry came here from other places.
 
Many, when asked why they came, indicate that they vacationed here for years. In some cases they bought a second home and, ultimately, retired here. They understood as vacationers that we have year-round golf, beaches that go on for miles, a fascinating and important history and culture, cuisine that causes one to swoon, and an environment and outdoor life of biking, boating, fishing, hiking and roasting of oysters. Snow, ice and year-round gray skies are not part of the landscape. For those weary of shoveling and scraping, slipping and sliding, and fighting cabin fever, that is a very good thing. Many envision that the joy of vacationing here can be translated into a full-time vacation upon retirement.

For some, that works out perfectly. But for others, after a year of daily golf or tennis, a strange twitching begins to occur. One or two days a week of canasta or bridge, photography on the trails or wine on the patio, is great. But isn't there something more? Click here to read more.  

Grant Information and Awards

Disaster Fund Grant Awards Total $174,000 
Community Foundation recently made several new grants under the Disaster Recovery and Rebuilding Fund, bringing the total assistance provided by the fund thus far to $174,000. Recent grants include:   
  • Free Born Deliverance Temple:  $10,000 to support a range of services including transportation, food, and exterior home cleanup assistance to families experiencing hardship after Hurricane Matthew.
  • Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Achievement School:  $1,280 to provide scholarships to cover tuition for children whose parents experienced financial hardship following Hurricane Matthew.
The Disaster Fund continues to accept applications from regional, community-based 501(c)3 nonprofits, faith-based organizations or equivalents for up to $20,000 for recovery and rebuilding efforts related to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Organizations may be eligible for multiple grants from the Disaster Fund based on documented community needs, and may apply for a grant to cover expenses already incurred. You can view the complete list of grants awarded to date and learn more about the Disaster Fund here on our Web site.


Organizational Development Grants
Did you know Community Foundation offers grants to help organizations grow and develop their capacity? 

Our Organizational Development Grants offer support up to $5,000 to strengthen nonprofit organizations, increase their capacity to govern, and achieve long-term sustainability.  The grant must be used to retain an outside consultant to address issues such as:  
  • Strategic planning
  • Organizational structure
  • Board/staff relations
  • Governance training
  • Board/staff policies and procedures
  • Asset development planning
  • Marketing/public relations/communications planning
  • Merger and/or consolidations
  • Fiscal management  
For information, review this flyer Organizational Development Grants and contact the Foundation.


Upcoming Grants Information Sessions
If you are interested in applying for a grant from Community Foundation, the first step is to attend a Grant Information Session to learn about our grantmaking guidelines and eligibility requirements. Upcoming sessions will be held on: 
  • Thursday, April 20th
  • Thursday, June 15th
All sessions are held at our offices from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Note that these sessions are for nonprofit organizations whose clients live and/or work on Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island and greater Bluffton.

To find out if your organization is eligible to apply for a competitive grant, take a look at our grantmaking guidelines. Call us to register for a Grant Information Session 843.681.9100.
  
 

Other Grant Opportunities 
Click on the links below for additional information and eligibility:
 
The Giving Marketplace

Join The Giving Marketplace!
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive nonprofit directory for the entire community ---  including donors, volunteers, funders, and businesses ---  and we urge all Lowcountry nonprofit organizations to participate by creating a profile. It's easy and we provide support and guidance along the way. If you are not familiar with The Giving Marketplace , contact us for an overview and assistance to get started. If your organization has an existing profile, be sure to verify that the information is complete and up-to-date.
 
 
Lowcountry Volunteer Connections

New Software Launched
Lowcountry Volunteer Connections is transitioning to a new software platform that is more user-friendly for both nonprofits and volunteers. The software is fully mobile enabled and offers enhanced functionality, allowing for a more interactive experience for agencies and volunteers alike.
 
Be sure to check out the new software, create or update your agency's profile and post your opportunities. With over 400 volunteers registered on the system, your volunteer opportunity is sure to receive attention. Click here to see the new Lowcountry Volunteer Connections .

If you'd like a "tour" of the new software to see how it can help meet your agency's volunteer recruitment needs, e-mail
Debbie Cahoon .
 
 
In Other News

Nonprofit Board Service Workshop   
 
We are offering a free workshop for adults who are currently not serving on a nonprofit board, but are considering it or want to learn more. On the evening of March 23rd Denise K. Spencer, president and CEO of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, will offer insight into nonprofit board roles and responsibilities.
 
Lowcountry Volunteer Connections will offer assistance to help identify potential board service opportunities to individuals completing the workshop ---  and can also offer assistance to nonprofit organizations looking for potential board members with this basic training.
 
Participants must pre-register for this event on Lowcountry Volunteer Connections at Board Service Workshop . Space is limited, so register early. E-mail Debbie Cahoon for information.
 

Explore SCAVA
SCAVA is the South Carolina Association for Volunteer Administration , a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities and professional development to individuals with an interest in the field of volunteerism. Membership is extended to individuals in the public and private sectors who wish to learn more about volunteerism, develop new skills, or shape the future of volunteerism in South Carolina. SCAVA offers conferences and workshops focusing on information and issues pertinent to volunteers and volunteer administration.

There are several local affiliates across the state, but none in the Lowcountry. If you would be interested in learning more about SCAVA and helping to organize a local affiliate in the Lowcountry, e-mail Kevin Smith.

Upcoming Conferences & Events 

If you have information about an upcoming educational event that you would like to share in Nonprofit Connections, let us know!  
 
Connect with Us!

We'd like to hear from you. Have an idea that you'd like to share with us? Do you have suggestions about Lowcountry Volunteer Connection? Do you want to learn more about how to get the most out of your Giving Marketplace profile? E-mail Kevin Smith or Debbie Cahoon.

Stay up-to-date with the most recent happenings at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

     Like us on Facebook      Visit our blog  

     View our videos on YouTube      Find us on Google+

 
Sincerely,
 
Kevin
VP for Grantmaking and Community Leadership
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry