As cooler winds make their way to South Carolina, fall invites us to listen to nature’s quiet lessons in strength, renewal, and longevity. Sometimes, growth means resting, releasing what we no longer need, and planning ahead for what comes next.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for every season under heaven. May this season inspire you to find the balance between holding on and letting go as we continue the work ahead.

Upcoming Webinar on 11/10:

Public Charities Can Lobby

Join the Foundation and our partner Bolder Advocacy for a webinar on November 10th, Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy. 

When our laws and policies work for us, our communities win. Nonprofits have a close-up view of community needs and can and should take advantage of their right to influence law and policy.

After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy.

The webinar will be offered in English at 1 p.m. and in Spanish at 3 p.m.

Key Voting Dates

The General Election is coming right up. Make sure you have a voting plan and remind your community to take part! Mark your calendar for these key dates:

• October 19th to October 31st Early voting for the General Election. Early voting centers are open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and are closed Sunday, October 25th.
• October 23rd Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the General Election. Applications are due by 5 p.m.
• November 3rd General Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Latest & Learning:

What's Your Why?

We're digging deeper this fall to explore a simple, yet grounding question with our team.

In our latest What’s Your Why? installment, our Director of Community Engagement, SK Catalano, shares what keeps her inspired, day in and day out.

Whether it's enjoying a beautiful sunset on the porch or a glass of sweet tea, everyone in our state deserves the same dignity and simple joys that make South Carolina so iconic. So, what's your why? What keeps you motivated to show up every day?

Spotlighting Our New Grantee Partners

We're spotlighting several of our new Grantee Partners here and on our social media platforms! Be sure to follow along as we share more about the work being done by these incredible organizations.

South Carolina Tenant Union

The SC Tenant Union is one of our new Systems Change Grantees being funded for their statewide impact under our focus area of housing security.

By organizing and advocating alongside renters, the SC Tenant Union is working to challenge the systems and policies that shape housing stability and opportunity!

Chester Worker Empowerment Center



The Chester Worker Empowerment Center creates space for workers and community members to build power and strengthen economic opportunity.

Funded for their regional impact in our focus area of economic mobility, the Chester Worker Empowerment Center is leading the way for a more equitable future in Chester County and beyond!

Deadline Extended for Comments: Census Proposes Changes for 2030 that Impact Who Gets Counted

The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed changes to how the 2030 Census counts people and collects demographic data, including excluding certain groups from the population count used to determine congressional representation and allocate federal funding.

The proposal would also eliminate questions about race and ethnicity, potentially making it harder to understand demographic changes and address disparities in our communities. The deadline to submit comments has been extended, giving nonprofits and community partners additional time to weigh in on changes that could affect representation, resources, and the communities they serve.

Ways to Take Action:

• Submit Public Comment: The Public Comment Period is now open. National Council of Nonprofits has this guide to crafting comments for this issue here.
• New Deadline: November 2nd
• Sign On: This National Sign On Letter has been issued and is available to be signed by organizations.

Able SC: Help Shape the Future of Disability Services

Let your voice be heard! Able South Carolina is inviting people with disabilities across the state to complete the Statewide Plan for Independent Living needs assessment survey.

The survey asks about the experiences of people living with disabilities in South Carolina. Responses will help statewide organizations identify shared priorities, strengthen services, and advocate for greater access and inclusion. It takes about 10 minutes to complete, and responses are confidential.

Together SC: Fred R. Sheheen Award Nominations Open

Know a nonprofit leader making a difference? Nominate them for Together SC's 2027 Fred R. Sheheen Award! Help celebrate the leaders strengthening South Carolina’s nonprofit sector. Nominations are due December 30th.

Together SC: Scenario Planning Workshops

You can't predict every funding shift, policy change, or unexpected challenge, but your leadership team can prepare for what comes next.

Together SC and 20 Degrees are offering Scenario Planning Workshops to help nonprofit leadership teams work through real-world scenarios, explore financial implications, and strengthen decision-making. Registration covers three leaders: a CEO or executive director, a board member, and a finance leader. Lunch is included.

Upcoming workshops:

• Florence: November 3rd
• Spartanburg: December 8th

SCACED: Training, Grants, and

Conference Opportunities

Several opportunities are on the horizon at SCACED. Learn more about their events and mark your calendars for this free training opportunity for nonprofits!

• Grant Writing 101: In person at the Opportunity Center in North Charleston, November 9th-10th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Opportunity SC 2026 Conference Scholarships:

Planning to attend the Opportunity SC 2026 Conference at the Florence Convention Center, October 28th-30th? Scholarship opportunities are available to help participants attend.

• Apply for a conference scholarship

11/2 | City of Columbia: State of Homelessness Address

Join community members and leaders for the City of Columbia's State of Homelessness Address, an opportunity to learn more about homelessness in the community and the work underway to address it.

11/9 | Live Healthy SC Conference

Connect with partners and leaders working to improve health and well-being across South Carolina at the 2026 Live Healthy SC Conference. Explore opportunities to learn, share ideas, and strengthen efforts to build healthier communities.

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