Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.



Our Director of Culture and Values, Ericka Wooten, shares, “As we reflect on the work of Dr. King to build a just United States where everyone’s inherent dignity is honored, we are reminded that we all must work together to create a society that supports us all. From your neighbor to a coworker to a passerby on the street, we must situate our minds and hearts to act with the spirit of the collective benefit and growth for all.”

Celebrating Staff Advancement

We are thrilled to announce the recent professional advancement of Sarah Katherine Catalano to the role of Community Engagement Manager. In her new capacity, SK will spearhead the coordination of community engagement activities and serve as the main point of contact for the foundation’s communications efforts. Congratulations, SK!

2024 Grants Information

Our 2024 grants information is live! Please see the video above (also linked here on our YouTube page) and our website for additional insight into our guidelines, process, deadlines, and more.

Upcoming State of the South Event

Hosted by MDC

MDC is hosting the State of the South in Charleston, SC from February 5th-7th. The program seeks to amplify the issues that exacerbate racial inequity, economic insecurity, and poverty. This event offers a unique opportunity to be part of shaping solutions and driving positive change in the South.

State of the South will bring together policymakers, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, community members, and artists to understand the policies and investments needed to support communities. Among the many topics and sessions that will take place over the three-day event, our president, Donna Waites, will be serving on the "Growing Philanthropic Investment in South Carolina" panel that will take place on the 7th!

South Carolina Fair Lending Alliance Continues Advocacy

The South Carolina Fair Lending Alliance (SCFLA) continues the fight to predatory lending practices in our state. A new bill, S. 910, introduced last week and sponsored by Senator Tom Davis, seeks to address business practices that intentionally target under-resourced communities.

Bill S. 910 would:

• make it an unlawful business practice to mail out live "convenience" checks that turn into high-cost loans when deposited or cashed;
• make it an unlawful business practice to repeatedly renew and churn loans
• ensure payday and installment lenders are truly evaluating a potential borrower's ability to repay a loan.

Members of the SC Fair Lending Alliance at the statehouse on January 10th for the introduction of Bill S. 910.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Advocacy Day

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is hosting their Suits and Sneakers Day at the SC State House next Wednesday, January 24th from 8 AM - 12 PM. The action day will center conversations on healthcare access, screenings for cancer prevention, and tobacco prevent and control.

Celebrating SC Appleseed

Legal Justice Center Award

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center team pictured with former South Carolina State Representative I.S. Leevy Johnson, Esq.

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center recently received the 2024 Keeper of the Dream Award. This award is presented by the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law at their the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. This convening seeks to reaffirm the school's commitment to lawyer-leaders who are fully equipped to serve justice and advance the rule of law with passion and integrity and celebrate community.

Thank you, SC Appleseed, for your dedication to serve others and overcome social, economic, and legal injustice. We are proud to be your partner!

Together SC is hosting their annual Nonprofit Summit next month! Join nonprofit sector partners in Charleston, Feb. 21-23, for sessions that will focus on what it means, what it takes, and how organizations can learn, leverage and lead successful programs and approaches to ensure that South Carolina’s growth benefits ALL communities.

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