2024-2025 Changemaker Grants
Capacity Building
Over $300,000 is being awarded during the 2024-2025 Changemaker Grants Capacity Building cycle.
Capacity-building Funding is an investment in the effectiveness, efficacy and future sustainability of a nonprofit or agency by providing resources to improve and/or expand an organization's mission. It can enhance the strategic planning and implementation of operational and organizational structures and long-term goals. Capacity-building grants, therefore, focus not on the outward-facing work but the inner workings, means and systems of the organization.
Capacity-building grants are critical, providing funds to:
- Innovatively increase organizational effectiveness
- Provide staff and volunteer development
- Allow training and certification opportunities
- Enhance internal systems
- Improve technology and equipment
- Develop strategic planning outlines and communities of best practice
Examples of requests for support include new or existing projects in areas such as skill-building opportunities for staff or board members, diversity and equity initiatives, leadership development and management training, strategic planning, succession planning and website development.
2024 Capacity Building Grant Recipients
A Second Chance Resource Center United, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to contributing to sustained economic development that individuals and families can rely on. They serve former felons, families of felons, people struggling with substance abuse and others in need of trusted, reliable help they can count on to help them make the leap forward to a more positive, more fulfilling life.
Grant supports: Technology and communications
AMOR Healing Kitchen prepares nutritious meals for people facing critical health challenges to clients and caregivers free of cost. Through community partnerships the organization prepares locally sourced, nutrient dense meals that are individually packaged and ready to eat. Teen Chef volunteers from area high schools prepare meals alongside Adult Mentors, and learn valuable cooking skills, nutrition and the value of service.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic provides free, on-going primary health care and specialty referrals to uninsured adults. More than 75% of our patients currently work at least one or as many as three jobs, and without our Clinic, would not otherwise have access to health care due to a lack of employment benefits and Medicaid expansion in our state. Due to our robust medical volunteer program and funding from the community, our patients can safely receive the primary, specialty, and critical care they deserve while they need it, at no cost to the patient.
Grant supports: Technology and communications
Berkeley Seniors Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Moncks Corner, SC, dedicated to providing a range of services to senior citizens in Berkeley County and the surrounding tri-county area. The organization offers home-delivered meals, in-home care, case management, wellness activities, and Alzheimer's support resources to eligible participants aged 60 and older, as well as their spouses and disabled dependents.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
Charleston Habitat for Humanity provides a comprehensive package of services, including mortgage lender, home builder, social support provider, and recruiting and training center. Its focus is on eliminating substandard housing conditions in downtown Charleston, West Ashley, and the City of North Charleston.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
Charleston Legal Access offers low-cost, quality legal representation and assistance to the economically disadvantaged workers and others of modest means. Additionally, they also manage wraparound services focused on justice equity, and free advice and counsel over the phone, in-person consultations for a flat fee and full representation on an income-based sliding scale
Grant supports: Technology and communications
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services serves the pressing legal needs of Charleston's economically disadvantaged. They assist with securing public benefits, preventing wrongful evictions, navigating family law, crafting probate documents and champion the rights of survivors of human trafficking.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
Dorchester Seniors Inc. provides opportunities to all senior citizens of Dorchester County to enhance their educational, mental, social and physical wellbeing.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
HALOS promotes safe and nurturing homes for children in kinship care. Kinship care is when a family member or close family friend steps up to take in a child who cannot live with their parents. HALOS provides a comprehensive system of support for kinship families so the caregivers and children can thrive.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
Helping Hands of Goose Creek is the largest food pantry in Berkeley County. They serve is families living within Berkeley County who have encountered some type of emergency or financial situation that will directly affect or threaten their ability to remain self-sufficient.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
I AM VOICES provides safety, assistance and transitional housing to women victims of sexual assualt or human trafficking.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
ICNA Relief USA-Shifa Free Clinic provides compassionate, high-quality, no-cost health care to the uninsured and underserved in the Tricounty area. The organization addresses barriers to healthcare access, such as low income, health literacy, lack of insurance, language barriers and cultural mistrust while maintaining high-quality standards of care.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
The Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center (formerly Dorchester Children's Advocacy Center and Berkeley Children's Advocacy Center) provides a coordinated, evidence-based response to child abuse that reduces trauma and provides treatment for the children and families in our community in a safe child-focused environment.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
Keys to Change aims to unlock access to quality housing and support the growth and community of those who dedicate their lives to serving others. They reach ot to the often overlooked populations, accommodating those in the helping professions, such as healthcare professionals, educators, first responders and social workers.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides emergency clothing and essential supplies to abused and neglected children in the Lowcountry.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
My Sister's House is committed to a shared mission to break cycles of domestic violence by providing comprehensive support, services, and education to our clients and community.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
North Charleston Dental Outreach provides dental treatment for individuals whose options for care are restricted due to financial issues and the absence of insurance.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
Origin SC (formerly Family Services, Inc.) provides services to help individuals and families to gain and sustain financial and housing stability. Tri-County programs include financial education and coaching, homeownership education and coaching, housing stability, professional fiduciary services and family violence intervention.
Grant supports: Technology and communications
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services' (OLMCOS) mission is to build equitable communities and empower individuals to reach their full potential by providing basic and emergency needs, education, employment and health services.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
Palmetto Community Care serves men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. PCC provides case management, access to medical care, housing, financial, nutritional, legal assistance and various other supportive services to the Charleston area. PCC also works to prevent this epidemic through education, media campaigns, community outreach, PrEP services and free, daily HIV/STD testing.
Grant supports: Accredidation
Pattinson's Academy is a nonprofit focused on providing comprehensive, year-round programs to support children with disabilities and their families. Their collaborative model integrates therapy and education to create a unique, individualized and vibrant learning environment for every child through four integrative programs.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development
Ridgeville Community Resource Center is a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of individuals and families in the community. The organization provides resources and support to those in need through a network of volunteers and community service agencies.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
Star Gospel Mission provides resources for people experiencing homelessness, hardships or addictions.
Grant supports: Facilities and equipment
The mission of Trident Literacy Association is to eliminate all adult illiteracy and reverse the cycle of generational poverty in the Charleston Tri-County region.
Grant supports: Staff and volunteer training and development