Cultivating a Connected Community
Three Connected Communities grant recipients discuss how their programs have made a long-term impact in the Midlands The Community Foundation’s Connected Communities grant initiative funds innovative, philanthropic projects that encourage a Welcoming Community, support Vibrant Social Offerings, and enhance our region’s Superb Public Spaces. The South Carolina State Museum, the Nickelodeon Theatre, and the Saluda Shoals Foundation received grants to advance programs that embodied these three categories. The State Museum opened its RACE exhibit to the public in 2016 to explore the science of human variation, the social construct of race, and the contemporary experience of racism in the United States. JoAnn Zeise, the museum’s curator of history, noted that over 7,000 individuals visited the exhibit during its fourmonth run. “We were most excited about the depth of community engagement we made with various groups,” Zeise says. “As the State Museum, we want to cover all of our constituencies. We reached out to communities that we had not before and put together a board that celebrated the diversity in our region.” In addition to the exhibit, the museum hosted a safe space for individuals to discuss race freely, an initiative that has influenced The Richland County Library to adopt a similar race relation program. The Nickelodeon Theatre used their grant to offer free Indie Grits Festival admission to the public in 2016. Themed “Waterlines,” Indie Grits co-director Andy Smith and his team
stay connected 2711 middleburg drive, suite 213 columbia, sc 29204
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commissioned art relevant to the recent flooding and initiated discussions about the Midlands’ relationships with South Carolina waterways. Smith and the Indie Grits team used the success of Waterlines to attract a number of new funders for future festivals including the Andy Warhol Foundation, the National Association for Latino Art and Culture, the Mexican Consulate, and the Surdna Foundation for sustainable communities. the nickelodeon theatre used their connected “With these grants we are able to provide communities grant to offer free indie grits for and support a creative community,” festival admission to the public in 2016. says Smith. “It’s unorthodox for a film will connect the Lake Murray dam to the Vista. theater to do that with artists, but we are taking work outside of our own building and Executive Director of Saluda Shoals bringing it into the Midlands.” Foundation Dolly Patton explains that there was a need for green space within the To create a Superb Public Space, the Saluda community. Shoals Foundation in partnership with the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission converted an abandoned industrial site on St. Andrews Road into a 126-acre recreational park complete with a tennis complex, boat launch, and six-field multi-use athletic complex. The new Saluda Shoals Park area has attracted over 177,000 youth and adults since its inception, resulting in a $80 million economic impact. Saluda Shoals Foundation has also established several new partnerships to begin funding new projects like a universally inclusive playground, an interactive wetland preserve exhibit, and the Lower Saluda River Greenway Trail, which
we are a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the
“Beautifying public spaces improves and facilitates social interaction,” says Patton. “It creates a source of pride for residents. In our case, once we landscaped the entrance to the park, neighboring businesses did the same... Improvement has a rippling effect.” By Juliette LaFerlita
For more information about the Connected Communities grant, visit www.yourfoundation.org under the Community Impact section.
expanding the giving paradigm | 2
midlands by distributing grants
news brief | 2
and scholarships and linking the
at a glance | 3
resources of donors, nonprofits and community leaders to areas of need.
legacy society | 3 giving for the future | 3 midlands gives | 4
Expanding the Giving Paradigm An interview with “Philanthropy Across Cultures” panelist Anita Garrett
NEWS BRIEF
Thought Leadership at SCANPO Summit
In continuation of our series focused on
than their white counterparts. However,
philanthropy across cultures, we are excited
the term ‘philanthropist’ may not always
to introduce panelist Anita Garrett. A social
resonate with various communities so
The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit
entrepreneur passionate about leveraging
it’s important to expand the traditional
Organizations (recently renamed Together SC)
community resources, Ms. Garrett currently
paradigms or assumptions and actively
welcomed hundreds of South Carolina nonprofit
coordinates financial stability and economic
acknowledge diverse communities who
leaders to Columbia in early March for a few days of
development initiatives with the United
have long, proud legacies of giving.
networking and learning.
While growing up, what experiences taught you lifelong lessons about generosity?
Two members of the Foundation’s leadership team,
I recall my grandmother teasing me about
importance of nonprofits having a comprehensive
being so generous and telling me I’d “give
diversity policy. Heather led a session focused on
my head away if it wasn’t attached to
planned giving strategies and also served on the
my neck!” However, I learned to share
planning committee for the summit.
Way Association of South Carolina and is a partner with The Weathers Group.
JoAnn Turnquist and Heather Sherwin, presented at the conference. JoAnn served on a panel with fellow community foundation leaders that discussed the
based on the examples that she and my parents demonstrated on a daily basis. My mother was a social worker which opened my eyes to the challenges that can exist in a community and that everyone can be involved when pooling resources to Anita Garrett
respond to unmet needs.
Tell us briefly about your current philanthropic involvement as a donor?
What would you say to the younger generations to inspire and/or educate them on the importance of giving?
I have formally worked in the fields of philanthropy and community engagement for more than 25 years while also contributing my time through service and
No matter where you find yourself in life, DON’T discount your value or your voice. Your unique perspectives are not
Neighborly Inspiration A friend of ours recently shared a compassionate story of how she was inspired by another Foundation donor, the Cheerful Giver. It is a story of giving at its finest-when philanthropy grows because we are inspired by someone who is simply serving their neighbors. Visit www.yourfoundation.org/blog to read the story.
LICS Awarded 2016 Catalyst Award
financial contributions towards my personal
only valuable but are also needed.
passions. Serving with Women United, the
While professional pursuits are important,
Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS)
it’s also critical to do as much as you can for
as the 2016 David W. Robinson Catalyst Award
the common good while you’re here. Don’t
Winner. The Catalyst Award is awarded each
just fill your resume – people can tell when
year to a nonprofit in our 11-county service area
you’re simply trying to look good on paper.
that exemplifies leadership, creativity, vision and
Start by volunteering to find out what truly
commitment in addressing critical community issues.
National Women’s Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide, has connected me to a movement of female donors globally. And as a member of COLA Gives and founder of W.E. (Women Engaged), two local African-American Giving Circles, I am increasing awareness about the history and power of giving.
How does identity and/or culture play into your giving? The ability of both Women and African Americans to make a lasting impact through philanthropic campaigns is often over looked. Yet research shows that Women control 51%, or $14 trillion, of personal wealth in the U.S. and are expected to control $22 trillion by 2020. Many studies also show that African American donors give higher percentages of their incomes
fuels you… those simple opportunities to give back can lead you (both personally and professionally) to places you’d never have imagined.
The Community Foundation is pleased to announce
LICS is an interfaith social services ministry serving families and individuals in Lexington who are struggling to meet their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. LICS found that many of their
What’s one insight you can offer to others outside your identity/ culture/community?
monthly food clients were unable to receive much
No matter how you identify, love is a
launched a mobile food
universal human language and the rewards
pantry, outfitting a bus to
of sharing are priceless. As Maya Angelou
transport non-perishable
stated, “I have found that among its other
food and fresh produce
benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
to hundreds of families in
needed groceries each month because they lived over 25 miles away. To reach these clients, LICS
food deserts each month.
2 central carolina community foundation
At A Glance From July 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Total Assets: $ 119,503,000 Total Funds: 379 New Funds: 11 Grants Awarded: $5,288,714 Grants Since Inception: $142 M+
Legacy Society The Legacy Society honors those who have made a lasting commitment to our community by including charitable gifts to the Foundation in their estates. The Community Foundation thanks the following individuals for their vision and insight for our community’s future both during their lifetime and beyond. Anonymous Stacey Atkinson Gayle O. Averyt Mary Wyatt Balbach Kenneth W. Baldwin Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Barinowski Mac and Leslie Bennett Charlotte Lunsford Berry Mr. Charles Shannon Blackwell* Mr. and Mrs. Addison Bostain* Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Bowers Sr. Betsy Linn Chambers Mary Elizabeth and Freeman W. Coggins Jr. Arlen* and Janet Cotter Jo Mengedoht Cox Margaret R. Cullum Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Dade Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Dana* Mrs. William W. Dukes Jr.* Toni and Sam* Elkins David A.* and Julie D. Epting Mr. and Mrs. George C. Fant Jr. Julia R. Gentles Ms. Diane Goolsby
Lawrence H. Gorden Katherine K. Greiner* Ms. Leila Grimball Rusty and Plum Hammond Julie Hawkins Marjorie Heggie and David Estefano C. Carroll and Susan B. Heyward Mr.* and Mrs. Owen M. Holmes III Clifton J. Kitchens Marion A. Knox* Dr. and Mrs. David L. Kulbersh Mrs. Kate Miller LaCoste* Dr. Lanneau D. Lide Jr. Lloyd S. Liles Mr. and Mrs. David L. Martin Jamie Young McCulloch Robert E. McLawhorn Dr. and Mrs. James E. Mercer Jacqueline M. Miller Frances K. Mills Janice H. Morrow Mr. I. Harby Moses* Ms. Sara Nalley Ethan Nord
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Oana Dorothy G. Owen* Scott and Katie Peterson Mr. and Mrs. J. Key Powell* Bill Rogers Mr.* and Mrs. Edward Y. Roper Sr. Mr. J. Royal Roseberry III Paul* and Ann Schuler Mr. and Mrs. Marshall A. Shearouse* Ruth Kay Sidisin* Henry and Linda Sims John C. “Buck“ Smith* Mr. and Mrs. David C. Sojourner, Jr. Mary Averill Stanton* Pete and Sarah Stewart H. Talcott Stith Jr.* Kerry Stubbs Dorothy S. Team JoAnn Turnquist and Ernie Csiszar John and Betty Warren* Mr. and Mrs. H. Dallon Weathers Jr. Christine Webb* Mr. and Mrs. John T. Weeks* Milford H. “Joe“ Wessinger*
Mrs. John S. Wilson Max and Sibby Wood* *deceased
Interested in joining the Legacy Society? Contact Heather Sherwin at 803.978.7831.
Welcome to Our Family These funds were established between January 4, 2017 and April 6, 2017. Please join us in welcoming them to our family. Judith Monastra Davis Leadership Fund Lawrence H. Gordon Fund Mable Wannamaker Leadley Unendowed Fund Lynches River Conservation Fund
Giving For the Future of Others
Legacy Society member Sara Nalley is helping ensure future generations have opportunities to experience the true joy of the arts As a retired teacher, Sara Nalley has spent her
investigate Central
The Foundation works with Legacy Society
life serving others and giving back. A native
Carolina Community
members to assist them with each step of the
South Carolinian, Sara taught theater and
Foundation. Shortly after,
process, from wording for wills to dispersing
communication, first at Dreher High School and
she became a member
the funds to the right organizations. Sara said,
then at her alma mater, Columbia College. Her
of the Community
“I was surprised that I didn’t have to be wealthy
teaching experiences instilled in her a love for
Foundation’s Legacy
to set up a fund and that the Foundation made
education and the arts, causes that she chose to
Society, created to honor
it so easy. “ When asked what advice she has
support in her estate planning.
those who have made a
for others she said, “Do your homework. Decide
lasting commitment to
what causes are important to you, and investigate
When Sara was creating her will, she first planned to leave several small amounts to various arts and education organizations. Sara commented, “My
Sara Nalley
our community by including charitable gifts to
the organizations carefully. The Foundation’s
the Foundation in their estates.
expertise can help with that. And do it now. You never know what will happen. If there are causes
true joy is seeing students learn to enjoy the arts,
By working with the Community Foundation,
as performers or as audience members. I want
Sara found that she could maximize her funds
all students to have that opportunity.” But she
and make them last beyond a single donation.
knew that her one-time bequests would not be
“The Community Foundation is here forever,”
Sara and other Legacy Society Members are
large enough to make a lasting difference. And
says Sara. “By leaving a bequest to them, I will be
ensuring that our community will be a better
there were some “what ifs” in selecting these
able to help organizations that fit my interests into
place to live, work and play into perpetuity.
organizations. What if their mission changes after
the future, regardless of any changes that happen
I make my will? What if the organization does not
with individual organizations. And instead of
survive?
leaving small one-time bequests, my funds will be
One of the organizations Sara was considering for her estate planning suggested that she
invested and the earnings will be used to provide grants far into the future.”
you want to support, now is the time to create a plan.”
The Community Foundation provides free will planning tools on our website to help you begin planning for the future. Visit cccfgift.org to download your free wills guide today.
3 spring 2017
Central Carolina Community Foundation 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 213 Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Calling All Philanthropists
The fourth Midlands Gives event is on May 2nd! Here’s what you need to know about this year’s event:
300+
local nonprofits participating
HEADQUARTERS AT South Carolina State Museum
$97,000+ in prize incentives The Foundation’s affiliates in Chapin, Kershaw, Sumter and Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties are once again stepping up to sponsor
BONUS POOLS
for participating nonprofits in those counties.
NEW OPTION
to schedule your gift beginning April 18th and have your donation process automatically on May 2nd. Please note, scheduled gifts do not count towards prize incentives.
Can’t wait?
Begin spreading the word about Midlands Gives to your network now. Make sure you use #MidlandsGives on social media. Visit www.midlandsgives.org to view participating nonprofit’s profiles, prize details, headquarters schedule and more! Our President’s Letter is taking a break this issue as our President is preparing to cheer for our community’s philanthropists and nonprofits during Midlands Gives.
4
HOW TO GIVE ON MAY 2ND VISIT midlandsgives.org
www.midlandsgives.org and browse the nonprofit profiles. You can sort by category or search for a specific nonprofit.
DETERMINE
which nonprofit(s) you would like to give to.
FILL
out your information and submit your donation using your credit card.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Tell your friends and family about donating and ask them to consider making a donation as well.
DON’T FORGET:
The minimum donation is only $20 and you can give to as many nonprofits as you like.
FREE, PUBLIC EVENT!