Philanthropic Opportunities for Lowcountry Residential Communities

By Scott Wierman CONTRIBUTOR

Since its inception in 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has provided the strategy, structure, and guidance to donors to maximize their giving opportunities. The support offered by the Community Foundation to donors stretches beyond individuals and families – it also includes businesses, giving circles, service groups, private foundations, nonprofit organizations, and residential communities. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry currently administers 13 residential community charitable funds:

Belfair, Berkeley Hall, Colleton River, The Cypress, Hampton Hall, Hampton Lake, Long Cove, Moss Creek, Palmetto Bluff, Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal, Riverton and TidePointe. The impact of these funds, with numerous resident donors, can be transformational.

Rapid growth is a benefit of a residential community fund. The Port Royal Community Charitable Fund, in just its second year of grantmaking, granted over $84,000 to eight local nonprofit organizations, more than four times its initial $20,000 granted in 2022. A resident of Port Royal summed it up best by stating “you are not just raising funds; you are building a community.”

Each residential community fund is unique with varying grantmaking themes and geographic focal points. Palmetto Dunes Cares grantmaking efforts focus on organizations that provide services to youth or the environment in the greater Hilton Head area. In 2023, Palmetto Dunes awarded 20 grants and presented its first scholarships to local students. Riverton Charitable Fund, who awarded its first grants in 2023, provides grants and resources to benefit their neighbors in Jasper County. The Colleton River Charitable Fund awards grants that support Greater Bluffton nonprofit organizations who supply residents in need with the tools and support to build a better future.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has built longstanding, collaborative relationships with many of the residential community funds. Long Cove Club created its Community Endowment Fund in 2003 with the Community Foundation and added the Long Cove Charitable Fund in 2014, which disburses all funds raised through contributions and fundraisers within that fiscal year. The two