Florence County, South Carolina – The SPC Cares Foundation is celebrating a big milestone after a busy start to the year. They have given $6,000 in Community Impact awards to six nonprofit groups that help people in Darlington and Florence Counties. The Foundation, which is part of SPC Credit Union, gave out these grants after getting a lot of applications during its inaugural round in early 2025.
Each of the chosen NGOs will get $1,000 to help with specific initiatives that meet the region’s most important needs. The Foundation’s work is based on four main areas of focus: hunger, housing, education, and employment. These areas were chosen based on feedback from Credit Union members and outreach to the community.
The Foundation has a bigger plan than just these Community Impact grants. It also has a scholarship fund, helps homebuyers with their down payments, and gives emergency hardship relief to members who are in trouble.
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This quarter’s six picked groups include a mix of local endeavors. For instance, the Black Creek Wildlife Center wants to use the funding to buy equipment for educational activities that go beyond their main building. This will let them deliver unique animal experiences to schools and community organizations. Christ City of Refuge will use their money to run its transitional shelter, which helps people who are homeless or addicted to drugs get back on their feet.
The ASCEND program from Darlington County Progress got help with transportation costs so that eighth students from all across the county can visit local businesses and learn about possible occupations. This is an initiative that aims to open up new opportunities for the next generation. The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation will use their grant to help pay for the lunch plan of a student from the area who needs money.
The HOPE Fund will help the McLeod Health Foundation give 40 food bags to cancer patients who are having trouble with their health and their money. The Pee Dee Salvation Army in Florence will use the money from the award to feed 40 families through its shelter, soup kitchen, and food pantry.
The announcement of these awards was met with appreciation and excitement from recipients, each expressing gratitude for the Foundation’s partnership and investment in their missions. Members of the Foundation’s Advisory Committee, which includes Credit Union personnel and board members, went to the NGOs to give them checks and see their work in person. This shows that the Foundation takes a hands-on approach to helping the community.
Amanda Boykin, the head of the Advisory Committee, highlighted the significance the work these groups are doing is and how these funding help meet urgent needs in the area. The Community Impact awards are offered to local NGOs all year long and are reviewed every three months. They are part of SPC Cares Foundation’s mission to help communities by giving them targeted, useful help.
The SPC Cares Foundation website has more information and the application process for NGOs who want to apply.
