The Central Carolina Community Foundation will award $327,000 to 14 recipients of the nonprofit organization’s Connected Communities grants. The grants are aimed at helping launch projects that improve livability in the Midlands.
The recipients presented innovative ideas that addressed one or more of three focuses areas identified by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Gallup as the three most important elements of an attractive community: Welcoming Community, which promotes and encourages open and inclusive activities and programs; Vibrant Social Offerings, which supports the availability of community events, arts and culture opportunities; and Superb Public Spaces, which enhances the beauty and physical setting of the Midlands community.
“Through the Connected Communities grant initiative, the foundation seeks to strengthen our region by investing in our community’s assets,” Central Carolina Community Foundation president and CEO JoAnn Turnquist said in a news release. “Each selected project encourages citizen involvement and community-wide collaboration. We’re delighted to support creative organizations that are enriching our region.”
The grants are funded by the foundation’s Community Impact Endowment fund as well as donor gifts. This year’s grants will serve eight counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland and Sumter.
The grant recipients are:
City of Cayce, Art Lot: An empty lot on State Street will be transformed into a public space connecting local residents, artists and government officials through arts-focused events.
Columbia Museum of Art, Boyd Plaza: The museum will present a year of free programming showcasing the newly renovated plaza and the museum’s history of community collaboration.
EdVenture, Community Enrichment Initiative: Pop Up EdVenture will provide STEAM and literacy programs at 12 area community festivals.
Ensemble Eclectica: An interdisciplinary contemporary chamber ensemble will feature the talents of area composers, dancers and artists.
Friends of Harbison State, Firebreak Trail Entrance: The park’s most-used entrance will receive improvements including a footbridge.
Harriet Hancock Center, Out: The support group for LGBTQ+ teens in the Midlands will provide group outings to local attractions.
Mt. Calvary Mission Baptist Church, Small Town – Great Beginnings: The project will bring inspirational speakers to Lee County to encourage and inspire area youth.
Palmetto Luna Arts, The Latino Experience: The cultural, social and educational initiative aims to provide non-Latino Midlands residents with knowledge and understanding of the Latino community.
River Alliance, 12,000-Year History Park: The project will provide two miles of ADA-accessible trails, bridge and boardwalks to the Congaree Creek in Cayce, along with interpretive historical panels.
Serve & Connect, Compassionate Acts: The program equips officers with resources, tools and knowledge to help those facing poverty-related challenges in Fairfield, Kershaw, Newberry and Orangeburg Counties.
Sumter County Museum, Chamber Music at the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center: Two nationally acclaimed chamber music ensembles will present concerts to help expand the museum’s community reach.
The Courage Center, A Place of Hope: The Lexington County community center supports the health and safety of youth and families and promotes recovery. A program will introduce families to the center through community events and speakers.
The Jasper Project, The Supper Table: The multidisciplinary arts project celebrates the history of state women and contemporary artists. It includes 15 place settings created by visual/textile artists and 150 titles honoring groundbreaking S.C. women.
The Vista Neighborhood Association, Metal Box Wraps: The program is an expansion of the two-year project that wraps utility boxes with works from local artists and historical photographs of the Vista.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.