Staff Report //February 19, 2019//
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: