Caritas Grant Applications Are Due May 5

Caritas grants are awarded to worthy endeavors of nonprofit and faith-based organizations reaching out to meet the immediate and basic needs of the poor. Caritas grants do not exceed $3,000 for a one-year period and are designed for organizations with annual budgets of less than $250,000.

To meet the needs of nonprofit organizations in South Carolina in this economic downturn, the Foundation increased Caritas grants awarded from once a year to three times in 2009. In addition to increasing the number of times grants are awarded and the number of grants awarded, the Foundation will accept--for the first time--applications meeting organizations basic operating expenses.

The first Caritas grant application deadline is May 5, followed by August 4 and November 3. To complete an online Caritas Fund application, click here.

CMI Spring Gathering

The Foundation’s Collaboration for Ministry Initiative held its Spring Gathering on March 28, 2009, in Greenville, S.C.

The Sisters spent the morning sharing stories reflecting upon their lives and the ministries they serve in South Carolina. In the afternoon the group traveled to the Monastery of St. Clare in Travelers Rest, S.C., to continue the day of sharing stories and prayers together with the Poor Clare Sisters.

To view pictures from the event, click here.

Pictured: Sr. Anna Marie Renteria, OSC; Sr. Corinne Yarborough, SSMN; Sr. Eileen Quinn, SSMN; Sr. Kathleen Maroney, CBS and Sr. Marie Lucille Summers, CBS, pose at the Monastery of St. Clare.

Foundations on the Hill

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina participated in Foundations on the Hill, sponsored by the Council on Foundations, March 24-25, 2009. Foundation representatives from S.C. met with staff for Congressmen Clyburn, Spratt and Wilson and Senators DeMint and Graham.

The Foundation asked that--especially with increasing demands on nonprofits--public policy support charitable giving. Specifically, requesting that current law is maintained on charitable deductions rates with respect to itemized deductions for charitable contributions, extension beyond 2009 of the IRA Charitable Rollover, as well as make gifts to supporting organizations and private foundations eligible for the incentive with the IRA Charitable Rollover. And lastly, a request was made for support in legislation intended to simplify the management of the excise tax that will provide foundations with additional grantmaking resources. A flat, revenue neutral, excise tax will encourage greater payouts by eliminating the tax penalty that currently follows a generous year of giving within a five year cycle.   

Pictured: Frank Wideman, president of the Self Family Foundation; Brooke Bailey, communications manager of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and Gene Cochrane, president of The Duke Endowment, outside of Congressman Joe Wilson's office.

Foundation President Receives Distinguish Contributions to Community Life Award

Tom Keith, president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, received the Distinguish Contributions to Community Life Award from Clemson University Institute on Family & Neighborhood Life Tuesday in Greenville, S.C.

The award, presented at the Institute’s 10th anniversary celebration, honors leadership, creativity, wisdom and personal commitment to serve others. Additionally, the award honors Keith’s leadership in strengthening grassroots leadership, especially among faith-based organizations, in South Carolina. Keith was one of 10 Distinguish Contributions to Community Life Award recipients.

Strategic Planning Workshop

The Foundation will host a workshop on strategic planning Wednesday, May 20 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Foundation's office.

This interactive workshop will give participants practical techniques to begin developing effective, user-friendly strategic plans that have a long-term impact. Participants will get a framework in which organizational information can be gathered, disseminated and analyzed to promote change, innovation and improvements and increase the ability of their organization to remain mission-focused and to reach desirable outcomes.

To allow more interaction and learning opportunities, each workshop is limited in size. Participation in the workshop is determined by a selective process. The selection process requires the submission of a completed application form.

To apply for the Strategic Planning Workshop on Wednesday, May 20, click here. Applications are due by May 4, 2009.