Quick Summary
Name: South Carolina Bar Foundation Inc Status: Active Grant Maker
Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Giving | $5,200,000 (FY 2026) |
| Grant Range | No caps or minimums (new organizations unlikely to receive large grants initially) |
| Average Grant | $80,000 (approximate) |
| Application Method | Fixed Deadline |
Contact Details
Address: 950 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Mailing: PO Box 608, Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (803) 765-0517
Email: olivia.jones@scbarfoundation.org
Website: https://scbarfoundation.org/
Geographic Focus
South Carolina (statewide). The Foundation is the only statewide funding source for the provision of civil legal aid and law-related projects in South Carolina. Special fund exists for Horry County-specific projects.
Funding Priorities
- Civil legal services to indigents (using federal poverty guidelines)
- Law-related education
- Administration of justice improvements
- Legal services for community redevelopment and foreclosure prevention
- Programs supporting South Carolinians living in poverty
- Services for those facing homelessness
- Assistance for those navigating the legal system alone
- Support for those impacted by the criminal justice system
- Domestic violence survivor services
- Youth interested in careers in law
What They Don't Fund
- Criminal legal services (only civil legal services)
- Direct legal services (Foundation provides grants to organizations, not services)
- Programs that do not serve clients eligible under federal poverty guidelines
- Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) or similar tax-exempt nonprofits
- Applications outside the annual grant cycle (December-January)
Application Method
Fixed Deadline Process:
- Applications accepted only during open grant cycle (early December to end of January)
- Specific dates announced via website and social media each year
- New applicants must first submit Letter of Intent to Executive Director
- Meeting scheduled to discuss proposed project before full application
- Application submitted via online process
- No caps or minimums on grant amounts, but newer organizations unlikely to receive large initial grants
- Foundation may decline any/all applications or award less than requested
References
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