Community Foundation Of The Lowcountry Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,966,328 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 8 weeks after application deadline
• Grant Range: Up to $5,000 - $125,000+
• Geographic Focus: Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties, South Carolina

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 23019, Hilton Head, SC 29925-3019
Phone: 843-681-9100
Website: www.cf-lowcountry.org
Email: Contact through website

Pre-Application Support:

• Debbie Cahoon, Vice President for Community Investment: 843-681-9100 (for grant inquiries)
• Lisa Hodge, Program Associate (for organizational development grants and scholarships)

Overview

Founded in 1994 (originally established as the Hilton Head Island Foundation in 1983), the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to South Carolina's Lowcountry region. With total assets exceeding $80 million and annual grantmaking of nearly $11 million, the foundation has distributed over $104 million in grants since its inception. The organization manages over 400 charitable funds and operates under the mission of "strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs." In 2023, Charity Navigator awarded the foundation a Four-Star rating with a perfect 100% score. Aaron Falk, formerly CEO of Kern Community Foundation in California, assumed the role of President and CEO in January 2026.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Impact Grants: Competitive grants exceeding $10,000 for organizations serving Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, or Greater Bluffton area

• Purpose: Launch new programs, enhance existing services, or invest in critical capital projects
• Award range: $10,000 - $125,000+
• Recent awards: 19 grants totaling over $993,000 in FY25; $375,000 to 8 organizations in Fall 2024
• Application method: Two annual cycles with fixed deadlines (September 1 LOI/October 1 application; March 1 LOI/April 1 application)

Opportunity Grants: Competitive grants up to $10,000 for organizations serving all four counties

• Award range: Up to $10,000
• Application method: Two annual cycles (September 15/March 10 deadlines with LOIs due ~1 week prior)
• Purpose: Projects, program expansion, or capital expenditures

Organizational Development Grants: Capacity-building grants up to $5,000

• Award: Up to $5,000 (covers up to 70% of consultant services)
• Three annual cycles: August 31, December 8, March 3
• One grant per organization per fiscal year
• Purpose: Strategic planning, governance training, board development, fiscal management, social justice planning, marketing/communications

Disaster Recovery and Rebuilding Fund: Activated when officials declare disaster in the service area

• Supports community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based organizations
• Past example: $100,000 awarded following Hurricane Matthew

Women in Philanthropy (WIP): Endowed giving circle for Beaufort County nonprofits

• Recent award: $148,700 to 6 organizations in 2025
• Endowment: Over $1.3 million
• Focus: "Building Pathways to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency" (2025 theme)
• Areas: Arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human services

PEARLS (Hampton County): Philanthropic Empowerment Among Rural Lowcountry Sisters

• Individual grants: $500 - $3,000
• Total annual giving: Approximately $9,000

Priority Areas

• Health and human services
• Education and childcare
• Arts and culture
• Environment and conservation
• Social justice initiatives
• Community development
• Workforce development
• Food security programs
• Emergency housing assistance
• Mental health services
• Strong preference for projects supporting marginalized community members

What They Don't Fund

• General operating support (for Impact and Opportunity Grants)
• Religious or sectarian activities
• Political activities or lobbying
• Direct grants to individuals
• Endowments
• Annual fundraising campaigns or special events
• Scholarships (through competitive grant programs)
• Staff positions

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Aaron Falk, President and CEO (assumed role January 2026)

• Previously served as CEO & President of Kern Community Foundation in Bakersfield, CA for four years
• Under his leadership at Kern, the foundation grew assets and launched youth workforce development programs

Debbie Cahoon, Vice President for Community Investment

• Oversees competitive grantmaking and scholarship programs
• Primary contact for grant inquiries

Emmy Rooney, Vice President for Development and Donor Services

Rob Ennamorato, Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Jim Gresham, Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration

Board of Directors (2025-26 Officers)

Lynn Jennings Taylor, Board Chair
Tray Hunter, Vice-Chair
Doug Wetmore, Treasurer
Yolanda Branche, Secretary

Recent Board Additions (July 2025):

• Kim Baretta (marketing leadership career with Proctor & Gamble)
• Leslie Evans (healthcare outcomes expertise with Fortune 500 companies)
• Charles Sampson (founding partner of Charter One Realty–North, Hilton Head resident since 1972)

Recent Board Additions (July 2024):

• Yolanda Branche (Washington DC government leadership experience)
• Lloyd "Fig" Newton (Retired Air Force Commander, former Executive VP at Pratt & Whitney)
• Steve Fanelli (banking and technology background)
• Tom Moore (senior executive experience in finance and strategy)

Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two terms.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Attend an Impact Information Session at the Community Foundation (required within 12 months of application due date)

Step 2: Complete organization profile on GuideStar or The Giving Marketplace

Step 3: Ensure organization has a social justice statement in place (required for all competitive grants)

Step 4: Contact Debbie Cahoon (843-681-9100) to discuss grant request and determine appropriate grant type

Step 5: Receive Access Code with application instructions from Community Investment staff

Step 6: Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) by deadline

Step 7: Submit full application through online portal by deadline

Application Deadlines for FY 2026:

Impact Grants (for Hilton Head Island/Daufuskie Island/Greater Bluffton area):

• Cycle 1: LOI due September 1, 2025; Application due October 1, 2025
• Cycle 2: LOI due March 1, 2026; Application due April 1, 2026

Opportunity Grants (all four counties):

• Cycle 1: LOI due September 3, 2025; Application due September 15, 2025
• Cycle 2: LOI due March 3, 2026; Application due March 10, 2026

Organizational Development Grants:

• Cycle 1: August 31, 2025
• Cycle 2: December 8, 2025
• Cycle 3: March 3, 2026

Decision Timeline

Approximately 8 weeks after application deadline for notification

Process:

1. Grants Advisory Committee reviews applications
2. Site visits conducted for finalists
3. Board of Directors makes final determination
4. Notification sent to all applicants

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. In FY25, 19 Impact Grants totaling over $993,000 were awarded. The foundation emphasizes the competitive nature of the grant process.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent grant cycles. Grantseekers who have previously applied must attend an Impact Information Session within twelve months of applying to ensure awareness of any changes to the process or priorities.

Application Success Factors

Contact Staff Early: The foundation explicitly encourages applicants to contact Debbie Cahoon at 843-681-9100 to discuss project eligibility and determine the appropriate grant type before applying.

Demonstrate Community Impact: The foundation states that articulating the IMPACT your request has on the community you serve is "a critical component of the application process." Applications must clearly demonstrate measurable community outcomes.

Support Marginalized Communities: The foundation shows "preference for projects or programs that support marginalized members of the communities we serve." Applications addressing equity and social justice align strongly with foundation priorities.

Use Available Resources: The foundation provides a comprehensive Grantseekers Toolkit including budget basics, grantwriting tips, sample responses, application checklist, and glossary of common grant terms. These resources are designed to "demystify the application process and set you up for success."

Prepare Thoughtful Responses: The foundation advises reviewing questions in advance to "help your organization plan thoughtful responses, gather necessary attachments, and prepare a realistic project budget."

Meet All Requirements: Ensure your organization has completed all eligibility requirements, including attending an Impact Information Session, completing the GuideStar/Giving Marketplace profile, and having a social justice statement in place.

Recent Funded Projects Include:

• Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine: Pharmacy services enhancement ($375,000 cycle, Fall 2024)
• Lowcountry Council of Governments: Workforce training for individuals with employment barriers (Fall 2024)
• Programs for Exceptional People: Dedicated aide support for intellectually disabled adults (Fall 2024)
• Beaufort County School District: Early Childhood Teacher Development with facility upfit ($125,000, Spring 2024)
• Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen: "Look Mom, I have a Green Thumb" afterschool program with greenhouse ($16,000, Spring 2024)
• The Outside Foundation: Year-long environmental education and stewardship program (Fall 2024)

Geographic Alignment Matters: Impact Grants are restricted to organizations serving Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, or Greater Bluffton area, while Opportunity Grants serve all four counties. Ensure your service area matches the grant program.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Pre-application consultation is encouraged: Contact Debbie Cahoon (843-681-9100) before applying to discuss eligibility and appropriate grant type
• Attend the required Information Session early: This must be completed within 12 months of application, so plan ahead
• Social justice statement is mandatory: All applicants must have this in place; preference given to projects supporting marginalized communities
• Impact is paramount: Applications must clearly articulate measurable community impact, not just activities or outputs
• Use foundation resources: The Grantseekers Toolkit provides templates and guidance designed specifically for CFL applications
• Geographic restrictions vary by program: Impact Grants serve a narrower geographic area (Hilton Head/Daufuskie/Greater Bluffton) while Opportunity Grants serve all four counties
• Capital projects are fundable: Unlike many funders, CFL explicitly welcomes applications for critical capital projects through Impact Grants
• Multiple funding opportunities exist: Beyond competitive grants, explore Women in Philanthropy, PEARLS, and the Grant Catalog for additional funding sources

References

• Community Foundation of the Lowcountry official website: https://cf-lowcountry.org/ (accessed January 20, 2026)
• Impact Grant Guidelines: https://cf-lowcountry.org/nonprofits-and-grantees/about-our-grants/grant-application-guidelines (accessed January 20, 2026)
• Opportunity Grant Guidelines: https://cf-lowcountry.org/nonprofits-and-grantees/about-our-grants/opportunity-grant-guidelines (accessed January 20, 2026)
• Organizational Development Grant Guidelines: https://cf-lowcountry.org/nonprofits-and-grantees/about-our-grants/organizational-development-grant-guidelines (accessed January 20, 2026)
• Grantseekers Toolkit: https://cf-lowcountry.org/nonprofits-and-grantees/strengthening-nonprofits (accessed January 20, 2026)
• Meet Our Staff: https://cf-lowcountry.org/about/meet-our-staff (accessed January 20, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/57-0756987 (accessed January 20, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/570756987 (accessed January 20, 2026)
• "Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Awards $375,000 in Impact Grants to Lowcountry Nonprofits," cf-lowcountry.org (accessed January 20, 2026)
• "Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Awards Impact Grants to 11 Lowcountry Organizations," cf-lowcountry.org (accessed January 20, 2026)
• "Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Hires New President and CEO," cf-lowcountry.org (accessed January 20, 2026)
• "Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Welcomes Four New Board of Directors Members," cf-lowcountry.org (accessed January 20, 2026)