Rebecca C Parsons Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $518,206 (2023)
• Total Assets: $8,044,556 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Varies by program - scholarships typically $5,000 per semester for opportunity program; amounts vary for traditional scholarships
• Geographic Focus: Andrews, SC and surrounding areas (primarily 29510 zip code)

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 1243, Pawleys Island, SC 29585-1243
Phone: (843) 481-6036
Email: RCPFscholarships@gmail.com
Foundation Type: Private Grantmaking Foundation
EIN: 57-0990214
Established: 1992 (incorporated 1994)

Overview

The Rebecca C Parsons Foundation was established in 1992 by Arthur H. Parsons (1916-1990) and Rebecca "Beck" Parsons (1916-1997), longtime residents of Andrews, South Carolina. With total assets of approximately $8 million and annual expenses of over $518,000, the foundation has awarded approximately 1,000 scholarships since its inception. The foundation's mission centers on providing financial assistance to qualified high school seniors and graduates from the Andrews area to help them further their education, while also supporting Christian churches and organizations in Andrews, SC. In recent years, the foundation has expanded its impact through strategic partnerships with technical colleges, including a $100,000 commitment to support workers displaced by the International Paper plant closure in Andrews.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Traditional High School Scholarships

• Available to graduates of Andrews High School and Waccamaw High School
• Amounts vary based on enrolled credit hours and program
• Applications available in essay form and via Google Forms
• Restricted to students in the local surrounding area

Williamsburg Technical College Partnership

• $8,250 awarded in Fall 2023
• $16,000 awarded in Fall 2022
• Scholarships awarded on a semester basis
• Award amounts determined by student's enrolled credit hours

Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship (HGTC Partnership)

• $100,000 initial commitment established in 2024
• Up to $5,000 per semester (or program term for Workforce Development participants)
• Available for residents of 29510 zip code
• Covers non-course-related expenses including rent, utilities, gas, and more
• Designed specifically to support workers affected by the International Paper plant closure
• Eligible programs: Workforce Development and Advanced Manufacturing at HGTC
• Can be completed on any HGTC campus or online

Priority Areas

• Educational scholarships for Andrews High School and Waccamaw High School graduates
• Christian churches and organizations in Andrews, SC
• Workforce development and career training for Andrews area residents
• Support for communities affected by economic disruption
• Advanced manufacturing training programs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus is clearly on:

• The Andrews, SC geographic area (particularly 29510 zip code)
• Educational support and scholarships
• Local Christian organizations

Applications from outside this geographic area or unrelated to these focus areas are unlikely to be considered.

Governance and Leadership

Known Trustee:

• William Gaskins, Jr. - Trustee (as of 2024)

The foundation was established by Arthur H. Parsons and Rebecca "Beck" Parsons, who were passionate about improving educational opportunities for students in the Andrews community. Additional trustee and officer information is available in the foundation's Form 990-PF filings but not publicly listed in readily accessible sources.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For High School Scholarships:

• Applications are available in essay form at Andrews High School
• Applications also available via Google Forms
• Contact: RCPFscholarships@gmail.com for application materials
• Applications restricted to graduates of Andrews High School and Waccamaw High School

For HGTC Opportunity Scholarship:

• Contact HGTC Foundation at 843-477-2105
• Visit HGTC website for current information
• Must reside in 29510 zip code
• Must enroll in Workforce Development or Advanced Manufacturing programs

For Church and Organization Grants:

• No public application process is advertised
• The foundation appears to make discretionary grants to Christian churches and organizations in Andrews, SC
• Interested organizations may contact the foundation directly at (843) 481-6036

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation operates scholarship programs on a semester basis through its technical college partnerships, suggesting semester-aligned application and award cycles.

Success Rates

Approximately 1,000 scholarships have been awarded since the foundation's inception in 1992. Recent annual data shows nine grants were made in the most recent reporting year. Specific success rates or application-to-award ratios are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented. Students enrolled in multi-semester programs appear eligible to receive continued support based on the semester-based structure of the technical college partnerships.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Connection is Essential

• The foundation's focus on Andrews, SC is absolute. All scholarship recipients must be from Andrews High School or Waccamaw High School, or reside in the 29510 zip code for the HGTC Opportunity Scholarship.

Demonstrates Recent Responsiveness to Community Needs

• The foundation's rapid response to the International Paper plant closure with a $100,000 commitment shows active engagement with current community challenges. Applications that connect educational goals to community needs may resonate strongly.

Values Workforce Development and Practical Skills

• Recent partnerships emphasize workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and career training rather than exclusively traditional four-year college pathways. Applications highlighting practical career goals and skills development align with current priorities.

Essay Applications Suggest Importance of Personal Story

• The use of essay-form applications indicates the foundation values understanding applicants' personal narratives, motivations, and goals rather than relying solely on academic metrics.

Christian Values May Be Relevant

• The foundation explicitly supports Christian churches and organizations in Andrews. While not stated as a scholarship requirement, the founders' values and mission suggest applicants connected to local churches or Christian values may align well with foundation priorities.

Recent Recipients Include First-Generation and Diverse Students

• Named scholarship recipients suggest the foundation supports students from diverse backgrounds pursuing various technical and career programs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Only students from Andrews High School, Waccamaw High School, or residents of 29510 zip code qualify for scholarships
• The foundation responds to current community needs: The $100,000 commitment for displaced International Paper workers shows willingness to adapt programming to urgent local challenges
• Technical and workforce education are priorities: Recent partnerships emphasize practical skills and career training over traditional academic paths
• Personal narrative matters: Essay-based applications suggest the foundation wants to understand individual stories and motivations
• Approximately 1,000 scholarships awarded: This demonstrates sustained commitment to educational support over three decades
• Multiple pathways for support: Traditional scholarships, technical college partnerships, and opportunity programs provide various access points
• Limited public information on church grants: Organizations seeking non-scholarship support should contact the foundation directly at (843) 481-6036

References

• Cause IQ Profile: The Rebecca C Parsons Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/rebecca-c-parsons-scholarship-foundation,570990214/ (Accessed February 2025)
• GuideStar Profile: The Rebecca C Parsons Foundation, EIN 57-0990214. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/57-0990214 (Accessed February 2025)
• Candid Foundation Directory: The Rebecca C Parsons Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=PARS024 (Accessed February 2025)
• Horry-Georgetown Technical College. "HGTC Foundation Partners with the Rebecca C. Parsons Foundation to Support the Andrews Community." 2024. https://www.hgtc.edu/about_hgtc/news_center/2024/hgtc-foundation-partners-with-rebecca-parsons-foundation-to-support-andrews-community.html (Accessed February 2025)
• Post and Courier. "WTC Foundation awards Parson's Scholars." December 2023. https://www.postandcourier.com/kingstree/kingstree/community-news/wtc-foundation-awards-parson-s-scholars/article_0944e7be-9513-11ee-ad7c-d76688d19021.html (Accessed February 2025)
• Post and Courier. "Williamsburg Technical College awards Parson's Scholars." February 2023. https://www.postandcourier.com/kingstree/williamsburg-technical-college-awards-parson-s-scholars/article_91adf3ae-b3df-11ed-a1f9-3f6acffe277d.html (Accessed February 2025)
• Grantmakers.io Profile: Rebecca C Parsons Foundation. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/570990214-rebecca-c-parsons-foundation/ (Accessed February 2025)