Vandy Charitable Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $232,000
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $30,000
• Geographic Focus: Georgetown County and coastal South Carolina

Contact Details

• Phone: (843) 546-7993
• Address: P.O. Box 458, Georgetown, SC 29442-0458
• Website: None
• Email: None publicly available

Overview

The Vandy Charitable Foundation Inc is a private independent grant-making foundation established in 1995 and based in Georgetown, South Carolina. With total assets of approximately $5.4 million, the foundation distributes around $230,000 annually through 35-40 grants to organizations primarily in Georgetown County and the broader coastal South Carolina region. Operating without a public website or application process, the foundation makes grants based on trustee discretion to organizations in healthcare, religious institutions, environmental conservation, animal welfare, and education sectors. The foundation typically awards grants ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, with a median grant size of $5,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants in the following ranges:

• Small grants: $1,000 - $5,000 (most common)
• Medium grants: $5,000 - $10,000 (regularly awarded)
• Large grants: $10,000 - $30,000 (selective, for major initiatives)

Priority Areas

• Healthcare and medical research (MUSC hospitals, medical clinics)
• Religious organizations (primarily Episcopal churches)
• Environmental conservation (wetlands and wildlife preservation)
• Animal welfare (local humane societies)
• Higher education (medical and research universities)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's giving patterns indicate they do not typically fund:

• Individual assistance
• Political organizations
• International programs
• Arts and culture organizations outside their geographic area

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is administered through Robert M. Balding, who serves as the primary contact. Detailed trustee information is contained in the foundation's Form 990-PF filings but specific names and roles were not available through public database searches. The foundation operates as a typical private family foundation with trustee-directed giving based on personal interests and established relationships.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations they select based on existing relationships, community connections, and alignment with trustee interests. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals or maintain an open application system.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's invitation-only approach and strong local focus, organizations seeking support should consider:

• Building connections within the Georgetown, SC philanthropic community where the foundation's trustees are likely active
• Establishing partnerships with current grant recipients like Prince George Episcopal Church or St. Frances Humane Society who may provide introductions
• Participating in Georgetown County charitable initiatives where foundation leadership may be involved
• Connecting through MUSC Foundation networks if working in healthcare, as the foundation regularly supports multiple MUSC programs

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept competitive applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations are selected by trustees rather than through an application process.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and recipient profiles:

• Geographic proximity matters: Organizations based in or directly serving Georgetown County receive the highest priority, followed by coastal South Carolina organizations
• Established credibility is key: Recipients like MUSC, Johns Hopkins, and Ducks Unlimited show the foundation values organizations with strong reputations and proven track records
• Local community impact: The foundation consistently supports organizations that provide direct services to Georgetown County residents
• Healthcare initiatives receive significant support: Medical organizations receive some of the largest grants, particularly those connected to MUSC
• Long-term relationships appear important: Multiple organizations receive funding year after year, suggesting the foundation values sustained partnerships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder without a public application process - do not send unsolicited proposals
• Geographic focus on Georgetown County, SC is essential - organizations outside this area need exceptional alignment or existing connections
• Healthcare, religious, and environmental causes align best with historical giving patterns
• Grant sizes typically range from $1,000-$30,000, with most grants at $5,000 or below
• Building connections through current grant recipients or Georgetown philanthropic networks is the primary pathway to consideration
• The foundation maintains consistent annual giving around $230,000 distributed across 35-40 organizations
• Consider partnership opportunities with existing recipients like MUSC or local Georgetown organizations to establish credibility

References

1. Cause IQ - Vandy Charitable Foundation profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/vandy-charitable-foundation,571029335/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
2. Charity Navigator - EIN 571029335 profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/571029335 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Organization 571029335. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/571029335 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
4. GuideStar - Profile 57-1029335. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/57-1029335 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
5. Instrumentl - 990 Report for Vandy Charitable Foundation Inc. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/vandy-charitable-foundation-inc (Accessed February 24, 2026)
6. Candid/Foundation Directory - Vandy Charitable Foundation profile. https://app.candid.org/profile/7870345/vandy-charitable-foundation-co-robert-m-balding-57-1029335 (Accessed February 24, 2026)