Abney Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $2.15 million
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Annual review cycle (November deadline)
- Grant Range: $200,000 - $300,000 (based on recent grants)
- Geographic Focus: South Carolina (primarily Anderson area)
Contact Details
- Website: www.abneyfoundation.org
- Phone: 864-964-9201
- Email: info@abneyfoundation.org
- Address: 100 Vine Street, Anderson, SC 29621
- Fax: 864-964-9209
Overview
Established in 1957, the Abney Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Anderson, South Carolina, with total assets of $51.3 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $2.15 million. The foundation's mission is "to make grants for innovative and creative projects, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs in the areas of education, health, social service and cultural affairs." The foundation places its highest priority on higher education, dedicating 75-80% of its funding to educational initiatives, with scholarship endowments established at fourteen colleges and universities across South Carolina.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation makes grants in four primary areas:
- Higher Education: 75-80% of total funding (scholarship endowments and institutional support)
- Health Services: Community health initiatives
- Social Services: Local community support organizations
- Cultural Affairs: Arts and cultural programming
Priority Areas
- Higher education institutions in South Carolina
- Scholarship endowments at colleges and universities
- Local community organizations in the Anderson area
- Innovative and creative projects addressing changing community needs
What They Don't Fund
- Individual grants (explicitly stated policy)
- Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
Governance and Leadership
Key Personnel:
- Lisa C. McWherter - Vice Chair
- Bonnie K Nash - Secretary/Treasurer
- Carl T Edwards - Emeritus
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
The foundation accepts grant proposals with specific guidelines:
- Proposals must be submitted by the first Monday in November by 4:00 PM
- Application guidelines are available on their website
- Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Decision Timeline
- Annual grant cycle with November deadline
- Decision timeline following November submission not specified
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Not specified in available documentation
Application Success Factors
Based on the foundation's stated priorities and recent grant patterns:
- Strong alignment with higher education initiatives has the highest likelihood of success
- Projects should demonstrate innovation and creativity in addressing community needs
- Local Anderson-area organizations appear to have strong consideration
- Substantial grant amounts ($200,000-$300,000) suggest preference for significant, transformative projects rather than small operational grants
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Focus heavily on educational impact, particularly higher education initiatives
- Emphasize innovation and responsiveness to changing community needs in proposals
- Be prepared for substantial grant requests - recent grants range from $200,000-$300,000
- Submit well before the November deadline to ensure consideration
- South Carolina organizations, particularly in the Anderson area, appear to have priority
- Do not request individual assistance - the foundation explicitly does not fund individuals
- Ensure 501(c)(3) status is current and clearly documented
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Abney Foundation Profile (accessed December 2024)
- GuideStar Profile for Abney Foundation EIN: 57-6019445 (accessed December 2024)
- Abney Foundation Official Website: www.abneyfoundation.org (accessed December 2024)
- CauseIQ - Abney Foundation Grant Analysis (accessed December 2024)