SPC Cares Foundation Approves $6,000 For Community Impact Grants
Following an unexpectedly popular grant application period during the first quarter of 2025, members of the newly-launched SPC Cares Foundation’s Advisory Committee approved six $1,000 Community Impact grants to local nonprofits in Darlington and Florence Counties. Grant recipients include Black Creek Wildlife Center, Christ City of Refuge, Darlington County Progress, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation, the McLeod Health Foundation, and The Salvation Army of the Pee Dee.
Each grant recipient meets one or more of the Cares Foundation’s four primary pillars of impact: hunger, housing, education, and employment. These four pillars were prioritized by SPC Credit Union based on community and Member interactions. Community Impact grants are one of four funding opportunities available through the Foundation; others include the SPC Scholarship Fund, the Down Payment Assistance Fund, and the Member Hardship Fund.
Members of the Foundation Advisory Committee enjoyed celebrating with grant recipients through check presentations and facility tours to congratulate recipients firsthand and commemorate the milestone achievement for the Foundation. Amanda Boykin, Advisory Committee Chair, shared of these experiences, “It has been an absolute pleasure to award our first round of Community Impact Grants. The work that these non-profit organizations are doing every day is a testament to the pressing needs related to hunger, housing, education, and employment in our communities. The SPC Cares Foundation is thrilled to play a part in addressing these needs through our Community Impact Grants.”
Project details for each of the organizations are as follows:
Black Creek Wildlife Center: Equipment for off-site educational programs
Christ City of Refuge: Support of a transitional shelter to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction
Darlington County Progress: Transportation costs associated with the ASCEND program
SCGSSM Foundation: Provide a portion of the meal plan for a student with documented financial need from Darlington, Florence, Marlboro, or Chesterfield County
McLeod Health Foundation: Provide for the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund
Salvation Army of the Pee Dee (Florence): Provide food within their homeless shelter, soup kitchen, & food pantry.
Representatives from each of the organizations shared what it means to have been awarded a Community Impact grant from the SPC Cares Foundation:
Jeanne Kelley, Secretary/Treasurer of Black Creek Wildlife Center’s Board of Directors, stated: “The Black Creek Wildlife Center greatly appreciates receiving the grant from the SPC Cares Foundation. This will enable us to expand our wildlife education programs that we have for the community and allow us to bring other animals that we otherwise could not bring off-site. It’s going to enhance our community education programming because it allows us to include other educational programs we have.”
James B. Johnson, Jr., Director of Christ City of Refuge, shared: “We are incredibly thankful to the SPC Cares Foundation for believing in our mission and the people we serve. This generous grant helps us continue offering shelter, transportation, and a path forward for those facing homelessness and addiction. With SPC Cares Foundation’s support, we’re reminded that our community truly cares — and together, we’re changing lives."
Danny Hogge, Jr., Chair of the Darlington County Progress Board, offered: “Thanks to SPC Credit Union for their generous $1,000 grant to Darlington County Progress! Your generous support helps us transport every 8th grader in Darlington County to visit local businesses, inspiring them to explore exciting career opportunities where they live and play. Thank you, SPC, for investing in our students and our community’s future!”
Amy Howard, Grant Writer for the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation, expressed her gratitude as well, sharing with the SPC team, “Thank you so much to the SPC Cares Foundation Board for awarding GSSM $1,000 for a GSSM residential student's meal plan!”
Lauren Snipes, Development Officer for the McLeod Health Foundation, commented: “We are so grateful to the SPC Cares Foundation for their support of the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund here at McLeod Regional Medical Center. This fund assists patients who are facing heartbreaking financial challenges while going through chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Many patients receiving their life-saving treatments here at McLeod often face challenging barriers to care, including food insecurity. Through this generous grant, we will be able to fund 40 food bags to meet this critical need for our patients as they continue their journey towards healing.”
Heather Steverson, Business Administrator for the North and South Carolina Divisions of The Salvation Army, shared: “The generous donation received from the SPC Cares Foundation will allow us to provide 40 families with a month’s worth of food.”
The SPC Cares Foundation’s Advisory Committee is comprised of SPC Credit Union staff and Board Members. Community Impact grants are open year-round and reviewed quarterly. Applications are accepted online at SPC Cares Foundation | SPC Credit Union.