Cherokee County Community Foundation

The Cherokee County Community Foundation was established in 1994 by local leaders to encourage philanthropy and secure resources to address local issues.

The Foundation brings together charitable donors, community leaders and nonprofit organizations to make positive impacts throughout Cherokee County, South Carolina.

• The Foundation has a local board of trustees made up of community leaders that provide a county-specific perspective to their annual grantmaking program.
• The competitive grant program, funded by a permanent endowment advised by the board, addresses local issues and is directed by funding priorities established by the board.
• Charitable donors, both individuals and businesses, have many options for supporting their favorite nonprofit organizations through the Cherokee County Community Foundation while receiving the maximum tax deductibility. Donors can also support the educational needs of students through scholarship funds.
• Nonprofit organizations address local issues and receive grants from the Cherokee County Foundation in support of the board’s funding priorities. The back office charitable services and fund administration services of the Foundation can also be utilized by nonprofit organizations.

The Cherokee County Community Foundation is an affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas—a philanthropic and financial services organization serving 13 counties in North and South Carolina, which provides experienced staff, administrative support and fiduciary management.

Cherokee Critical Need Response Fund

As the economic downturn affected the region during the winter months, many residents faced dire circumstances. In response to this growing crisis, the Cherokee County Community Foundation established a Critical Need Response Fund in 2008 to help shelter, feed, clothe and keep warm Cherokee County residents. Read more about the success of this fundraising effort, which ran from January through April 2009.