From staff reports
Earlier this month, the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (BCBCC) was awarded a transformative grant of $1.25 million by the Coastal Community Foundation (CFF).
Payable over three years, this funding will empower the Chamber to strengthen its membership and partnership development, ensuring the organization’s sustainability and long-term impact on Black and minority-owned businesses.
The grant is structured in two parts to support the Chamber over a three-year period. The first part provides $857,000 in general operating support. The second part includes $375,000 in matching funds, which will be released as the Chamber achieves specific milestones, such as enrolling new members and securing new partnerships. For every dollar the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce raises toward these goals, CCF will match the amount, up to a maximum of $375,000.
“We are honored to receive this support from the Coastal Community Foundation. It is a nod to the critical role the Chamber plays in our community,” BCBCC President and Chief Executive Officer Marilyn Harris said in a media release. “This funding will enable us to provide greater resources to our members and strengthen our efforts to create opportunities for minority-owned businesses in Beaufort County.”
“The matching funds initiate is designed to foster collaboration and amplify the Chamber’s impact throughout Beaufort County,” Coastal Community Foundation President Darrin Goss said. “This grant, the second largest ever awarded by CCF, reflects our deep commitment to supporting sustainable growth and empowering orgnizations that drive economic development. We see this as an opportunity to effectively double the impact of the Chamber’s community engagement efforts. This approach ensures that every dollar invested by the foundation sparks greater community support for the Chamber’s mission.”
The BCBCC invites all community members, business leaders, and partners to participate in this exciting opportunity to double the impact of their contributions. Every dollar raised will be matched, effectively doubling the support for minority businesses in Beaufort County.
“This grant and matching opportunity represent a unique chance for our community to come together and create lasting economic empowerment,” added Harris. “We encourage everyone to join us in this effort to drive meaningful change.”
