Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awards money to regional nonprofit organizations to address COVID-19 needs

From staff reports

In its seventh round of COVID-19-related grant making since April, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has awarded an additional $61,155 to six organizations that are addressing critical needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

To date, a total of $475,717 has been granted to 35 organizations in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry established the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund in mid-March to rapidly deploy funds to nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families struggling from the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A grants advisory committee, comprised of community leaders from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties, reviews the grant applications.

The following organizations have received grants in this round of grantmaking:

Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine: To purchase medication and testing supplies to meet additional needs of low-income patients in Bluffton and Jasper Counties, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greater Cherry Grove Food Pantry: To purchase food and upgrade equipment needed to expand services at their new location, providing food to low-income residents of Hampton County.

Gullah Geechee Initiative Foundation, Inc.: For food and supplies needed for the Mandela Day Emergency Food Distribution Project for low-income, at-risk families and individuals on St. Helena Island.

Marshview Community Organic Farm: For food to resource their collaborative food distribution program on St. Helena Island.

Mental Health America of Beaufort/Jasper: To fund food for Island House participants in addition to cleaning, sanitation and PPE to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and clients.

Real Champions, Inc.: For food to be distributed to low-income families in Jasper County in collaboration with Hope Zone Resource Center.