<em>Photo above: Denice Davis Fanning, YMCA Wellness director, poses with Y members after receiving an $8,500 grant from Women in Philanthropy. Photo provided.</em>

Women in Philanthropy, a fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, awarded $8,500 to the YMCA of Beaufort County for its Senior Shape Up wellness program.&nbsp;

The Senior Shape Up goal is to increase positive health and wellness outcomes for the seniors in Northern Beaufort County.&nbsp;

This grant will allow additional senior-focused wellness programs that will include additional equipment to track member progress, purchasing additional aerobics class equipment to expand class size, hiring and training additional staff to implement additional senior specific wellness, plus nutrition and safe exercise education.

Women in Philanthropy is a group of local women who are making a difference in the Lowcountry through the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2003, Women in Philanthropy has built an endowment of over $1 million and, since 2006, has awarded more than $360,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Beaufort County.

The YMCA of Beaufort County is part of a 171-year-old worldwide organization that enables the citizens of Beaufort County to develop values and behaviors that are consistent with its mission: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.&nbsp;

The Wardle Family YMCA of Beaufort County was charted in 1990 and opened its doors in June 1996. &nbsp;

The YMCA of Beaufort County currently serves approximately 8,000 individuals through the programs and services provided.

Visit ymcabeaufortcounty.com.