Nonprofits receive Central Carolina Community Foundation grants

Ten local nonprofits have been awarded a share of $19,500 through Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Beyond the Table mini-grant initiative.

The project recipients address at least one issue identified as a community priority in the foundation’s annual On the Table survey.

“For the past three years, On the Table has brought residents together for meaningful conversations about the issues we face as a community,” JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation, said in a news release. “The Beyond the Table grants make it possible for community members to take action and address those issues head-on.”

A committee of community members reviewed grant applications from nonprofits and individuals with a fiscal sponsorship.

This year’s recipients are:

• Christ Mission Church: Planting Seeds to Unite Community will transform the Ames Villas and Prescott Manor communities through initiatives such as The Coffee House at Ames and indoor and outdoor spaces dedicated to community member meetings.
• COLA Gives: Community Youth Force will teach students the value and power of collective and strategic giving through establishing student giving circles.
• Columbia Green: Sowing Seeds of Hope and Health will expand and enhance the Tunnel House community garden by paving an ADA-accessible pathway and adding native perennials, shrubs and fruit trees.
• Columbia Housing: ConnectHome will bridge the digital divide among public housing residents, enhancing abilities to pursue education and health care, find jobs and conduct business.
• Earlewood Community Citizens Organization: The Hyatt Park Farmers Market will address food insecurity in Columbia’s Eau Claire neighborhood by allowing community-based farmers to sell fresh, affordable vegetables and other healthy foods.
• Friends of Tapp's Arts Center: The FrameXFrame Film Club will provide an online space for the discussion of films made by Black people and people of color in the South.
• Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands: The Social Action Summit will bring together Girl Scouts, community leaders, and social justice advocates to engage in dialogue, deepen participants’ knowledge of social action and plan effective strategies for change.
• Ivy Heritage Foundation: The Irmo Community Garden will serve as a learning laboratory for students from community and civic organizations while providing fruits and vegetables for the local food bank.
• Serve and Connect: It’s a Matter of Perspective: Bridging the Disconnect Between Minority Youth and Police will build a youth leadership program that enhances students’ understanding of law enforcement and social change advocacy.
• Webgyrlz Code: Supporting students during online learning by providing Virtual HERO Kits that offer safe device storage to prevent damage, extend device life and reduce repairs.