Empower Charleston is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 Investment Grant Cycle and is now officially accepting applications from nonprofit organizations across the Tri-County region. Every two years, Empower Charleston brings together philanthropic leaders to collectively invest in high-impact nonprofit organizations poised for growth and creating meaningful change in the community.
The cycle will culminate at the Showcase of Nonprofits on October 22, 2026, at The Cedar Room in downtown Charleston, where selected finalists will present their work to the Charleston philanthropic community and may receive co-investments in addition to a two-year capacity-building grant.
Beyond financial support, Empower Charleston Partners provide hands-on engagement over two years, offering expertise in areas such as strategic planning, leadership development, governance, marketing, finance, and operational growth — helping organizations build sustainable capacity and expand their impact.
Empower Charleston is currently seeking innovative nonprofit organizations demonstrating measurable social impact and readiness to scale their work in the following focus areas:
Focus Areas
- Education
- Mental health and wellness
- Economic mobility
Application Deadline
Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
“We look forward to learning more about the impactful work happening across our community and partnering with organizations committed to lasting change,” said Eric Thome, Advisory Board Chair of Empower Charleston.
For questions about the application process or eligibility, interested organizations are encouraged to reach out directly to Program Director Stirling Halversen at stirling@empowercharleston.org.
Apply Now: www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ccfsc
Access Code: “EMPOWER26”
About Empower Charleston
Empower Charleston connects philanthropic leaders with nonprofit organizations to provide strategic funding, capacity-building support, and community connections that help nonprofits grow stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful across the Charleston region. For more information, visit empowercharleston.org.
Media Contact
Stirling Halversen
stirling@empowercharleston.org
+1 843-801-3072
