Upstate South Carolina Giving Circle Awards $34,000 to Local Nonprofits
A collective of Upstate South Carolina philanthropists has directed $34,000 toward four local organizations, aiming to bolster resources for women, children, and families in crisis. The grants, distributed by the Women4Women giving circle, prioritize services ranging from domestic violence support to early childhood education and emergency household financial relief.
The Hiding Place claimed the Susan Marie Foster Sharp Memorial Grant, receiving $25,000 to launch The Monarch Center. This new facility will offer trauma-informed educational programs for survivors of domestic violence and dedicated play areas for their children. Since its 2023 inception, The Hiding Place has assisted over 1,500 women and 750 children, establishing itself as a key pillar in the region’s social safety net.
Three other local nonprofits—MARYS House, Pickens County First Steps, and The Salvation Army of Oconee County—each received $3,000. These funds are earmarked for faith-based advocacy, school-readiness programs, and emergency utility or rent assistance. The Women4Women model relies on individual members contributing at least $300 annually, pooling these resources to amplify their local influence. W4W Chair Cheryl J. Dye, Ph.D., noted that the strategy allows smaller individual donations to create measurable change, honoring the vision of the circle’s founder, the late Susan Sharp.
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