Women in Philanthropy awards more than $162K to Beaufort county nonprofits

BEAUFORT CO, Sc. (WTOC) - Seven Beaufort County nonprofits are receiving a financial boost after Women in Philanthropy awarded $162,475 in grants to organizations working to improve the lives of Lowcountry families.

The grants were presented during the 2026 Women in Philanthropy Grant Awards Luncheon at the Country Club of Hilton Head. This year’s grant cycle focused on the theme “Bridging the Gap: Employment, Basic Needs, and Family.”

Women in Philanthropy, a charitable giving circle of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, has more than 200 members and has awarded more than $1.3 million to local nonprofits since the organization was founded in 2003.

The awards luncheon also featured presentations from organizations that received grants during the 2025 funding cycle, highlighting how previous investments have strengthened programs serving residents across Beaufort County.

Women in Philanthropy leaders say this year’s grants continue the organization’s mission of investing in programs that remove barriers, strengthen families and create lasting opportunities throughout the Lowcountry.

Residents interested in learning more about Women in Philanthropy or becoming involved can visit the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s website here.

2026 grant recipients:

• Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine

Received $18,000 for its Chronic Disease Care Program, helping uninsured adults manage chronic illnesses so they can continue working and supporting their families.

• Family Promise of Beaufort County

Received $20,000 to expand its Housing Stabilization Program, assisting families with children who are facing or experiencing homelessness.

• Hilton Head Deep Well Project

Received $21,475 for its “From Surviving to Thriving” initiative, connecting residents with education, employment opportunities and resources that promote long-term family stability.

• Lowcountry Legal Volunteers

Received $28,000 to expand its Charting a Path Forward for Families Program, providing free legal advocacy and outreach for families in need.

• Neighborhood Outreach Connections

Received $20,000 to support its integrated program that helps working families by addressing educational barriers for children while improving employment opportunities for parents.

• Second Helpings

Received $25,000 from the Dr. Juliann Bluitt Foster Fund to support food rescue operations that provide basic needs and strengthen family stability. The memorial fund honors Dr. Foster, a longtime Women in Philanthropy leader whose legacy continues through annual grantmaking.

• The Children’s Center

Received the largest grant of $30,000 to provide childcare scholarships for working families through its Bridging Communities Through Tuition Assistance program.