On June 12, 1974, the Coastal Community Foundation (CFF) became an official nonprofit organization (then called The Community Foundation Serving Coastal South Carolina). The foundation began with a $9,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Charleston and was led by then-College of Charleston President Ted Stern, Civil Rights leader Bill Saunders, and community leaders Howard D. Edwards, Malcolm D. Haven, and Wade Logan. Since the foundation’s start 50 years ago, CCF has granted more than $425 million to charitable organizations across coastal South Carolina.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Coastal Community Foundation is hosting a gala at the Gaillard Center on November 23. Tickets are available now, starting at $100 for a “drinks and dancing” ticket. Individual tickets are $250, which include dinner, cocktails, live entertainment, dancing, awards, a presentation by a visionary keynote speaker (announcement coming soon!), and an opportunity to mingle with leaders making positive change in the region.
CCF is also now accepting nominations for a new award to uplift a nonprofit that has demonstrated outstanding service and significantly impacted the coastal communities of South Carolina. It is named The Richard Hendry Nonprofit Impact Award, in honor of CCF’s longest-serving employee.
“Richard Hendry left a lasting legacy through his work at Coastal Community Foundation,” said President and CEO Darrin Goss, Sr. “In his almost 40-year career with CCF, Richard was the continuity of leadership and engagement between donors, nonprofits, and the foundation. He is the embodiment of philanthropy and helped set the groundwork for CCF’s next 50 years of growth and impact.”
The nonprofit that receives this award must demonstrate an enduring relationship with CCF, a proven track record of measurable positive change, innovative approaches to addressing community need, a commitment to collaborating and partnership-building, inclusivity in engagement efforts, responsible financial management and transparency, a clear vision for long-term sustainability, and be widely recognized and respected within the community. Community members are invited to submit nominations for their favorite nonprofit organizations through August 2. The winner will be announced at the gala in November.