Sustain SC announced the first round of grants awarded through its Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP), to advance conservation projects across South Carolina in partnership with the state’s business community. In this initial round, LAWAP awarded $93,200 across four projects spanning five counties: Florence, Darlington, Dorchester, Aiken and Horry. Funding will support covering real estate expenses that are often difficult to fund yet critical to moving conservation land deals forward. In total, these awards will help protect 10,676.75 acres of lands and water across South Carolina
The Grants Review Committee completed its review process on August 6. Award recipients were notified on August 8, and funds were disbursed during the week of August 25. “
This is a milestone moment for Sustain SC and for conservation in South Carolina,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “The Land and Water Action Platform was designed to connect the sustainability goals of business with the conservation needs of our state. Seeing these first projects funded demonstrates the impact we can make when the public and private sector work together.”
To date, Sustain SC has raised $275,000 toward the Platform, with fundraising efforts continuing toward its 2025 goal of $500,000. The Land and Water Action Platform was re-launched in April 2025, followed by the announcement of the Grants Review Committee in June. Sustain SC extends its gratitude to the Committee members for their leadership and service throughout this process.
Applications are now open for Round 2 of LAWAP funding. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025, with awards to be finalized by late October. Nonprofit organizations based in South Carolina focused on land conservation are encouraged to apply. More details and the application portal are available at Sustain SC’s Land and Water Action Platform webpage.
Through initiatives like the Land and Water Action Platform, Sustain SC continues to demonstrate that economic growth and environmental stewardship can work together to ensure a resilient future for South Carolina’s economy, environment and people.