Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Midlands' local center for philanthropy, has awarded $19,500 to 10 local nonprofit organizations to address top community needs. The grants were awarded through the Beyond the Table mini-grant initiative to inspire action on ideas discussed during On the Table.

"For the past three years, On the Table has brought residents together for meaningful conversations about the issues we face as a community," says JoAnn Turnquist, president, and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. "The Beyond the Table grants make it possible for community members to take action and address those issues head-on."

Applications were reviewed by a committee composed of community members and were open to nonprofit organizations and individuals with fiscal sponsorship. The projects all address at least one issue identified as a community priority in the 2019 On the Table survey.

This year's recipients, and their respective projects, are:

  • Christ Mission Church - Planting Seeds to Unite Community will transform the Ames Villas and Prescott Manor communities through initiatives such as The Coffee House at Ames and indoor and outdoor spaces dedicated to community member meetings.
  • COLA Gives - Community Youth Force will teach students the value and power of collective and strategic giving through establishing student giving circles.
  • Columbia Green - Sowing Seeds of Hope and Health will expand and enhance the Tunnel House community garden by paving an ADA-accessible pathway and adding native perennials, shrubs, and fruit trees.
  • Columbia Housing - ConnectHome will bridge the digital divide among public housing residents enabling their ability to pursue education, find jobs, conduct business, complete homework, and interact with everyone from the doctor to family and friends.
  • Earlewood Community Citizens Organization - The Hyatt Park Farmers Market, will address food insecurity in Columbia's Eau Claire neighborhood by allowing community-based farmers to sell fresh, affordable vegetables, and other healthy foods in the neighborhood.
  • Friends of Tapp's Arts Center - FrameXFrame Film Club will provide an online space for the discussion of films made by Black and people of color in the South.
  • Girl Scouts - Mountains to Midlands - The Social Action Summit will bring together Girl Scouts, community leaders, and social justice advocates to engage in healthy dialogue, deepen participants' knowledge of social action, and plan effective strategies for change in the areas they are most passionate about.
  • Ivy Heritage Foundation - The Irmo Community Garden will serve as a learning laboratory for students from the community and civic organizations in the Irmo community while providing fruits and vegetables for the local food bank and community members.
  • Serve and Connect - It's a Matter of Perspective: Bridging the Disconnect Between Minority Youth and Police will work to build a youth leadership program that enhances students' understanding of law enforcement and advocacy for facilitating social change.
  • Webgyrlz Code - Supporting students during eLearning by providing Virtual HERO Kits that offer safe device storage to prevent damage, extend device life, and reduce repairs.

For more information on "Beyond the Table mini-grants, visit onthetablecola.org/grants.