Neighbors helping neighbors
Friends of Callawassie Island provides financial grants to not-for-profit charitable organizations
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Your donation can help us make a difference in the lives of those in need. Every little bit counts! To make a donation, please make a check payable to FOCI and mail it to:
Friends of Callawassie Island
176 Callawassie Drive
Okatie, SC 29909
Friends of Callawassie Island, otherwise known as FOCI, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable
organization that is managed by a board of Directors. FOCI’s mission is to enrich the
lives of people living in both Beaufort and Jasper counties by providing financial
support to worthy not-for-profit charitable organizations who serve the needs of the
disad
Friends of Callawassie Island, otherwise known as FOCI, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable
organization that is managed by a board of Directors. FOCI’s mission is to enrich the
lives of people living in both Beaufort and Jasper counties by providing financial
support to worthy not-for-profit charitable organizations who serve the needs of the
disadvantaged and/or underserved individuals in their communities. We
concentrate our efforts on organizations that support education, health and human
services, hunger, literacy, housing, and recreation. To receive a Grant from FOCI, the
requesting entity must be a 501 (c) (3) organization that meets our objectives.
Over 20 years ago a group of Callawassie Island residents, seeking to give back to neighboring communities in a meaningful way, formed Friends of Callawassie Island, Inc. (FOCI). In 2001 FOCI received federal 501 (c) (3) status as the island’s nonprofit philanthropic organization. Since then, under the stewardship of an all-volunteer Boa
Over 20 years ago a group of Callawassie Island residents, seeking to give back to neighboring communities in a meaningful way, formed Friends of Callawassie Island, Inc. (FOCI). In 2001 FOCI received federal 501 (c) (3) status as the island’s nonprofit philanthropic organization. Since then, under the stewardship of an all-volunteer Board of island residents, the mission of FOCI remains unchanged - to enhance the quality of life for those residing in the Lowcountry. To date, FOCI has distributed over $1,000,000 to more than 80 worthy organizations that provide much-needed services to underserved and disadvantaged individuals and families living in local Lowcountry communities.
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. We work tirelessly to ensure that our grants are donated to 501 (c) (3) charities in need. The FOCI Board exercises due diligence in evaluating the request to ensure that the group’s demonstrated need and purpose f
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. We work tirelessly to ensure that our grants are donated to 501 (c) (3) charities in need. The FOCI Board exercises due diligence in evaluating the request to ensure that the group’s demonstrated need and purpose for the grant are linked to FOCI’s mission. Typically, FOCI concentrates on the needs of numerous small organizations in underserved communities who depend on contributions to sustain their work and where small-dollar grants can fill an unmet need or fund a specific project that might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Brian Jennings and Jim O’Brien delivered a $5,000 check and a Certificate to The Adaptive Golf Experience. Representing Adaptive Golf was Steve Giamonna, Founder and Executive Director and JT Coyne, Board Chairman. Brian and Jim learned how the program was started in 2014 to help those disabled by stroke, spinal cord injuries, loss of limb or other neurological injuries learn how to rehabilitate by learning how they can play golf with their disabilities. The group has both men and women and approximately half are veterans. Every month approximately 75 people meet at one of 6 area golf courses to learn how to stretch, take lessons for their individual situations, hit balls on the golf range and some go on to play some golf on the course. This program is being copied in other communities and is sanctioned by the PGA and there will be a 2028 Para-Olympics. There are no paid employees.
On Monday, May 13th, Susan Silver and Jim O’Brien had the opportunity to visit Nancy Morgan, the founder and manager of the Helping Hand Center, to present her with a grant check of $3,500. The grant will be used to provide monthly health checks, as well as meal supplements and incontinence supplies for senior citizens in need in Jasper County.
Ms. Nancy is passionate in helping those in so much need. Helping Hand also builds handicap ramps for those “trapped in their homes”, roof repairs and replacement, and other specialty needed home projects. In 2023 the organization helped 57 with incontinence supplies, 43 with supplement meals needed for those experiencing cancer, and averaged just under 70 health checks per month.
Jeff Funke presented a $4000 grant to Reading Discovery in May, 2024. Reading Discovery is an entirely volunteer organization dedicated to early childhood literacy. Reading Discovery's mission is to improve literacy rates in Beaufort County. They promote a love of reading with their one-on-one tutoring, and the strong relationships that are built with the children.
On April 24 Scott Comes visited the Programs for Exceptional People facility in Bluffton and met with Ms. Nancy Sulek, the Executive Director. PEP provides its members with opportunities to learn, socialize, and work, including making and selling ceramics, which is one of the highlights of their daily activities. The FOCI grant for $5000 will be used to support the PEP transportation program that picks up and returns about 50 members daily to enable them to attend the facility.
On April 20, 2024, Dottie Foote and Allen Cellar delivered a check for $5,000 and a certificate from FOCI to Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine for their charitable work in the community. We met with Pamela Toney, Executive Director and Andrew Kramer, Director of Development. Andrew gave us a tour of the Bluffton facility that treats patients in Beaufort County, from the HHI bridge to near Lady's Island. BJVMI provides many clinical services including general medicine, gynecology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, nutrition, and dentistry. They are staffed by all volunteer professionals; however: at present, are in dire need of more nurses.
Our donation was earmarked to offset expenses for medical supplies, laboratory services and co-payments. The staff was most appreciative of our grant.
Volunteers in Medicine appears to be a worthwhile charity for our donation of funds. They have their act together and provide a worthwhile service to the community.
On April 25 2024, Don Orso delivered FOCI's $6,000 donation certificate to Friends of Caroline .
Friends of Caroline provides quality-of-life care that offers hope and encouragement to those nearing the end-of-life’s journey and support for their family, friends and the community.
In April, 2024, three grants were provided for Med-I-Assist of Bluffton, Ridgeland and Mt Carmel. The mission of Med-I-Assist is to provide free medicine prescription assistance, doctor appointments, eye exams and eye glasses to the underemployed and unemployed, uninsured and individuals who cannot afford these services.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission. You can donate by a check made payable to FOCI and sent to Friends of Callawassie Island, 176 Callawassie Drive, Okatie, SC 29909.
President - Susan Silver
Vice President - Jeff Funke
Treasurer - Scott Comes
Secretary - Allen Cellar
Corresponding Secretary - Dottie Foote
Brian Jennings
Jim O'Brien
Don Orso
Jen Withrow
Please email us at FOCI.grants@gmail.com to apply for a grant.
Copyright © 2024 Friends of Callawassie Island - All Rights Reserved.
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