Neighbors helping neighbors
Friends of Callawassie Island provides financial grants to not-for-profit charitable organizations
Who We Are
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
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.
Our History
Our Mission
Our Mission
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
Our Mission
Our Team
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.
A Glimpse of Kindness: Our Achievements in Pictures
Recent grant awards
Bluffton Self Help
Scott Comes and Susan Silver visited with Bluffton Self Help and presented Alli Damas, Development Director, with a grant check for $4,000 to be used for their Learning and Literacy Program
Deep Well
Friends of Callawassie Island granted Deep Well a donation for $10,000 which will go directly to the purchase of building supplies and materials. This program is coordinated by John Wilson, and he is assisted by many Callawassie volunteers.
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
In October, 2023 Susan Silver and Jena Silkwood visited Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, (HCL). FOCI presented them with a check for $4,000. The grant will be used for Comfort Packs for their hospice patients.
Help of Beaufort
On behalf of Callawassie Island's FOCI, a $4,000 donation was made to "Help of Beaufort" in September, 2023. Dottie Foote and Don Orso delivered the contribution to the organization's director Lori Opozda. Funds will be used to support "Help of Beaufort" offering of food and clothing to area needy.
Special Olympics
Brian Jennings and Dottie Foote had the pleasure of delivering a $4000 check to Kathy Cramer and Morgan Smith of SOAR, Special Recreation of the Low-Country. This charity services over 450 intellectually or physically challenged children in Beaufort and Jasper counties. The grant will be able to supplement the costs involved in performing physicals that are required before the children can participate in any recreational or sports activities.
Lowcountry Legal Volunteers
Jeff Funke and Brian Jennings presented Anne Caywood, executive director of Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, with a $4000 check from FOCI. Funds from the grant are to assist with the opening of a Beaufort office. Lowcountry Volunteers exists so that no resident of Beaufort or Jasper counties is denied the legal right to equal justice.
Polaris Tech Charter School
Polaris is partnering with Helpful Horizons and other local groups to provide on-site therapy and counseling for the students. FOCI's grant is specifically targeted to help implement the Nav360 Social-Emotional Learning curriculum, which is designed to improve mental health and reduce acts of violence.
Pockets Full of Sunshine
Jeff Funke and Allen Cellar delivered a $2500 check from FOCI to Pockets Full of Sunshine in October, 2023. Approximately 60 “Rays” are enrolled at PFS, with a waiting list of 20 more. Lack of space constrains them from having larger classes. The number one thing on their wish list is to have a larger space, for which they are looking, but cannot yet afford.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Jeff Funke and Allen Scott Comes delivered a $3500 check from FOCI to help fund the Connections Support Group. Nami is actively expanding its services, including doubling the Family Support and Connections frequency and leading educational programs for Law Enforcement and First Responders.
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission. You can donate by PayPal or a check made payable to FOCI and sent to Friends of Callawassie Island, 176 Callawassie Drive, Okatie, SC 29909.