Getting to Know the Self Family Foundation in South Carolina

Grantmaking centers on the town of Greenwood and surrounding areas. Photo: Tudoran Andrei/shutterstock

Even though its population is less than 25,000, Greenwood, South Carolina—known as the Emerald City—is home to its own family foundation. The Self Family Foundation (SFF) has been in the community for five generations, helping hundreds of organizations serve local residents in the town and surrounding counties. Its history begins with James C. Self, who founded Greenwood Mills and wished to build a modern hospital for the community. Over the years, SFF has awarded over $70 million in grants locally and throughout the state. Here are a few things South Carolina nonprofits should know about this funder.

Interest areas have recently expanded

In the beginning, SFF focused its efforts on healthcare and education. But when the third generation of family members took over in 1996, they dialed in the foundation’s efforts on school readiness, community wellness, intellectual and social development of youth, and cultural opportunities.

Since 2018, when the fourth generation assumed leadership of SFF, the foundation’s focus has settled on education, community development and access to arts and culture, with an emphasis on early childhood. These days, grants most often go toward programs involving healthy birth, parenting skills, child health, social-emotional development, cognitive development, preschool readiness, preschool programs, kindergarten readiness, early elementary education and third-grade reading proficiency.

Signature projects

SFF has been on the grantmaking scene since 1942 and has a wide variety of funded projects under its belt. The foundation’s current signature projects provide a window into what might make for good pitches and proposals. For example, SFF values Montessori education and has been supporting the expansion of Montessori teaching in South Carolina for over a decade.

The foundation is also interested in encouraging African-American male teachers in local schools, funding historical preservation, supporting children with autism and the study of genetics. SFF shares information about its past grants on its website according to year. The most recent grants range in size from $500 to $75,000.

Get in touch before applying

SFF requires grantseekers to get in touch before submitting any paperwork to apply for a grant. This contact can be in the form of a phone call to Program Officer Mamie W. Nicholson or a letter of inquiry via email or letter by mail. From that point, the full grant application process occurs online with proposals due by the first of the months of March, June, September and November. The foundation team meets to discuss new requests in April, July, October and December.

Although grantmaking is largely focused on the town of Greenwood, organizations all throughout the state will want to get to know SFF due to its recently expanded focus. Read more about this funder and others in the region in IP’s Southeast funding guide.