Abney Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder primarily supports higher education but also funds local causes in Anderson, South Carolina, in the areas of education, health, culture, and social services. It accepts letters of inquiry, and awards grants once per year.
IP TAKE: Nonprofits in and around Anderson should get to know this funder and not be intimidated by how much in yearly funds goes towards higher education scholarships. There are some good program and project grant opportunities here, too.
PROFILE: The Abney Foundation is located in Anderson, South Carolina, and was established in 1957. It seeks “to make grants for innovative and creative projects, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs in the areas of education, health, social service and cultural affairs.” Susie Mathews Abney was the founder and the widow of John Pope Abney, who founded Abney Mills in Greenwood, South Carolina. Susie passed away in 1969 and left a sizable portion of her estate to the foundation. A private foundation, it funds innovative and creative projects as well as community needs related to education, health, cultural affairs, and social services.
Grants for Education, Public Health and Access, and Community Development
A majority of grantmaking is focused on higher education—about 75 to 80 percent of grantssupport this purpose. Remaining funds go to local organizations in the Anderson area.
In higher education, Abney has scholarship endowments at 14 colleges and universities in South Carolina. Over $32,169,000 had been awarded to 14,675 Abney Scholars, including over 500 students for the last academic year. The combined endowment balances exceed $41,581,790. Schools with Abney Foundation scholarship programs include Anderson University, Lander University, Presbyterian College, Claflin University, and Tri-County Technical College.
Important Grant Details
The foundation has awarded over $58.5 million to a variety of organizations since its founding.
The Abney Foundation accepts letters of intent prior to full proposals. A list of required materials is posted on the funder’s website. As a rule, this foundation does not fund general operating expenses. Only groups serving residents of South Carolina are eligible. Grants are usually made once per year, with a full proposal deadline of November 15. The foundation prefers submission of documents via mail. Only one copy of the proposal is needed, and grant seekers will receive an email or postcard acknowledgment within a month. Grant seekers should know by the third week in December whether their full proposals are approved. General questions can be sent to info@abneyfoundation.org. The address is 100 Vine Street, Anderson, South Carolina, 29621.
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