Become a Grant Recipient
Our Grant Process
The Wexford Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to partner with local nonprofits to strengthen our community. Each year, the Foundation awards Annual Sustaining Grants to organizations whose work closely reflects our mission, vision, and values. Our collaborative process is implemented by a volunteer Grants Committee of dedicated Wexford community members who ensure funding recommendations follow our criteria and priorities.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for a grant, your nonprofit organization must:
- Have 501(c)(3) status
- Be located in the Beaufort County region, with special consideration given to organizations serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton
- Focus on one or more of our key areas: Health, Housing, Hunger, or Education
Grant application and process
Grants are awarded for a one-year period. The Grants Committee reviews current and past grantees, as well as other qualified charities seeking support. Charity partners that have received Wexford Foundation funding in the last two years will be contacted with details about the 2026 application deadline and the review process for 2027 funding.
Organizations that have not previously received Wexford Foundation support but wish to be considered for 2027 funding are invited to submit an inquiry by April 15, 2026, to chair@wexfordfoundation.org. A member of the Grants Committee will follow up to learn more about your mission and how it aligns with the Foundation’s priorities.
For all organizations seeking funding, an on-site visit or meeting will be arranged with a committee member or Trustee to better understand your needs and impact.
Organizations that meet our funding guidelines will then be invited to complete a formal grant application. This application will ask for information about your history, leadership and management, financial health and stability, and how the requested funds will be used to advance your mission.
Grant evaluation
The Wexford Foundation supports organizations that address critical needs in our local community. When reviewing applications, the Grants Committee considers:
- How the proposed use of funds supports the agency’s mission.
- The demonstrated effectiveness of the organization’s programs.
- The strength of the organization’s leadership and structure.
- Financial controls and the qualifications of key staff.
- The anticipated impact on the community.
- Any potential conflicts of interest.
- Past grant history with the Foundation.
- The amount of funding requested.
Grants follow-up
The Foundation values ongoing relationships with our charity partners. A mid-year follow-up report is required from all grant recipients so that we can ensure funds are being used as intended and are helping to meet community needs.
We also welcome opportunities to share your successes. We appreciate organizations highlighting their Wexford Foundation grant and its impact through social media, newsletters, and press releases, helping us tell the story of our work together.
Major Impact Grants
In addition to our annual sustaining grants, the Foundation may periodically offer Major Impact Grants when resources allow. These special grants are fewer in number but larger in size and are intended to significantly strengthen an organization’s capacity or advance a transformative project. Major Impact Grants are typically awarded to charities with a strong track record of effective management and meaningful results, and that present well-defined plans with the potential for substantial community impact. When a Major Impact Grant cycle is available, we will share that information with all of our charity partners.
Join our mission today
Every contribution helps transform lives in our Lowcountry community
