How to apply
The organization accepts requests for assistance from 501 (c)3 organizations, governmental organizations and churches located in or for the benefit of chester county, sc. The organization will also accept requests from educational organizations qualifying as 501(c)3 organizations, primarily higher educations, where the organizations benefit needy individulas residing in chester county, sc, with financial requirements of attending the organization. No assistance can be provided, however, for any family members of any officers or trustees of the foundation. The trustees review requests and dete… Contact: Joseph M McElwee Jr, P O Box 832, Chester, Sc, 8035819198 Deadlines: Requests will be considered when received. There are no deadlines. Restrictions: None, except geographic parameters shown in the applications format.
Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2025 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.
Grants paid in 2025
13 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Academy for Teaching and LearniChester, SC | Public education | $441K |
| Clemson Univ FoundationClemson, SC | Public education | $120K |
| Edgemoor Community Action AssocEdgemoor, SC | Public charity | $39K |
| Chester Area United WayChester, SC | Public charity | $25K |
| Christ Central Center of HopeChester, SC | Public charity | $20K |
| GraspGreat Falls, SC | Public charty | $20K |
| Hospice Community CareRock Hill, SC | Public charity | $15K |
| Chester County Historical SocietyChester, SC | Public charity | $13K |
| Chester County DssChester, SC | Municipal entity | $10K |
| Fort Lawn Community CenterFort Lawn, SC | Public charity | $10K |
| Purity Presbyterian ChChester S, SC | Church - food pantry | $10K |
| Palmetto CouncilSpartanburg, SC | Public charity | $5,000 |
| Great Falls Dwntwn AssocGreat Falls, SC | Municipal entity | $2,000 |
About this foundation
Chester Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Chester, South Carolina, administered in care of Scn Trust Dept, tax-exempt since 1973. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does Chester Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation indicates it accepts applications. The organization accepts requests for assistance from 501 (c)3 organizations, governmental organizations and churches located in or for the benefit of chester county, sc. Deadlines: Requests will be considered when received. There are no deadlines..
How much does Chester Foundation give each year?
In tax year 2025 it paid $730K across 13 grants, a median of $15K.
Where does Chester Foundation give?
South Carolina (13 grants), per its latest filing.
More foundations near Chester that accept applications
All in South Carolina| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarence H and Anna Elizabeth Lutz Foundationsince 1991 | Chester, SC | $359K23 grants · 2023 | $11K | Yes | $5.6M |
| Movement Resourcessince 2016 | Fort Mill, SC | $175K1 grants · 2024 | $175K | Preselected only | $248M |
| Darla Moore and Richard Rainwater Foundationsince 2011 | Lake City, SC | $35M26 grants · 2024 | $30K | Preselected only | $500M |
| Bluecross Blueshield of South Carolina Foundationsince 2003 | Columbia, SC | $21M57 grants · 2025 | $300K | Preselected only | $328M |
| Drs Bruce & Lee Foundationsince 2001 | Florence, SC | $8.4M20 grants · 2024 | $74K | Preselected only | $236M |
| Joy Unspeakable Foundationsince 2024 | Charleston, SC | $2.1M3 grants · 2024 | $100K | Preselected only | $300M |
| Darnall W Boyd Foundation Incsince 2010 | Columbia, SC | $6.8M17 grants · 2024 | $150K | Preselected only | $149M |
| Mary Black Foundation Incsince 1987 | Spartanburg, SC | $2.6M43 grants · 2024 | $30K | Yes | $87M |