Hit hard by COVID pandemic, Spartanburg County nonprofits say they need $5 million now
May 27, 2021
Find the original post here.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Herald-Journal) -- Federal rescue funds that kept many Spartanburg area nonprofits afloat last year have nearly run out, and another $5 million is needed now, backers of a COVID-19 impact survey say.
Paige Stephenson, president and CEO of the United Way of the Piedmont, recently announced the findings of a March survey conducted by Together SC, which represents more than 800 organizations statewide.
Stephenson said she's hoping that some of the $78.4 million the city and county received from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress can be directed to nonprofits.
Not just nonprofits: Spartanburg's arts sector suffers $2M hit during pandemic, mental health service needs rise
Stephenson warned city and county leaders that without $5 million in new funds, 2% of the nonprofits already out of cash may have to close, 19% will run out of cash in one to three months, and 35% will run out within four to six months.
Stephenson said survey respondents remained anonymous, thus the identities of those in financial trouble are not known.
"You can't 'Bring Back the Burg' without bringing back your nonprofits," Stephenson said. "Nonprofits are small businesses for the most part. Just like any business on Main Street, there needs to be support of the nonprofit sector."
Mary Leven, executive director of the Spartanburg Science Center, works at the center at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, Tuesday morning, May 25, 2021. Many nonprofits are running out of money to operate because of funding cuts and donations being down.
The United Way and the Spartanburg County Foundation, Spartanburg Regional Foundation and Mary Black Foundation underwrote the March survey. Statewide, 927 out of 3,700 nonprofits participated, and in Spartanburg County, 51 responded.
Silver lining: The Spartanburg picture is improving
There is a silver lining, Stephenson said. The overall picture in Spartanburg has improved since last fall when 15% of 35 Together SC survey respondents said they were out of cash and 61% said they could only survive another six months without further funding.
"Considering the extreme economic disruption caused by the pandemic, the Spartanburg nonprofit organizations responding in 2021 are in reasonably good financial health," according to survey authors Bob Kahle from Kahle Strategic Insights and Madeleine McGee of Together SC.
Both the city and county councils are developing their 2021-22 budgets right now, and officials are combing through a 150-page U.S. Treasury Department document to see how the most recent federal windfall can be used.
Spartanburg County, city of Spartanburg have $78.4 million combined in federal COVID relief funds
Spartanburg County has received $62 million and the city of Spartanburg $16.4 million in federal COVID relief funds.
Both governments must demonstrate by August how funds will be used.
County Administrator Cole Alverson said in general, the funds can be used for infrastructure projects, expenses related to the public health emergency and costs related to the financial impact on COVID-19 on small businesses and residents.
"ARP funds are intended broadly to support recovery from COVID and its effects," Alverson said. "Based on our early understanding of the guidelines, if nonprofits are supporting recovery from COVID and there are direct costs attributable to this that have not otherwise been reimbursed from other sources, they would likely be eligible, given our current understanding.
"The bigger question would be whether a reduction in revenue, reduced private support for nonprofits would be reimbursed. Given the early stages of this process and depth of federal regulations on the ARP funds, I do not think I could confidently answer that question yet."
Most nonprofits are small
The March survey said more than half of Spartanburg's respondents are operating with annual budgets of less than $500,000 and have staffs of five or fewer full-time employees.
Those most at risk are nonprofits that provide food, utility and child care costs; education, mental health needs and rental assistance. In addition, the Chapman Cultural Center needs an estimated $2 million more in funds to continue its programs without interruption, she said.
"If we're not providing those services, government is who's going to be stepping in, and it's usually at a much higher social cost and financial cost," she said.
Kathryn Harvey of Neue South Collective, a Spartanburg-based marketing firm that worked with Together SC, said many companies were forced to cut costs during the pandemic, and many people were laid off.
"Corporate dollars and individual giving have waned, and many grants have restricted funding -- they aren't covering the areas in need," she said. "Poverty has shifted during the pandemic. (Nonprofits) are now seeing middle-class folks."
"Overall, we're seeing that organizations need a significant cash injection just to make it to the end of June," Harvey said. "And while federal funding has helped bridge a gap, it's already running out."
COVID impact survey findings
Among the survey's findings for Spartanburg nonprofits:
► Mental health services saw the greatest increase in demand among 44% of respondents, compared to 21% statewide. Other areas in the state reported food and shelter assistance needs increased the most.
► 62% said they intentionally serve communities of Black, indigenous and people of color. That compares to 59% statewide.
► 89% that applied received federal Paycheck Protection Program funds, and 74% received CARES Act funds.
"This governmental support is likely a reason for the relative financial health of nonprofits in Spartanburg," the survey states.
► 36% said the fund application process was too complicated.
► 75% said they witnessed a silver lining, or positive impact, from managing through the pandemic. That is an increase from 68% from the fall survey.
On January 20, over 450 volunteers across Cherokee and Spartanburg counties came together for United Way of the Piedmont’s annual MLK Day of Service, collectively contributing 816 hours of service. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the nationwide AmeriCorps MLK Day of Service, a day when Americans across the country volunteer to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For over a decade, United Way of the Piedmont has hosted this day of service in our community, bringing people together to make a lasting impact. The day kicked off with a free community breakfast, generously provided by the City of Spartanburg, at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Center. After breakfast, volunteers convened at 20 local service projects, ranging from trail cleanups and playground construction to period kit packing and marketing support for local nonprofits. Sherea Cross, representing the Gamma Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated., volunteered alongside her sorority sisters at the Spartanburg Period Project, helping to pack kits for those in need. Reflecting on the significance of volunteering on MLK Day, Sherea shared, “I think it's very important to give back, especially on MLK Day because Dr. King wanted unity. And today it's very diversified because of different sororities and different organizations here, but we all came together for [this] project.” United Way of the Piedmont extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who contributed their time and effort this MLK Day. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars for next year’s Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Spartanburg, S.C. (January 15, 2025) – On January 9, United Way of the Piedmont gathered top donors their General Daniel Morgan and Tocqueville leadership giving societies to celebrate their collective impact in the community. A special highlight of the evening was honoring Renee Klein with The Morgan Award. This award, presented annually, recognizes a leadership donor who truly embodies the spirit of its inscription: "One Who Cares." Renee has been a powerful advocate for the United Way mission for many years. She served on and chaired the Young Leaders Advisory Board, guiding and inspiring the next generation of leaders to give back and support the work of United Way. Her commitment has continued as a member of the Tocqueville Advisory Board, where she is a driving force behind inspiring others to make significant investments in the community. Because of Renee, more families in our community have hope. More children, parents, and individuals are overcoming challenges and accessing new opportunities to thrive. Renee embodies the spirit of “One Who Cares” in every sense. United Way congratulates Renee on this well-deserved honor and thanks all its leadership donors for their important support of its mission in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. Learn more about United Way donor networks at www.uwpiedmont.org/donornetworks .
Spartanburg, S.C. (October 3, 2024) – With severe impact from Hurricane Helene in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, United Way of the Piedmont launched the United for All Fund earlier this week to respond. This fund provides immediate relief to families most affected by the hurricane, leveraging individual and foundation gifts to rapidly meet needs. Thanks in part to three significant gifts from the BlackRock Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, and the Mary Black Foundation, the United for All Fund is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of local families. These foundation gifts ensure that we can offer essential services such as shelter, food, and financial assistance during this urgent time. The BlackRock Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, and Mary Black Foundation have each contributed $25,000, creating a $75,000 matching gift for the United for All Fund. This means every dollar donated will be doubled to help families affected by Hurricane Helene. Claire Chamberlain, President of the BlackRock Foundation, said, “Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The BlackRock Foundation is committed to joining efforts with the United Way of Piedmont and the United for All fund to support residents of Spartanburg and surrounding communities in this time of immense need.” United for All support is making these efforts possible: Safe Places: Helping families, like a local couple whose home was damaged, secure temporary housing through Airbnb. Access to Resources: Responding to requests for assistance Clearing Debris: Coordinating chainsaw crews to clear private properties, making them safe for families to begin repairs. Providing Essentials: Launching drives to get food, water, and other essential supplies into the hands of those who need them. For information on how to donate to or find hurricane relief resources, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall .
Spartanburg, S.C. (October 1, 2024) – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, United Way of the Piedmont has activated the United for All Fund to provide immediate relief to affected families. With early donations totaling over $86,000 thanks to individual and organizational gifts, the fund will support local families in need of shelter, food, and financial assistance during this critical time. The United for All Fund will address the most urgent needs facing our community in the aftermath of the hurricane by: Giving immediate aid where it is needed most Supporting local partners in disaster relief efforts Ensuring families have the resources to rebuild their lives United Way of the Piedmont will coordinate with local partners and their Community Resource Coordinators (CRCs) to identify families most in need and allocate funds effectively, ensuring relief efforts are both targeted and impactful. How To Help Donate: Every dollar donated to the United for All Fund will go directly toward providing shelter, food, and financial assistance to families in need. Donations can be made at www.uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall Spread the Word: Share information about the United for All Fund and available resources to ensure those in need receive support. Get Help For non-emergency assistance, call 864-860-1644 or text "HELP" or "AYUDA" to 211-211. Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union County households that meet income requirements can request United for All assistance at www.uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall “We are committed to helping our community recover from this disaster,” said Paige Stephenson, President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. “Families who were already struggling before the storm now face even more uncertainty, and the United for All Fund will provide the resources needed to help them rebuild.”
Spartanburg, S.C. (September 5, 2024) – On Friday, August 9, UWP celebrated the graduation of 13 AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members. The 2023-2024 VISTA cohort had an economic impact of $2,070,622.81 and served a total of 34,156 individuals. AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program dedicated to fighting poverty in local communities and organizations. VISTA members commit to a year of service with local non-profits, collaborating closely with these agencies to mobilize resources, enhance their capabilities, and promote long-term sustainability. United Way is honored to sponsor and support two AmeriCorps programs in our community: AmeriCorps direct service and AmeriCorps VISTA. During the August 9th program, graduating VISTAs shared about their impact, and program leadership awarded VISTA Supervisor of the Year to Jerry Rice at Benjamin E. Mays Family Resource Center. This year’s VISTA of the Year Sam Reinhardt was recognized at United Way’s Annual Awards Luncheon in June. Becca Waldorf, a former VISTA and the new AmeriCorps Program Coordinator for United Way of the Piedmont, shared, “This cohort made a tremendous impact in our service footprint with many of them moving on to pursue further educational opportunities or permanent employment. They have all shown a huge level of commitment to service and to their own personal and professional growth.” United Way is also excited to announce the following VISTAs for the 2024-2025 cohort and their respective service sites: Chelsea Cash, Corporate Volunteerism VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont Dora Rice**, Community Impact VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont Jaylin Madison, Marketing & Events VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont Sarah Blakely, Resource Development VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont Demecia Martin**, Community Development Associate VISTA, Benjamin E. Mays Family Resource Center Desirae Chitishvili, Community Engagement VISTA, PAL Horace McCollin, Community Engagement VISTA, University of South Carolina Upstate Jordan Fortune, Internal Strategy & Program Developer VISTA, The Bethlehem Center Julia Anhalt, Marketing Coordinator VISTA, ReGenesis Health Care Marlen Ramirez-Alvarado, Development Associate VISTA, St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic Matt Hagen, Community Impact Data Coordinator VISTA, University of South Carolina Upstate Nicole Collins, Community Development Associate VISTA, The Bridge At Green Street Rachel Davidson, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator VISTA, The BridgeWay Village Rebecca Nelson, Resource Development & Engagement VISTA, Greer Relief Sam Prescott**, Community Engagement VISTA, Converse College Samm White, Community Engagement VISTA, Converse University Tenille Black, Community Impact Coordinator VISTA, Strategic Spartanburg Tiraney Powe, Community Engagement VISTA, Spartanburg Academic Movement Tra Mills, Mission Advancement VISTA, KNOW(2) **Returning VISTA Check out more information about both United Way’s AmeriCorps programs at www.uwpiedmont.org/yearofservice .
School is back in session, and over 2,000 students across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties were able to get the supplies they need to succeed this year thanks to company and community donations to our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. Each county stepped up to increase their impact from last year’s school supply drive, helping us equip an even bigger number of local students and schools. Thank you to the many local companies and community members for rallying together to collect supplies, donate, and volunteer! In Cherokee County, we partnered with the Sheriff’s Office and received over $9,000 in supply donations to support 240 students. In Spartanburg, donations totaled over $59,000 worth of supplies, which served over 1,690 students and their classrooms. Union County collected $6,133 in supplies to serve 160 students and their classrooms. This year's drive was made possible by our generous sponsors at Owens Corning and Duke Energy .
Despite billions in economic investment over the last decade, Spartanburg ranks in the bottom 10% of counties nationwide for economic mobility. Movement 2030 is an unprecedented community-led initiative in Spartanburg to address this challenge. Designed by over 30 diverse partners, Movement 2030 is an evidence-based plan that seeks to substantially increase the number of Spartanburg County residents with college degrees and help close the academic achievement gap faced by students from low-income families. As one of the Movement 2030 implementation partners, United Way of the Piedmont is focused on supporting post-secondary strategy to ensure students are on their way to economic mobility and ready for careers through the Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator (CRC) cohort. The Higher Education CRCs help students meet critical needs, overcome barriers to financial self-sufficiency, and create pathways to stability. CRCs conduct intensive case management with students, including determining their strengths and needs, providing services, making referrals, assisting in developing self-motivated goals, and regularly following up to make sure students achieve their goals and persist through graduation. “Having a Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator on campus allows us to offer more in-depth services to students most in need of them. We are also able to multiply our resources to students by more efficiently tapping into other community resources to provide greater support for students facing other issues like homelessness, transportation issues, or mental health challenges,” said Courtney Shelton, Vice President for Student & Professional Development at Spartanburg Methodist College. United Way is proud to announce that Erika Pearson transitioned from a United Way Workplace CRC role to the Higher Education role in 2023. Erika now works with Spartanburg Methodist College and USC Upstate and has already made a significant impact on the students she serves. “Our Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator, Erika, helped our students navigate some truly challenging situations this year and put them on a path for success during difficult life events. We’re grateful for our partnership with United Way of the Piedmont and Erika’s commitment to our students and their well-being,” shared Allen Lollis, Dean of Students at Spartanburg Methodist College. Joining Pearson as the second Higher Education CRC is Sommer Means. Sommer works with Spartanburg Community College and Converse University students. “Knowledge is power, and as a Higher Education CRC, I'm happy to be a resource to those seeking knowledge so they can use that as a power tool to navigate their future,” shared Sommer. To learn more about UWP’s work in education, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/education .
On June 11, 2024, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) held its Annual Awards Luncheon, a reimagined event that replaced our previous Annual Celebration. This luncheon celebrated individuals and organizations that supported UWP’s work over the past year and make a significant impact in our community every day. These award recipients are our supporters who transform lives and inspire change through their dedication. Award Winners We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable winners, who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift our community. Their contributions of time, energy, and passion are invaluable in helping us reach people in our community who most need help. Advocate of the Year: Scott Neely Presenter: Shauntè Evans Scott Neely has been a vocal advocate for community issues and UWP’s initiatives, carrying the banner of United Way with pride and dedication. AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year: Samantha Reinhardt Presenter: Dr. Bennie Harris Samantha Reinhardt exemplifies the spirit of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, embodying the values of volunteerism and service to America. Community Partner Award: One Spartanburg, Inc. Presenter: Mitch Kennedy One Spartanburg, Inc. has demonstrated exceptional commitment in partnering with United Way, helping to educate others about critical community issues and needs. Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Al Gauthier Presenter: Sarah Keim Al Gauthier’s dedication to our mission and his extraordinary investment of time have made a significant impact on our volunteer efforts. Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Award: Marchele Garrett Presenter: Joey Fowler Marchele Garrett has greatly contributed to the success of our African American Leadership Society (AALS) and the mission of United Way of the Piedmont. Women United Award: Carla Benton Presenter: Sky Foster Carla Benton’s efforts have been contributed greatly to the goals of Women United and supporting our mission. Young Leader Award: Mary Kathryn Ward Presenter: Michael Langley Mary Kathryn Ward has been instrumental in the success of Young Leaders, helping to further our mission through her leadership and commitment. Congratulations to these winners! Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org/annualawards2024 .
Spartanburg, S.C. (May 15, 2024) – On the morning of May 9, over 100 local leaders from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties convened to celebrate at United Way of the Piedmont (UWP)’s Corporate & Community Leaders Breakfast. This annual gathering serves as a platform to honor partner companies and organizations whose steadfast support catalyzes transformative change within the community through United Way initiatives. Speakers from both local community and partner organizations included: Chris Santoro, Chair Elect of UWP’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Investments at MTM Management; Jaxon Lang, President & CEO of AFL; Reverend Dr. Sheila Elliott Hodge of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church in Spartanburg; and Parkes Coggins, Vice President Heart/Vascular and Oncology Services at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and UWP’s Resource Development Chair. Paige Stephenson, UWP’s President & CEO, commenced the awards ceremony with heartfelt appreciation for each United Way partner. “By supporting United Way,” Stephenson shared, “you have the power to change lives, break cycles, and uplift our whole community. Today, we celebrate those who have shown exceptional commitment to this cause.” The 2024 Corporate & Community Leaders award winners were then announced: Large Business Partner of the Year : Contec Small Business Partner of the Year : Morrisette Packaging Public Service Partner of the Year : Wofford College New Business Partner of the Year : Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year : Jaculyn Ogle, Timken - Tyger River Chairman’s Award : Jeffery Sather, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation UWP also recognized partners with exemplary campaigns for achieving Circle of Excellence status: Lockhart Power Johnson Development Associates McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Cate & Brough, P.A. Brown Packing Co., Inc. Spartanburg Housing William Barnet & Son United Community Bank The collective impact of gifts and support from United Way corporate and community partners ensures more local families have the opportunity to thrive. UWP additionally wants to recognize the following companies as our Top 5 employee giving campaigns for the 2023-2024 fiscal year: 1. AFL: $626,607 Includes $465,062 in employee giving and an additional $161,545 in corporate giving 2. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: $319,036 3. Milliken & Company: $280,545 Includes $130,545 in employee giving and an additional $150,000 in corporate giving 4. BMW: $241,885 Includes $161,527 in employee giving and an additional $80,358 in corporate giving 5 . Denny's and Keke's Breakfast Cafe: $229,031 Includes $225,031 in employee giving and an additional $4,000 in corporate giving Amanda Richardson, UWP Vice President of Brand Experience & Resource Development closed the event by stating, “United Way is here with you. We are here to connect employers to their employees and to the community, to connect people who want to make a difference to the needs of our community, and to connect people who need help to the resources they need.” For more information about partnering with UWP, email giving@uwpiedmont.org .
United Way of The Piedmont is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation. This contribution will benefit United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which focuses on the key areas of education, economic mobility, and health to support families in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. "We consider ourselves 'gap fillers' in the community," said Hannah Jarrett, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Piedmont. "This contribution from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation is the most powerful support we could receive, allowing us to be responsive to community needs while investing in programs that address the most critical issues." United Way of the Piedmont’s Bold Goal is to reduce the number of individuals living below self-sufficiency by 11,000 by the year 2030. The organization employs a Results-Based Accountability model to measure the success of their impact and programs, taking targeted action on complex social issues through a data-driven approach. “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation,” said Paige Stephenson, “This grant will enable us to expand our impact and strengthen our role in fostering positive change within our community. Together, we will work toward building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” The Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation is dedicated to positively impacting communities where Milliken associates live and work through strategic financial gifts that align with the company's purpose, values, and vision. By providing grants to various community initiatives, the foundation upholds Milliken's values of integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people. For more information, contact millikengives@milliken.com .