Hit hard by COVID pandemic, Spartanburg County nonprofits say they need $5 million now
May 27, 2021
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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.
Five new members are joining United Way of the Piedmont’s Board of Directors. Representing our region across multiple sectors, counties, and backgrounds, each Board Member uniquely strengthens the United Way reach and mission. Welcome to the new members of the Board: Dr. Lacresha Byrd, Union County Schools Chunsta Miller, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Al Swanson, AFL Cal Wicker, Pinnacle Financial Partners Francisca Yanez, Contec, Inc. United Way also thanks all departing Board Members for their years of dedicated service: Donda Bishop, AFL Jennifer Cash, Synovus Bank Shaunté Evans, Spartanburg Housing Mitch Kennedy, City of Spartanburg Beth Lancaster, Spartanburg District 7 Angela Halstead of Coldwell Banker Caine has served on the Board for 4 years and will serve as the new Board Chair. She shares, "As a Board Member, I have loved seeing the impact United Way makes across all ages and every walk of life, whether it's providing critical assistance to those who need it or offering donors and volunteers a chance to be part of something truly collaborative. Very few organizations are able to touch so many lives, and I’m honored to serve as Board Chair and continue my part in this mission.” View United Way’s full Board of Directors →
Written by Anna Grace Kellam, United Way of the Piedmont intern and student at Oakbrook Preparatory School in Spartanburg If you had asked me before I started volunteering what it really meant, I probably would’ve said something simple—helping others or giving back. But through my experiences, especially interning with the United Way of the Piedmont, I’ve come to realize it’s much more personal than that. Volunteerism isn’t just about completing service hours or checking a box. For me, it’s been about finding where I fit in my community and realizing that even small actions can make a real difference. It’s easy to think that one person can’t do much, but volunteering showed me that change actually starts with individuals who are willing to show up. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away is how much you grow through serving others. Yes, you’re helping your community; but, you’re also building confidence, learning how to communicate, and developing leadership skills without even realizing it at first.
On March 26, 78 women from across our region gathered at Dillard's Spartanburg for a night of fashionable fun and lasting change. Women United's Power of the Purse event had it all: elegance, purpose, and many moments of connection. Over $6,000 was raised in a single evening to support local women facing housing insecurity right here in our tri-county footprint. Every purse bid, raffle ticket, and ticket purchased added up to resources, stability, and hope for neighbors who need it most. "Evenings like this remind us why we do this work," said Taylor Miller, United Way of the Piedmont. "When I looked around that space and saw those incredible women raising money, laughing, and giving — all for a neighbor they may never meet — that's the power of this community." Power of the Purse is one night, but the work of Women United goes on. Women United is a strong local community of women who use their strength to lift others up through year-round philanthropy and engagement . In addition to their hard work, this event was a success because of our amazing sponsors, purse donors, and every single woman who bought a ticket, brought a friend, and showed up ready to give. This year’s Power of the Purse was just the beginning, and we’re excited to see what we do together next. Special thanks to our 2026 Power of the Purse sponsors: Prada: Dillard’s Spartanburg Kate Spade: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Coco Chanel: Jeter Hrubula Wealth Strategies
The Foundation On November 15, 1936, a group of community members and local agencies gathered in Spartanburg with a shared question: What if we started working together to meet local needs? Out of that gathering, the United Campaign in Spartanburg was born, which was a collective effort to fill gaps in services and raise funds for the good of all.
Tax season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you or someone you serve needs help filing taxes this year, there are trusted, free resources available for people right here in our community. In-Person Tax Help Through VITA Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics are open through mid-April and ready to help. Through the IRS-supported VITA program, households earning $67,000 or less per year can receive free, in-person tax preparation assistance from IRS-certified staff and volunteers. This service helps ensure returns are filed accurately and that families receive the credits and refunds they’re eligible for. Appointments are available for eligible individuals and families living in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1 or 1-866-892-9211. Prefer to File From Home? For households earning under $89,000 annually, free online filing is available through MyFreeTaxes.com. This secure, easy-to-use platform allows individuals and families to file both federal and state taxes at no cost from the comfort of home. Last-Minute Tax Clinic: Walk-Ins Welcome Need help close to the deadline? Our team and volunteers will provide a Last-Minute Tax Clinic in April for anyone who needs support before Tax Day. No appointment necessary—just come by during clinic hours for assistance. Find the details below: CC Woodson April 14 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Walk-ins accepted all day Learn More & Share Accurate tax filing can mean larger refunds, access to valuable tax credits, and greater financial security for local families. Please share this information widely with clients, neighbors, and community members who may benefit. Additional information can be found here →
On January 19, over 400 volunteers across Spartanburg County came together for United Way of the Piedmont’s annual MLK Day of Service, collectively contributing 933 hours of service. Hosting this event for over a decade, United Way of the Piedmont has been able to provide support to over 16 non-profit and community partners. Hands-on projects ranging from trail cleanups to period kit packing provided volunteers with the opportunity to come together and support the organizations strengthening our community. Amanda Richardson, Vice President of Brand Experience at United Way of the Piedmont, volunteered alongside her children to create artwork for women and children preparing to move into Bridgeway Village. Reflecting on the importance of serving on MLK Day, Richardson shared, “Giving back—especially on MLK Day—matters deeply to me. It’s a powerful opportunity to show my children that showing up for our neighbors can take many different forms.” United Way of the Piedmont extends a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who showed up, served, and made an impact this MLK Day. Your dedication and compassion showed our community that United Is the Way. We can’t wait to come together again for next year’s Day of Service on Monday, January 18, 2027.
United Way of the Piedmont Announces $1.14 Million Annual Investment in Local Programs for 2026–2028
Spartanburg, S.C. (January 13, 2026) –United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) is proud to announce an annual investment of $1,140,000 in 47 nonprofit organizations across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties for the 2026–2028 funding cycle. These investments mark another step forward in advancing UWP’s long-term Community Impact Agenda and commitment to addressing the root causes of local challenges through strategic, results-driven funding. For the upcoming cycle, UWP will make the following annual investments in the region: $111,842 in 16 programs in Cherokee County $922,070 in 37 programs in Spartanburg County $106,088 in 16 programs in Union County This investment follows a highly competitive community review process. 85 agencies submitted 138 Letters of Intent, requesting nearly $4.85 million in annual funding. To guide investment decisions, UWP convened one Community Investment Review Committee, representing the entire tri-county area. This group applied a structured assessment process to evaluate program effectiveness, fiscal soundness, and alignment with UWP’s strategic framework. “Our investment process is an intentional, data-driven effort that takes about a year to complete,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships & Investments. “We don’t just fund programs—we invest in impact. Every dollar is directed where it can create the most measurable change for our community.” The review process began in early 2025 with information sessions and letters of intent, followed by full applications, site visits, and extensive Q&A sessions before final funding decisions in December. New funding will begin in January 2026. As outlined in its Community Impact Agenda, UWP focuses on investing deep rather than wide—prioritizing proven programs with clear outcomes over spreading limited resources thinly across numerous initiatives. This approach ensures that each investment drives transformative change for the region’s most pressing needs. UWP upholds a commitment to county-level equity, measurable outcomes, fiscal stewardship, and sustainability. In addition to the core investment cycle, UWP continues to lead and support collaborative initiatives aligned with its impact goals, including: A Place to Call Home (Spartanburg County) Spartanburg Long Term Recovery Group Movement 2030 Union Uplifted Collective Community-Wide Mental & Behavioral Health Plan for Spartanburg County Live Healthy Spartanburg Strategic Spartanburg, Inc. Spartanburg Shared Futures Collaborative United for ALICE Through these strategic investments and partnerships, United Way of the Piedmont continues to strengthen the community and drive sustainable impact across the region. View a full list of 2026-2028 Community Investment funded programs here.
Spartanburg, S.C. (January 1, 2026) –Following a powerful showing of community service last year, United Way of the Piedmont is once again calling on residents across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties to come together for its annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026. Part of the nationwide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s legacy of giving back, MLK Day of Service has been led locally by United Way of the Piedmont for more than a decade, connecting volunteers with meaningful projects that strengthen nonprofit partners and neighborhoods. “Dr. King believed deeply in collective action and shared responsibility,” said Marissa Human, Director of Events & Projects. “This day is about honoring his legacy by showing up for our neighbors and turning service into impact.” This year’s event will again honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision by showing that United is the Way to make a difference. In 2025, more than 450 volunteers united to serve their community by cleaning trails, building playgrounds, packing period kits, and supporting nonprofits with other hands-on projects. United Way of the Piedmont expects hundreds of volunteers to once again answer the call to serve in 2026. “When our community comes together like this, the impact reaches far beyond a single day,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships and Investments. “It strengthens nonprofits, supports families, and reminds us that change happens when we choose to serve—together.” Volunteer registration is now open, and individuals, families, student groups, faith-based organizations, and corporate teams are encouraged to participate. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit uwpiedmont.org/mlkday . Our 2026 MLK Day of Service is generously sponsored by AFL.
In early November, I had the incredible opportunity to join 2,200 delegates representing 190 countries at the One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany. The annual One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Over four transformative days, we participated in speeches, panels, networking sessions, mentorships, and workshops designed to equip us with tools and connections to drive meaningful change. I attended the Summit as part of a 20-delegate United Way cohort led by United Way Worldwide President & CEO Angela F. Williams. While we learned from speakers and peers across the globe, we also connected deeply with each other as young local United Way leaders, strengthening our network and shared mission. A Vision of Hope and Innovation The Summit filled me with hope for the social impact sector and our world. Being surrounded by passionate young leaders and experienced changemakers—all focused on making our communities stronger for everyone—was truly inspiring. We heard from community and global experts on challenges and solutions spanning education, climate, technology, and more. I was struck by the innovative approaches to tackling complex issues around the world and by how deeply intertwined our experiences are, regardless of where we come from. Whether a global CEO or young entrepreneur, everyone who attended shared a common desire: to enact positive change and work toward lasting stability and peace throughout the world. As Angela Williams powerfully stated in her keynote address, "Peace begins and is carried through in human hearts–in the choices that each of us make–when we connect with each other." Carrying the Experience Forward The One Young World Summit has shaped me into a more understanding, connected person and professional. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this experience and will carry the lessons I learned forward into the work I do every day for our community. As I wrap up my time as a Summit Delegate, I am proud to join 18,000+ other leaders as a One Young World Ambassador in our continued efforts to build a better future for our world. Abby Good is United Way of the Piedmont's Director of Communications.
This fall, our community showed what it really means to show up for one another. With the recent disruption in SNAP benefits, more families than ever have been turning to local food pantries for help. It’s been a stressful time for many of our neighbors, and together, United Way of the Piedmont and our partners stepped in to make sure no one feels alone. Our Fall Food Drive is always a big effort, but this year it took on new meaning. People and companies from across our region came together: donating online, packing boxes in person, and rallying coworkers and friends. Through the Roonga virtual donation platform and in-person collections, donors gave over $56,000 in food, which funded over 1,200 complete food boxes to our neighbors in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. All donations went straight to our community partners like The Bridge at Green Street, TOTAL Ministries, and Iron City Ministries to provide immediate support. When families are trying to stretch every dollar, a full box of food can make a huge difference. And this year, those 1,200+ boxes will help carry families through the months ahead. That’s the power of coming together. When asked why this project is so special, Libby Jensen, our Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “Our community always shows up in a big way. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and neighbors, many local families have a little more comfort and a lot less stress this holiday season. This kind of care makes a real difference, not just for today, but for the months ahead.” Our 2025 Fall Food Drive reminded us of something important: when our community comes together, we really can make sure more families have what they need—not just to get by, but to move forward with hope.
