The South Carolina Ports Authority announced $103,000 in grants to 56 charitable organizations through its annual Community Giving Program, which provides grant support in regions where SCPA operates in order to positively impact maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach.

 

"As the Port continues to grow, so does our commitment to be a strong community partner and neighbor," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.  "Our mission extends beyond maritime commerce and economic development activities, and there is great pride in the Community Giving Program and the relationships formed with the recipients across the state."

 

The organizations selected to receive grant funds will support critical programs and initiatives in the communities where the Port operates. At $103,000, this year's giving cycle represents the most funding ever awarded by the Port. The program included grants of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

Recipients of a $5,000 grant included Charleston Chamber Foundation, Charleston Waterkeeper, Chucktown Squash Scholar, Friends of Keep Charleston Beautiful and Team Backpack Journalists.

Charleston Chamber Foundation supports the enrichment of the business environment in the Charleston area through talent, leadership, research and collaborative initiatives of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. SCPA grant funds will provide support for 50 instructors from Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties to participate in a three-day training course in Project Based Learning.

Charleston Waterkeeper, whose mission is to protect and restore Charleston's waterways for our community and for future generations, will use the grant funds to conduct five weeks of sample analysis as part of their Recreational Water Quality Testing Program.

Chucktown Squash Scholars is a year-round sports-based youth development organization that uses the sport of squash, in combination with academic tutoring, fitness education, civic engagement and mentoring to make a difference in the lives of Charleston's under-served youth population. SCPA grant funds will provide support and services for under-served students and families throughout the Charleston community.

Friends of Keep Charleston Beautiful, whose mission is to create a cleaner, more beautiful Charleston through awareness, education and community involvement, will use SCPA grant funds to support their Green Spaces Recycling Program. The program provides adequate recycling and trash containers in Charleston's public parks. 

Team Backpack Journalists is an after-school STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art and math) program that provides students with real- world journalism experiences, including the process of writing, storytelling, and film making. The group will utilize the grant for the Cars & Ports project. Students will explore the process of manufacturing cars and how they are shipped through the port to customers around the world.