The South Carolina Ports Authority announced $85,000 in grants to 49 charitable organizations through its annual Community Giving Program. The program provides grant support in regions where SCPA operates in order to positively impact maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach.

“The Port’s mission extends well beyond our gates,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. “As we grow in our role as an economic development engine for the state, so does our commitment to be a strong community partner and neighbor. The organizations selected to receive grant funds will support critical programs and initiatives across the state.”

“There is great pride in the Port’s Community Giving Program, both in the selection of the grants and the ongoing relationships formed with recipients,” said Pat McKinney, SCPA Board Chairman. “This program helps fulfill the Port’s mission to positively impact the communities across the state where we operate.”

At $85,000, this year’s grants represent the most funding ever awarded by the Port. The program includes grants of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

Recipients of a $5,000 grant included Charleston Waterkeeper, Chucktown Squash Scholars and Team Backpack Journalists.

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 six weeks of sample analysis as part of their Recreational Water Quality Monitoring 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.

Team Backpack Journalists is an after-school STEAM-based program that provides students with real- world journalism experiences, including the process of writing, storytelling, and filming making. The program will utilize the grant for the Cars & Parts to the Seaport Project in Charleston County School District Title One schools. Students will explore the process of manufacturing cars and how they are shipped through the port to customers around the world.

Other recipients earned $2,500 and $1,000 grants for numerous programs and efforts, including mentoring, free books and STEAM-based education; emergency assistance and community health; and economic and environmental sustainability.

Grant recipients include:

Fiscal Year 2016 Community Giving Impact 

Community Giving grant recipients must complete an outcomes survey at the end of the fiscal year before they can apply for the new giving cycle. The survey allows the Port to measure the positive lasting impacts of the grant program and fulfill its mission to be a strong community partner. In the previous giving cycle, $81,000 in grants was awarded to 42 charitable organizations. Impacts of the funding include:

• Over 10,000 students across the state benefitted from Community Giving grants

• 8,924 students participated in STEAM activities

• Over 7,000 meals provided to senior citizens living at or below the poverty level

• 13 high-need schools received support for hunger-relief programs

• 618,138 people educated about environmental sustainability

• 4,233 books distributed to improve academic performance or skills

• 600 books distributed to provide counseling

• 77 students completed career readiness programs