Unrestricted Funds

---

Unrestricted funds make grants according to the greatest community needs. Coastal Community Foundation's knowledgeable Programs staff conducts annual competitive grant programs, offering all local nonprofits the opportunity to apply for support. Nonprofits may receive guidance during the application process from the Foundation's staff, enabling them to improve grantwriting skills and to collaborate with other organizations for innovative program implementation. The contemporaneous leadership of Unrestricted funds make them timeless in terms of community impact.

A committee of board members and civic leaders award grants to deserving organizations. Grants will perpetually be made in the fund's name, or donors may maintain anonymity if desired. Each gift added to the fund will receive the maximum tax benefit allowable.

DONOR STORY:
On the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary, a Summerville couple, the late Gary Banks, Jr. and his wife Janie, decided to start an Unrestricted fund at Coastal Community Foundation instead of exchanging anniversary presents. "We looked at each other and couldn't think of anything we needed", said Janie. "We were so blessed."

That was the humble beginning of the "We've Been Blessed" Fund, and since that day in 1985 Gary and Janie have contributed to their fund on all special occasions and have encouraged family and friends to do the same. "Coastal Community Foundation has a better overview of the needs of the community than we do," said Gary. "We trust them to decide where the grants from our fund will make the most difference." Over the past decade, an incredible range of organizations has received grants through their fund. Because Janie and Gary counted their blessings, their community does too.