Through the generosity of the community, the three United Way of Pickens County volunteer Impact Councils work to strategically invest in high quality, impactful programs in the priority areas of Education and Financial Stability. Trained volunteers from the community serve on these Impact Councils and work year round to understand, plan and make decisions about community conditions, needs and opportunities as they relate to improving Pickens County and to achieving United Way's bold goals. All Councils are strategically focused on achieving outcomes based on select, priority issues. 

2024-2025 IMPACT GOALS

IMPACT AREA: EDUCATION

Bold Goal: 70% of 3rd graders will be reading on grade level by 2028.

IMPACT AREA: FINANCIAL STABILITY

Goal: Families and individuals will find a pathway out of poverty.

2025 EDUCATION GRANTS: LETTERS OF INQUIRY

We are currently accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOI) for programs that will positively impact 3rd grade reading in Pickens County. Programs should demonstrate measurable results and specify the population served. Programs that involve parental engagement and make efforts to reach out to underrepresented and/or marginalized populations are encouraged.

Potential funded programs could include, but are not limited to: after school programs, tutoring/mentoring programs, summer reading programs, PK-3rd grade literacy instruction, and family empowerment.

The deadline is midnight on May 1, 2025, and grants ranging from $5,000- $20,000 will be awarded in July 2025.

To apply, create or log into your Submittable account here.

Questions? Contact Anna Spatafora, 864-850-7094 x107.