The Palmetto Citizens Foundation is looking for five nonprofits making a difference in the communities we serve. Apply to become a 2027 Fuel the Change partner.
Fuel the Change
Who can apply
Eligible organizations must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing
- Provide meaningful direct services in a community served by Palmetto Citizens
- Demonstrate community need and impact
- Be willing to participate in campaign promotion and storytelling
Not eligible: individuals, schools, governmental entities, political organizations, and organizations whose proposed use of funds is primarily religious worship, instruction or proselytizing.
You don’t have to be headquartered in the Palmetto Citizens service area, but your programs must directly benefit people in an eligible community.
- South Carolina: Aiken, Calhoun, Edgefield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter.
- Georgia: Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond.
What selected partners receive
The Foundation will match eligible donations dollar for dollar, up to $20,000 per partner. There is no minimum fundraising requirement. Every donation designated to your organization goes to you, plus the match you earn. Funds are unrestricted and can support your charitable mission and areas of greatest need.
Once you’ve earned the full match, supporters can keep giving. Those gifts won’t be matched, but 100% still goes to your organization.
Donations are matched when they’re made through an official Fuel the Change channel during the 100 hours. Partners can’t use their own organizational funds to earn the match, but personal gifts from staff, board members, volunteers and supporters count.
100% of every donation goes back into the communities we serve. Palmetto Citizens covers all Foundation operating expenses.
Ready to apply?
Applications will be reviewed based on mission alignment, community need and impact, service within an eligible community and willingness to participate in the campaign.
Partners promote the campaign through their own channels, take part in storytelling and may be invited to media, photo, video or volunteer opportunities. The Foundation makes the final selections. Selected organizations will be asked to verify their 501(c)(3) status and eligibility.
No existing relationship with Palmetto Citizens or the Foundation is required.
