How Did the Fund Get Started?

While we live in a very special place, we are aware that some nearby are less fortunate. To help address the poverty and needs of our neighbors in the greater Lowcountry area, the Port Royal Community Charitable Fund (PRCCF) was established in 2021. A small group of Port Royal residents with diverse backgrounds collaborated to celebrate our gifts, experience, and skills; while combining resources to give where we live.

​

How is PRCCF Governed?

• It is Governed by a volunteer PRCCF Board.

• The Board consists of Port Royal landowners who are expected to make a financial commitment to PRCCF.

• Board members serve 3 year terms that begin on a 3 year rotating basis.

• We follow a strict set of Operating Guidelines, financial procedure and Grant Management processes.

• Community Foundation of the Lowcountry provides PRCCF with a the 501(c)(3) IRS designation and advisory and administrative services.

• We are not an extension of the Port Royal Board. 

• We are an independent group that is recognized by the Port Royal Board of Directors as a separate organization with the neighborhood.

 

What is the Focus of PRCCF?

Together Helping Others is the catchphrase of our Fund. Each year our grants have a focus to meet the changing needs of the greater community. Several neighboring communities in the area have charitable giving funds. These communities raise and donate funds because it is a powerful way of multiplying their impact in the community and we wanted to do the same. With the Port Royal Community Charitable Fund, we have created a stronger sense of community that adds a ‘look what we can do together’ kind of pride and strengthens our neighborhood’s reputation as a giving community.

 

What is the Mission and Purpose of PRCCF?

Our mission is clear:

​​

• to encourage and support the charitable, caring interests of PR residents

• to enhance the sense of community among Port Royal residents by having our own charitable fund, and

• to leverage resources to have a larger positive impact in the greater community.

​

Our purpose is:

​​

• to provide grants that benefit our neighbors in Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper and Colleton counties

• to respond to people in need, and

• to provide resources to help improve the lives of people in the Lowcountry.

​

How are Grants Awarded?

The scope of PRCCF’s philanthropy is broad. Grants are awarded each June based on the recommendation of our Grants Committee after careful review of each application with respect to the year’s current theme. We follow up at the end of the year to ensure that grants are used for their intended purpose.

 

How Much Money Has Been Granted to Area Non-Profits?

Through the generosity of Port Royal residents, the PRCCF has awarded:

$20,000 to 14 nonprofits in July 2022

$84,500 to 8 nonprofits in June 2023

$128,385 to 7 nonprofits in June 2024

$142,400 to 10 nonprofits in June 2025

 

What is PRCCF’s relationship with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry?

The PRCCF Advisory Board partners with Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL) for fund administration and to benefit from their 501(c)(3) status. CFL’s core services include processing gifts, managing monies, distributing funds, and handling IRS tax reports, with a small administration fee of 1.5% annually. Our operating expense have been low, less than 5% of revenue. That means more than 95% of your donation goes to funding grants!

 

Other Than Donations, How Does PRCCF Raise Money?

The PRCCF sponsors events that offer our residents the opportunity to participate in activities to raise funds. Since inception, financial contributions were made by 35% of Port Royal landowners. Funds raised and contributed support grants to nonprofits that serve those in need. The Annual Giving Circle Campaign runs on a fiscal year of July 1 – June 30 and is a perfect way to pool your giving with others to increase the philanthropic impact that our community has on the lives of our lowcountry neighbors.

The PRCCF also gets donations from local business. They are recognized as part of our “Business Partner” program. Those business are listed on our website, publicized at our events, in our annual report, and on materials available in the beach house community room and at the pass office.

 

What is the Preferred Time of Year to Make a Donation?

Contributions are accepted throughout the year; however, our Annual Appeal is in the Fall.

Annual giving levels are effective for each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30 the following year) All funds given during this period are eligible for recognition at the levels shown below. Residents who donate every year are also recognized as “Sustaining Members”.

 

$10,000 and above: Champion

$7,500-$9,999 Ambassador 

$5,000-$7,499 Benefactor 

$2,500-$4,999 Supporter 

$1,000-$2,499 Patron 

$500-$999 Contributor

$100-$499: Friend

 

How Can I Make My Donation?

Tax-deductible donations are accepted for the Port Royal Community Charitable Fund by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in one of three ways: 

 

• Checks payable to:

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

P.O. Box 23019

Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29925

Include PRCCF in the memo line of your check.

 

• Donate at the secure Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL) website at 

     ​https://lowcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1095​​

​

• or use this QR code

​

​

 

 

Stocks and matching gifts, IRA distributions and other options for giving are available. Contact CFL at 843-681-9100 to discuss and confirm your donation by these methods.