Our Eyes Were Opened: The Experience of Poverty

On February 28, 2012, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina co-sponsored a poverty simulation with The Cooperative Ministry held at NorthStar Christian Center in Columbia. Facilitated by Beth Templeton of United Ministries, the poverty simulation provided participants who came from locations across the state with a deeper understanding of the day-to-day realities facing individuals and families experiencing poverty.

The poverty simulation could not have been timelier. Based on the most recent data available through the KIDSCOUNT Data Center, South Carolina has the 7th highest poverty rate in the nation, with 18% of the population with incomes below the federal poverty level. In 2010, a family of two adults and two children fell in the “poverty” category if their annual income fell below $22,113. Imagine living on an income of less than $22,113 for a family of four. That’s exactly what participants were asked to do in the poverty simulation. 
 

As part of the poverty simulation, each participant was assigned to a family based on real-life scenarios that every day people encounter. As the weeks passed during the simulation, participants felt a growing sense of desperation, anger, frustration and heartache as they realized their families many needs could not be met within the month. Some participants were forced to choose between purchasing weekly groceries, rent or making payment on a loan to the bank for a car that no longer worked. Some participants lost their employment due to an unexpected illness, having to take care of other family responsibilities or the inflexibility to access services outside of their work day. Some families had to leave their children at home unattended in order to tend to other competing, more pressing family responsibilities. Some participants needed specific job skills while others needed a better education in order to be employed. Even some with employable skills found that there were no jobs available or lacked transportation to get to work. Some started out homeless, while others lost their housing throughout the course of the month. Some were elderly and remained unnoticed by the community around them. 

Throughout the course of the poverty simulation, only a few families managed to move ahead. It was difficult for most to overcome their presenting situations, given the limited resources available based on their various family starting points. Most of us forget how many resources it takes to truly move out of poverty, given the range of financial, social and human capital resources needed. As participants reflected on the poverty simulation experience, many left with a deepened understanding of the financial pressures faced by low-income families in meeting basic needs; the difficult choices people with few resources need to make each month when stretching a limited income; the difficulties in improving one’s situation and becoming self-sufficient on a limited income; the emotional stresses and frustrations created by having limited income; as well as the positive and negative impact of the social service system on people with limited resources. 
 

The poverty simulation illustrated that moving out of poverty is never an easy task. In fact, it is often overwhelming and hopeless. For most of the participants, this was just a poverty simulation. They drove their vehicles back to their jobs, families and homes for the night not worrying about whether or not we would have food on the table for dinner. For the more than 815,000 people in South Carolina who live in poverty, this is their daily reality. The poverty simulation reminded us there is much more to each person we encounter every day than their present circumstances. Let us not forget the needs, situations, challenges and struggles families experiencing poverty face. And let us commit to continue with renewed energy to work alongside individuals and families in need. 

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter is the senior director of research for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Things Aren't Always as They Appear; Dig Deeper to Make an Impact

One of the things I have learned over the past 16 years at the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is that things are not always as they appear. Often times, we who work in the field of philanthropy are challenged with interpreting what others put before us. Whether it is a letter, face-to-face meeting, grant proposal or something else, it is incumbent upon us to sift through the language and get to the heart of the idea or concept.

A grant proposal, for example, that is polished and well written with every question answered perfectly and every thought well stated, is a good thing. Some grantmakers give the “presentation” of a proposal added value because it is so attractive. On the other hand, strong writing skills do not necessarily translate into the perfect idea or project that a funder should fund.

Several years ago a concept came to the Foundation in the form of a handwritten two-page letter. It was not written well and the presentation itself was poor. We looked beyond all of that and found an idea that had merit. It was an idea that was going to benefit the community. It was going to support young people and bring local churches together to work towards a common goal in an impoverished neighborhood. So we decided to take things a step further. We met face-to-face with the community leader and you could see and hear her passion. She had a plan to make the project work and a pathway to get there. She was simply unable to write it clearly on paper. Needless to say, we took a chance and funded the program. It was very successful and, over the years, changed the lives of many young people in that poor neighborhood.

We cannot get consumed in the glamour of a beautifully written letter or proposal because it may be nothing more than that, beautifully written. Funders have a responsibility to turn over rocks and look deeper to find the best organizations and people that will create positive community impact. Sometimes it is right in front of our faces and sometimes it is not.

We are implementing a new change at the Foundation in 2012 which addresses this very issue. We will be meeting face-to-face with finalists for our Strategic Grants so they have an opportunity to dialogue directly with the Foundation’s grants review team. This will give both the grantseekers and the Foundation the chance to interact and the grant reviewers can ask questions to help strengthen the Foundation’s understanding of the proposal.

There are thousands of great organizations doing good work as they serve the needs of others. I believe it is our responsibility to find ways to uncover the "heart" of a program and the “passion” of the people who champion the programs. Nicely written proposals are easy to read and appreciated. However, our goal—as a funder—is to always find those organizations and the people behind them that can truly have impact through their work and the potential for successful results, regardless of the writing.

Learn more about the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina’s 2012 Strategic Grants or attend the Grant Seekers Forum. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2012.


Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Diversity Matters; An Open Call for Nominations: 2012 Leadership in Diversity Award

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is looking for individuals whose work and commitment towards diversity has left an impact on South Carolina. The Foundation is accepting nominations for its second annual Leadership in Diversity Award through March 31. The recipient will be selected by a committee of staff, board members and community leaders and announced at a June Grant Awards Luncheon.

The Leadership in Diversity Award, established in 2011 to commemorate the Foundation’s 15 years in philanthropy, recognizes an individual that illustrates exemplary performance in the area of diversity and inclusion. The award honors those that serve as a model and whose accomplishments are made through community engagement, awareness, bridge building, compassionate leadership and courageous advocacy. Leadership in Diversity Award recipients demonstrate a commitment to cultural awareness and are steering the successful integration of diversity, equity and fairness principles into practices.

The deadline to submit the online nomination for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina 2012 Leadership in Diversity Award is March 31, 2012. The winner will be announced at a June Grants Luncheon.

Do you know someone making a difference? Nominate an individual who practices leadership in diversity and inclusion.  You may include up to three letters of support.

For more information, visit the Foundation’s Web site or email the Foundation.

The Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of the poor and underserved in all 46 South Carolina counties, and strategically uses resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership. The Leadership in Diversity Award illustrates the Foundation’s commitment to working with and among diverse populations and recognizing those who have championed diversity through their actions and leadership. 

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is committed to God's people represented in many races, ethnicities, languages, genders, religions and abilities. Diversity matters and is in the forefront of everything we do as an organization and in the decisions we make as a funder.

Courageous Leaders

On December 16, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina celebrated seven nonprofit leaders from across South Carolina as they completed the Nonprofit Leadership Development Program through the Foundation's Carolina Academy for Nonprofits.

Gwen Jobes Hampton, South Carolina School Board Association director of leadership development, served as graduation speaker and this is a poem that wrote for the celebration.

Courageous Leaders

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Who understands when culture and business thrives
It has the power to transform communities
Private public working together to enrich lives
A dream of a Civic Center
Motivated a community to take action
They will oneday open the doors
Under the leadership of Cynthia Jackson

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Kristi Coggins the coach comes to mind
Building character and instilling values
During a game at tee time
Helping the youth see their worth
So they can be all that they can be
Simply learned during a game of golf
Club and balls at The First Tee

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Amy Coward is her name
She understands the power of the pen
PR her claim to fame
She strategically leads from the middle
With strength and a spirit of gratitude
Sometimes it takes a push from the middle
In order for the mission to effectively move

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Survivors with their souls in tears
Living through sexual trauma
Lives shattered by unspoken fears
Worried about their uncertain future
Stories that make you want to holler
Through it all they have a strong leader
They call her Ginny Waller

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Committed to making families strong
Love our neighbors as ourselves
With those values we won’t go wrong
People empowered by their faith
Embraced by the religious community
Led by a compassionate leader
Her name is Marga McKee

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
With an appreciation for the arts
Sharing beauty so that many may see
With their eyes and with their hearts
Creative talents on display
In one of America’s best small towns
Under Janice Grizzard’s leadership
Various artist can be found

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Providing families the tools that they need
To break the cycle of poverty
So women and children can succeed
No matter how difficult the obstacles
Or high the stumbling blocks
They can count on the relentless leadership
Of Kristi King-Brock

Imagine the world of courageous leaders
Inspired by visions to improve lives
Focused on vital missions
Serving families and communities with pride
We celebrate their accomplishments
We know today simply would not be
If it wasn’t for the visionary leadership
Of the Sisters of Charity

Guest blog post by South Carolina School Board Association Director of Leadership Development Gwen Jobes Hampton. It was written for the Sisters of Charity Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Development Program Graduation Ceremony held on December 16, 2011.

The Recession Affects Children Too

“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.” –Gandhi

We read about more and more people losing jobs, more and more families losing homes, the cash-strapped transportation system, increased health care costs and more. However, what about the impact of the recession on children? No one ever mentions the children. This large population didn’t do anything to contribute to society’s current issues and, yet, they are often the most punished. 
 
The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book, which tracks the well-being of children at the national, state and local levels using indicators in the areas of education, employment and income, health, poverty and youth risk factors. It is no surprise that South Carolina continues to rank in the bottom. This new data revealed that one out of every four children live in poverty. 
 
The problem that is too often overlooked is the affect of the recession on children. The question is how are we―as a community, as a state―going to address these numbers. More importantly, how are we going to move South Carolina’s children and families out of poverty?
 
The Annie E. Casey Foundation identified a two-generation strategy for addressing families living in poverty, to simultaneously help parents put their families on a path to economic success and help children’s social, emotional cognitive and physical development from birth. In its report the foundation identifies public policies that may make the difference to the families and the country. When it comes to helping parents succeed, the foundation recognizes: the importance of addressing Unemployment Insurance and promoting foreclosure prevention and remediation efforts; strengthening existing programs that supplement poverty-level wages, offset the high cost of child care and provide health insurance coverage for parents and children; and promote savings, protect assets and help families gain financial knowledge and skills. The foundation’s approach to address policy issues impacting children include: promoting responsible parenthood and ensuring mothers-to-be receive prenatal care; making sure that children are developmentally ready to succeed in school; and promoting reading proficiency by the end of third grade. While this may not be the answer for South Carolina and may not even cover all that is needed, it is a good starting point as we begin to understand our role and what we can do. 
 
Children makeup 23% of South Carolina and 100% of the future. They are our country’s future leaders. Today’s children will make all of this state’s and this country’s future decisions in the global economy. To prepare our children, we need to focus on the economic opportunities of families and improve the education and well-being of children.
 
It is up to all of us. It is up to businesses, church congregations, community leaders, government, nonprofit organizations, service providers and volunteers to see that they are equipped for this future. Everyone has a role to play. Everyone has a stake in our state’s future. And our future is dependent on our children.  

Brooke Bailey is the director of communications and public policy for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Let Us Begin

On November 9, 2011, the 2010-2011 Hull Fellows officially graduated from the Southeastern Council of Foundations’ (SECF) yearlong intensive program designed for philanthropy’s rising leaders. As a member of the 2010-2011 Hull Fellow class, I followed in the footsteps of four other former Hull Fellows from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and countless other Hull Fellows from across the Southeast. The Hull Fellows program is the only philanthropic leadership development program of its kind open exclusively to SECF members.

As part of the Hull Fellows experience, my understanding of the breadth of the field of philanthropy increased tremendously. We read multiple books and articles, followed by in-depth discussions which helped shape our understanding of the philanthropic sector. The readings provided a specific lens on the unique history, strengths and challenges specific to philanthropy in the South, equipping me with a deeper understanding of the Foundation’s work within a regional and national context. During the weeklong retreat and monthly capstone calls, we had a unique opportunity to dialogue with visionary leaders who inspired us to lead authentically from the seat we are in. Together we discussed a range of issues facing the philanthropic sector (e.g. servant leadership, diversity, mentoring the next generation of philanthropists to attract and ensure diverse representation of perspectives, talent and leadership in the field, nonprofit capacity building, etc.) as well as a wide range of professional development topics (e.g. understanding individual leadership styles, maintaining work/life balance, etc.).

As the next generation of emerging leaders in the field of philanthropy, I am confident this cohort will continue forward to make a difference in each of our corners of the world through philanthropy. As a graduate of this leadership program, I walked away with additional leadership tools and strategies that I was able to apply directly to my work at the Foundation. I was also able to build collaborative relationships with my 19 fellow peers in a safe place where creative ideas could be exchanged. My Hull mentor, Maria Elena Retter, executive director of the Goizueta Foundation, shared her vast expertise and wisdom, and became a trusted sounding board for me on the intersection of research, evaluation and strategy within the context of the field. I know I will draw from my Hull mentor, Hull Fellows and the many others I connected with as a resource in the years that lie ahead.

I left the 42nd Annual Meeting of SECF as a Hull alumnus, inspired and encouraged, and deeply aware of the great privilege it is for me to serve in this sector. The field of philanthropy tackles some of the most difficult issues in our communities, such as reducing poverty, addressing social injustice and ensuring that the disenfranchised have a voice and a seat at the table. The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina seeks to be equal partners with communities we care deeply about. We recognize our vision, families in South Carolina have the resources to live out of poverty, may take years to flourish in order to achieve measurable impact. Regardless of the challenges and setbacks we will undoubtedly face to achieve our mission, we continue pressing forward, applying the principle Mother Teresa once shared, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter is the senior director of research at the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

15 Years, $42 Million; Foundation Celebrates 15 Years in Philanthropy

In celebration of National Philanthropy Day, today, this post is taken from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina's release announcing the Foundation's 15-year anniversary.  

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, celebrates 15 years in philanthropy this fall. The Foundation, formed out of the sale of fifty percent of Providence Hospitals in 1996, is the only statewide grantmaker having awarded grants to nonprofit and faith-based organizations in all 46 South Carolina counties.

“The work of this Foundation has been inspiring, rewarding and challenging,” said Tom Keith, president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. “We have learned a lot about ourselves and the communities we serve. While we have adapted to change over the past 15 years, we have always remained steady to our mission to reduce poverty in the state.”

Since its beginning, the Sisters of Charity Foundation has awarded more than 1,400 grants and over $42 million to faith-based and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. “It is one thing to understand the disparity of the poor, but it is quite another to invest tremendous energy and resources to affect change in their lives,” said Yvonne Orr, a Charleston native and board chair. “We have supported organizations at all levels and have witnessed many triumphs and change.”

The Foundation’s Fatherhood Initiative is an example of recognizing a need and continuing to support it. Since 1998, the Foundation has invested more than $19 million in the Fatherhood Initiative, a statewide initiative working to strengthen relationships between low-income fathers and their families in South Carolina. The Fatherhood Initiative has received national recognition for its innovative approach and is viewed as a best practice. In 2002, the Foundation established the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, a nonprofit organization which develops and supports a statewide infrastructure that strengthens relationships between fathers and families throughout South Carolina. The Center currently oversees six fatherhood programs through 11 sites across the state.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation has impacted nonprofits and South Carolina beyond grantmaking. Through its Carolina Academy for Nonprofits, created in 2008, the Foundation has provided training and technical assistance to hundreds of nonprofit staff and volunteers at no cost. A partnership was even formed with Columbia College to give nonprofit leaders an opportunity for formal, graduate-level education and the potential to earn certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Training from Columbia College’s Organizational Change Management graduate program. This certificate program is now in its third year, and nonprofits―and the communities they serve―reap the benefits.

“We look for ways to build the capacity of organizations in which we invest. Many of the groups have an inspiring mission but lack the necessary skills to implement programs effectively,” said Orr. “Our job is to help bring them to a level where they can make their program successful, and ultimately impact their community and the people they serve.”

Additionally, the Foundation has spearheaded the start of several new organizations to meet targeted needs and foster collaboration. The Foundation was instrumental in the creation of the South Carolina Grantmakers Network, formed in 1997. The South Carolina Grantmakers Network is a group of more than 40 philanthropic grantmaking organizations across the state who come together to discuss current issues and common concerns. The Foundation aided in forming the South Carolina Center for Grassroots and Non-Profit Leadership at Clemson University, the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance and the Fatherhood Policy Project Office.

The Foundation finds itself in the position as one of the largest South Carolina-based foundations with assets of $82 million. “It is not about our size. It is about our role as a funder, a convener, an advocate and change maker. It is about seeing the state as a whole, and finding ways to reduce poverty and be a voice for the underserved,” said Keith. “We have never attempted to do this on our own; any success the Foundation has witnessed has been the result of working with others at multiple levels.”

About the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, established in 1996, is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. The Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of the poor and underserved in all 46 South Carolina counties, and strategically uses resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership.