In South Carolina, the Community Economic Development Fund (CED Fund) has played a crucial role in helping nonprofits address the critical needs of their community. In Anderson, SCACED member and CED Fund grantee Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM) used the funds to support their Housing Rehabilitation and Workforce Development programs! Through strategic funding and community-driven initiatives, AIM has transformed lives by fostering economic stability, housing security, and workforce readiness.
In South Carolina, the Community Economic Development Fund (CED Fund) has played a crucial role in helping nonprofits address the critical needs of their community. In Anderson, SCACED member and CED Fund grantee Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM) used the funds to support their Housing Rehabilitation and Workforce Development programs! Through strategic funding and community-driven initiatives, AIM has transformed lives by fostering economic stability, housing security, and workforce readiness.
After being awarded $200,000 in 2023 from the CED Fund, AIM used the funds to leverage over $421,000 of impact through these programs in the Anderson community! One of AIM’s most significant accomplishments has been helping low-income homeowners remain in their homes by providing essential repairs that address health and safety concerns. With support from the CED Fund, 26 homes were repaired, helping families live in safer environments without the financial burden of costly maintenance.
Beyond housing, AIM’s Employment Pathways program has been a game-changer for individuals striving for economic independence. By offering training and career support with their grant from the CED Fund, AIM helped 72 participants gain new skills, secure better job opportunities, and achieve long-term financial stability. For mothers looking to advance their education and careers, the Women And Children Succeeding (WACS) program provides critical support, helping them earn Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees while balancing family responsibilities.
The success of AIM’s programs is a testament to the power of community-driven funding. Their holistic approach to community economic development—focusing on financial management, education, and career planning—has helped individuals and families reach their full potential.
Their story is just one of many from the grantees of the most recent round of grants from the CED Fund. With the most recent appropriation completely granted out by the end of 2023, it's now time to urge your local legislator to re-appropriate money out of the state budget to the SC CED Fund so nonprofits can continue serving their communities!
This legislative session SCACED's working to secure a $3 million appropriation in the state budget to replenish the CED Grant Program, and we need your help in asking the legislature to act. Join us in encouraging your local representative to appropriate $3 million in this year's state budget to fund the CED Grant Program and improve the quality of life for underserved communities!