The annual Spartanburg Regional Foundation Grantee Celebration brought healthcare leaders, community partners, donors, volunteers and grant recipients together to recognize the transformative work being done across the Upstate and to celebrate the power of philanthropy in improving lives.

This year, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation awarded $865,685 in grants to healthcare programs, community organizations and collaborative initiatives dedicated to advancing health and well-being throughout the communities served by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

Made possible through generous donor support of the Foundation's General Fund, these investments reflect a shared commitment to expanding access to care, improving patient outcomes, supporting workforce development and addressing critical community needs.

"One of the greatest privileges of serving on the Grants Committee is witnessing the dedication, creativity, and compassion of the organizations and healthcare teams working to improve lives and strengthen systems of care,” said Mary Jane Jennings, Spartanburg Regional Foundation Trustee and Grants and Community Engagement Committee Chair. “Each grant represents an investment in people and ideas that are making a real difference today while building a healthier, stronger community for the future."

Throughout the celebration on Aug. 26, Foundation leaders highlighted a trust-based philanthropy approach that focuses on building relationships, listening to community needs and investing in organizations and healthcare teams that are creating lasting change. The grants awarded this year support a wide range of initiatives, from maternal health and cancer support services to workforce development, patient safety improvements and advanced clinical care.

2026 Community Grantees 

The following organizations received funding to advance health, wellness, education and community support services throughout the region:

• BirthMatters Cherokee County Doula Program — $15,000 
• Children's Advocacy Center & Forensic Nursing Forensic Interviews — $16,005 
• KNOW(2) FoodShare Program — $3,800 
• Live Healthy Spartanburg Operational Support — $5,000 
• PAL (Play. Advocate. Live Well.) Cooking Up Confidence — $22,000 
• SPACE Hospice Entrance Maintenance — $15,000 
• Spartanburg Academic Movement Workforce Development — $214,285 
• Strategic Spartanburg Operational Support — $10,000 
• Union County Library Cancer Support Services — $5,000 
• Vida y Salud Community Navigation and Support Services — $15,000 
• YMCA of Spartanburg Livestrong Program — $10,000 

2026 Healthcare System and Healthcare Partnership Grantees 

These projects support patient care, clinical innovation, workforce development and hospital operations throughout Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

• St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic & SRHS IT Epic EHR Implementation — $130,000 
• SRHS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Renovation — $114,000 
• SRHS Rehabilitation Bariatric and Powered Shower Chairs — $117,278 
• SRHS Workforce Development High School Healthcare Internships — $41,267 
• SRHS Corporate Education Lifepak Training Equipment — $37,835 
• Union Medical Center Heart Services — $50,000 
• SRHS Physical Therapy SaeboMAS Mobile Arm Support — $9,000 
• SRHS Rehabilitation Bertec Vision System — $12,215 
• SRHS Environmental Safety Barricades for Safety — $8,000 
• Spartanburg Regional Foundation Physician Giving Society Match — $15,000 

Many of this year's awards focus on strengthening collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations.

From supporting forensic interviews for children experiencing abuse to expanding access to nutrition education, healthy food programs, cancer support services and care navigation for underserved populations, these investments demonstrate how partnerships can address both clinical and social factors that influence health outcomes.

Within the healthcare system, funding will improve the patient experience through facility enhancements, cutting-edge rehabilitation technology, expanded cardiovascular services and advanced training tools for clinicians.

Notable investments include the NICU renovation project, implementation of Epic electronic medical records at St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic, and equipment upgrades that enhance both patient care and staff safety.

"Every day, we witness the strength and resilience of our babies and their families,” said Karol Eubanks, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager Neonatal ICU/Pediatrics/Pediatric ICU. “Thanks to this generous grant, we can continue providing exceptional care, innovative resources and support during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.” 

Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of healthcare teams and community organizations, the 2026 grantees are helping build a healthier, stronger future for the people and communities of the Upstate.