The Exchange Club Foundation was established in 2016 to supplement the Exchange Club’s normal more than $100,000 per year in grants to charities and schools serving Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island. The Foundation consolidates donations from members and others in the community and—using the Club’s robust charity evaluation and monitoring process—distributes all available Foundation funds each year to the organizations that can do the most good.

The Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook is a barrier-island service organization supporting local communities through both volunteering and charitable giving. Our charitable grants are focused in four core areas, and volunteers from our membership make up the grant committees that manage the process. Committee members meet with charities, thoroughly evaluate proposals, and stay engaged throughout the year. That ongoing involvement provides valuable insight into each organization’s operations, effectiveness, and community impact—helping ensure funds are awarded to the most deserving proposals.

Why Donors Give Through the Foundation

Donors to the Foundation can give with confidence because:

• 100% of donations go to service providers. The Foundation operates with no overhead, so every dollar is distributed to the charities and programs we support.
  
• Grants are carefully evaluated and monitored. Our process includes direct engagement with applicant organizations and review of their goals and impact.
  
• Recipients are vetted. We donate only to organizations that have achieved tax-exempt status, adding an important layer of screening and accountability.
  

Foundation Board Members

• Thad Peterson, Chair
  
• Bob Leggett, Vice Chair
  
• Phyllis Barber
  
• Ed Heskamp
  
• Lisa McDonald
  
• Charlie Septer
  
• Chris Stephenson
  

Focus Areas for Our Grant Committees

Our grant-making is guided by four areas of service:

Child Abuse Prevention

Activities in this area support charities keeping children safe from abuse and trauma, bringing healing to children and families affected by abuse, and providing training to help local school personnel recognize potential signs of abuse in students.

AMERICANISM

In this area, members promote patriotism, respect for the American flag, and appreciation of our freedoms. Club members place over 100 American flags in visible areas across Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Island during related holiday periods. 

COMMUNITY Service

This is our broadest focus area and includes organizations that strengthen community wellness, hunger prevention, and affordable housing. Supported efforts may include direct meals for neighbors in need, housing for local families, and face-to-face medical and dental services for islanders who need help accessing care.

Youth Programs

This work supports stronger academic outcomes in Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island schools. Support includes college scholarships, classroom materials, and funding for school libraries. We also help school groups participate in field trips that broaden students’ experiences—especially for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel beyond their island home environment.

Your Support Makes the Difference

Your support is needed and deeply appreciated. The Foundation is an effective 501(c)(3) vehicle to support and enrich our community through a thorough grant evaluation process, dedicated volunteers, and a no-overhead model that maximizes impact. Your gift of any size makes a difference for our fellow islanders most in need.

How to Give

You can support the Foundation in several ways:

• Donate by check (mailing address below)
  
• Online donation by credit card
  

Mailing Address

Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club Foundation

130 Gardeners Circle, Box PMB-J

Johns Island, SC 29455