Our Mission

To strengthen community and build local preservation capacity through events, networking, sharing resources, and securing and managing grant funding for community projects.

Our Vision

A Charleston made up of fully resourced, connected, and interdependent communities sharing their strengths, resources, and creativity with each other.

Program Goals & Impact

Build and Maintain Strong Partnerships With Key Cultural, Environmental, and Preservation Organizations

Fulfilled by: Active collaboration with a diverse network of partners including the Preservation Society, Lowcountry Land Trust, Gullah Geechee Cultural Corridor, Coastal Conservation League, Community First Land Trust, IAAM, SC Aquarium, Charleston County, and others. These partnerships supported training delivery, outreach, and community engagement throughout the program. 

Increase Community Awareness and Engagement Through Consistent, High‑Quality Communications 

Fulfilled by: 

• Sending 7 newsletters with strong engagement (avg. 36.15% open rate and 5.5% click rate) 

• Highlighting grant opportunities, community spotlights, events, and training registration links 

• Growing and maintaining a subscriber base of 316 community members This demonstrates consistent outreach and meaningful engagement with the target audience. 

Deliver Accessible, High‑Impact Training Opportunities That Strengthen Community Capacity 

Fulfilled by: 

• Offering 5 training topics, each with two sessions (virtual + in‑person) 

• Reaching 115 RSVPs total, averaging 11.5 participants per session 

• Serving multiple settlement communities (Orleans Woods, Phillips, Hamlin Beach, Eastside, Chickora Cherokee, Liberty Hill) 

• Achieving positive learning outcomes, including increased perceived usefulness and improved confidence in preservation‑related tasks 

• Collecting evaluation data showing shifts in knowledge, trust, and engagement These results show the program successfully expanded community skills and understanding.