Bunnell Foundation highlights local nonprofits, urges donations and volunteers ahead of Thanksgiving

Ashley Nelson of the Bunnell Foundation urged Georgetown County residents on Nov. 1 to donate and volunteer with local nonprofits ahead of Thanksgiving, citing rising need and resources the foundation offers to the community.

Nelson said the foundation, founded in 2000, focuses on five areas including meeting basic needs, preserving the environment, promoting economic vitality and youth development. “Palmetto Giving Day ... has raised over $13,000,000 over the past 8 years,” she said, describing the annual online fundraising event that serves roughly 80–90 participating organizations.

Nelson told listeners the Bunnell Foundation supports local nonprofits beyond grants by offering capacity-building services such as quarterly trainings and convenings for nonprofit and for‑profit partners. She said the foundation’s grantee list averages about 85 organizations and the group maintains a nonprofit directory at bunnell.org with mission statements, locations and, in some cases, wish lists.

Citing a recent county council briefing, Nelson warned that food insecurity in the community is increasing and said it is “projected that food insecurity is gonna spike at least 20% next year,” urging listeners to consider food drives and volunteer shifts with local food pantries and partners such as Helping Hands of Georgetown and Caring and Sharing.

The host, Jackie Brooch, noted the county and the Bunnell Foundation now spotlight a nonprofit at each council meeting to raise awareness of groups that might be unfamiliar to some residents. Nelson closed by encouraging people to use the nonprofit directory as a starting point to find volunteer opportunities or organizations to support.

The Bunnell Foundation’s directory and more information on Palmetto Giving Day are available at bunnell.org.