Mission Statement

The Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina was established to serve the Veterans of South Carolina by initiating and assisting established Veteran-supported programs to enhance the quality of life of our Veterans and their families. The Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees emphasizes the education of South Carolina citizens of the values of patriotism and service to our Nation, for Veterans’ sacrifices made on behalf of our freedom. In so doing, provides financial assistance through the awarding of grants for worthy causes that benefit the Veterans of South Carolina.

Board Members

• Todd B. McCaffrey, Executive Director
• Dale F. Ellenburg, Chairman
• Melvin Poole, Vice Chairman
• Jimmy E. Hawk, Immediate Past Chairman
• Shawn T. Pinkston, Parliamentarian
• Mark A. Singleton
• Nick Mesenburg
• Dr. Ada D. Stewart
• Brenda L. Stewart
• Nancy B. Dunn
• Dr. Nikki Wooten
• Stephen L. Jones, DHA
• Major David E. Finley

How will South Carolina Veterans benefit from the Veterans Trust Fund?

The Veterans' Trust Fund strives to fund partnerships with charitable organizations, Veteran service organizations, and county directors of Veterans' affairs to fund improved assistance and support for South Carolina Veterans and their families. Grants from the Veterans' Trust Fund may assist Veterans in obtaining federal Veterans benefits and pensions earned by virtue of their service and sacrifice.

Currently, the Veterans' Trust Fund considers and funds applications in the following eight major program areas specifically applied to our Veteran and military community:

• Arts/Cultural
• Children/Family Services
• Civic Affairs
• Community Development
• Education
• Environmental
• Health 
• Human Services

The Veterans' Trust Fund discourages applicants from submitting applications in support of the following:

• Grants for individuals
• Capital campaigns
• Deficit financing and debt retirement
• Endowments
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Lobbying legislators or influencing elections
• Special fundraising events/ celebration functions
• Marketing endeavors and personal research
• Core operating expenses for public/private elementary and secondary schools and public/private colleges and universities
• Projects that are typically the funding responsibility of federal, state, or local governments

Those seeking a grant from the Veterans' Trust Fund should view the Grant Seeker Guidelines document.

Donations

For tax purposes, donations to the Veterans' Trust Fund are considered 'charitable contributions.' The definition of 'charitable contributions' in the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 170(c)(I)) includes contributions to state governments that are used for public purposes. A gift or donation to the Veterans' Trust Fund is tax deductible just like, and to the same extent as, any charitable contribution. See IRS Publication 526 (charitable contributions).