South Baldwin Chamber Foundation Awarded Tri-City Community Foundation Grant to Fund EPIC Program

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Tri-City Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama. This grant will help fund the Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities, EPIC, for the 2024-2025 school year. This year-long interactive and educational business program is designed to teach students the fundamentals of starting a business, providing them with essential skills, resources, and opportunities to bring their entrepreneurial visions to life.

The EPIC program will offer students a comprehensive online curriculum paired with monthly in-person meetings at Coastal Alabama Community College in Gulf Shores. Students will be matched with experienced mentors from the local business community, offering them valuable guidance and support throughout their entrepreneurial journey. In addition to mentorship, the program will also provide networking opportunities and access to resources and funding for student start-ups.

The Tri-City Community Foundation Advisory Committee recently awarded $21,322 to six organizations, including the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, as part of its 2024 competitive grant cycle. These funds are dedicated to addressing the needs of communities in Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, with the goal of improving the quality of life for local residents. Other 2024 grantees include CARE House Inc., YMCA of South Alabama, South Baldwin Literacy Council, Liberty Learning Foundation Inc., and Sight Savers America.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Tri-City Community Foundation for their generous support,” said Tara McMeans, South Baldwin Chamber Foundation Board Member. “The EPIC program is a significant step forward in empowering our young people with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in business. This grant will help us create a strong foundation for future entrepreneurs in our community.”

The Tri-City Community Foundation is an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama, which serves as a vehicle to receive donations and bequests to benefit the community in perpetuity. By partnering with The Community Foundation of South Alabama, the Tri-City Community Foundation Advisory Committee can focus on raising funds and determining the best charitable uses for their income while relying on the Foundation for administrative and investment management.

The Community Foundation of South Alabama, established in 1976, has a long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of an eight-county region through leadership and grants. The Foundation has awarded more than $85 million in grants to nonprofits across the region.

 

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About South Baldwin Chamber Foundation
The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the South Baldwin region by supporting educational and workforce development initiatives. The Foundation partners with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to provide resources and opportunities that benefit the entire community.

About Tri-City Community Foundation
The Tri-City Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama, serves the Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach areas by raising funds and awarding grants to improve the quality of life for local residents. The Foundation’s advisory committee ensures that charitable contributions are used effectively to meet the community’s most pressing needs.

About The Community Foundation of South Alabama
The Community Foundation of South Alabama is a nonprofit organization that works to address the needs of an eight-county region through leadership, grants, and partnerships. Since its inception in 1976, the Foundation has awarded over $85 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping to create a lasting impact in the communities it serves