Celebrating a Banner Year: New Grants Fuel Our Mission

2024 has been a transformative year for Friends of Charleston National Parks. Thanks to the incredible support of our partners and donors, we’ve secured substantial grant funding that will enable us to expand our programs and tell richer, more inclusive stories. These grants are more than financial support—they’re investments in the future of our parks, our community, and the stories that shape our shared history.

Here’s a look at the grants that will help us create an even greater impact in the year ahead:

Connecting Kids to the Outdoors: $5,500 Grant

Thanks to funding from the National Parks Foundation’s Open Outdoors for Kids initiative, we’ll bring the wonders of nature and history directly to the next generation. This grant supports field trips designed to immerse children in the great outdoors, sparking a love for our parks while fostering hands-on learning experiences. Learn more about our Kids To Parks program here.

Telling a More Complete American Story: $88,560 Grant

We’re thrilled to have received the Inclusive Storytelling Grant from the National Parks Foundation. With these funds, we’re diving deeper into the diverse narratives that further define Fort Moultrie.  This Undertold Stories project ensures that visitors experience a fuller, more accurate portrayal of the people, cultures, and events that have shaped our history. Learn more about the grant and its mission here.

Bringing History to Life at Fort Moultrie: $118,000 Grant

The SC 250 Signage Grant will bring Fort Moultrie’s rich history to life in new and engaging ways. With $118,000 in funding, we’ll enhance interpretive signage throughout the site, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the fort’s role in South Carolina’s history—from the Revolutionary War to the modern era. Learn more about our program, Interpretive Signage at Fort Moultrie, here.

Transportation for Young Explorers: $2,500 Grant

With the help of the SC Ports Authority, we’ve secured $2,500 to provide transportation for children to visit Charleston’s National Parks. These field trips ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of kids connecting with nature and history. Read more about this impactful grant here.

Learn more about our Kids To Parks program here.

Looking Ahead

These grants reflect the power of partnership and shared vision. As we head into 2025, we’re excited to see the positive changes these funds will bring to our parks and our community. From immersive storytelling to expanded accessibility, these projects highlight our commitment to preserving and celebrating Charleston’s unique heritage.

Thank you to everyone who made this year of impact possible. Together, we’re building a future where our parks inspire, educate, and bring joy to generations to come.