Our History

Four visionaries—Hugh Brantley, Bob Caldwell, Mike Swaim, and Art McQueen—discuss forming a Spartanburg-based Foundation. Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation is incorporated as a nonprofit organization designed to raise awareness of Christian ministries in Spartanburg County and support their evangelistic efforts.

Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation (SCCF) begins offering philanthropic services to Christian givers and opens its first Donor Advised Funds (Giving Funds). The Foundation’s vision is to be a catalyst in connecting Christian compassion to the community's needs while promoting the work of vital Christian non-profits.

Hugh Brantley, a Founder and Trustee of Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation, is named SCCF’s first President, formally establishing the Foundation's work. Hugh then begins organizing the Foundation’s efforts and promoting its mission and vision.

SCCF formed its first Community Grants Committee and offered local ministries the opportunity to apply for financial grants to support and expand their evangelistic efforts. SCCF hosted the first of many Celebration Banquets, presenting Community Trust grants to 13 ministries totaling $100,000.

The SCCF Board of Directors senses God’s call to expand into Greenville and possibly other areas of South Carolina. Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation changes its name to South Carolina Christian Foundation.

The Board of Trustees form a steering committee consisting of Sylvia Caldwell, Ruthi Neely, Amy Wildeman, Becki Berube, Claudia Brantley, Linda Ebert, and Lynn Fields to discuss forming a women’s giving circle.

SCCF’s Community Trust initiative surpasses $1M in donations to ministries in Greenville and Spartanburg counties. The Foundation's total assets awarded to local, national, and international charities on behalf of clients reach more than $5M.

Circle 555 Spartanburg was formed to unite Christian women to give collectively to ministries that change hearts and lives for Christ. The LOOP, a giving circle for young girls, is also formed.

SCCF hosted its first Celebration Banquet in Greenville, awarding $167,600 in Community Trust Grants. Circle 555 Spartanburg presented its first grants totaling $30,000 to 12 ministries that support women, children, and families in Spartanburg County.

Circle 555 Greenville was formed to unite women in learning more about ministries in Greenville County and giving collectively, making a great impact on the Kingdom.

Circle 555 Greenville presents its first grant to a ministry in the community.

Ministry to Ministries becomes SCCF’s third local initiative. It is established to encourage local ministries and promote the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health of their leaders.

SCCF has exceeded $2M in Community Trust grants to Upstate ministries and $12M in total giving. 

SCCF forms Gatekeepers, a unique small group study experience focusing on the Gospel as it speaks to stewardship of life, management of our time, relationships, and wealth. Gatekeepers is SCCF’s fourth local initiative to disciple hearts and define stewardship.

SCCF expands its local operations and initiatives in the Upstate by aligning with Rock Hill-based Westminster Ministries Foundation. Circle 555 York was formed, and SCCF’s Community Trust Fund initiative expanded its impact to York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties ministries.

Circle 555 has experienced its most impactful year since its founding. Circle 555 York County presents the first ministry grants, joining Circle 555 Spartanburg and Circle 555 Greenville, which has surpassed a cumulative $1,000,000 in grants to ministries focused on the care and well-being of women, children, and families.

Circle 555 launched in the Grand Strand to unite Christian women in giving collectively to support ministries in Horry and Georgetown counties. The LOOP also launched in this area to instill the joy of giving in young girls in grades 1 - 12.

SCCF unveils a new logo, reflecting our legacy and future, our mission and vision. This logo represents who we are and what we believe. 

Circle 555 announces it has donated $1.5 million to ministries in Greenville, Spartanburg, York counties, and along the Grand Strand and introduces new logos.