South Carolina Association For Community Economic Development

Growing Networks and Elevating Innovation: We bring people together to build power and share information and resources. Programs: The Business Success Center held 12 Lunch and Learns training more than 225 business owners and 3 Business Resource Mixers attracting more than 250 people. Landowner Resource workshops (3 trainings held resulting in 10 environmental quality incentives program (EQIP) applications, 50 farmers and landowners attended, and 10 farmers obtain a farm tract number) and SC Electric Cooperative Empowerment Program (4 trainings were held and 129 electric cooperative members attended trainings and 1 member successfully ran for an electric cooperative board).(Continued on Schedule O)Landowner Resources WorkshopThe Landowner Workshop Program focuses on providing critical support for historically underserved producers to increase local market opportunities and long-term capacity. Program participants learned different uses and value of their land, how to increase profitability, and conservation planning.Impact: 3 Workshops Hosted50 Farmers and Landowners attended the Workshops10 Farmers obtained a Farm and Tract number required to access USDA financial resources10 farmers received technical assistance in accessing USDA EQIP resourcesSouth Carolina Electric Cooperative Empowerment ProgramThe South Carolina Electric Cooperative Empowerment Program (SCECEP) is a series of community engagement events that educate community leaders on how they can serve on the Board of Trustees of their local electric cooperative.The goals of the SCECEP are to teach attendees:How electric cooperatives serve and operate in their communitiesThe role of the Board of Trustees on electric cooperativesHow attendees can run for election on their local electric cooperative's Board of TrusteesTo impact policy decisionsImpact:4 Electric Cooperative Member Trainings Held 129 Electric Cooperative Members Attended Trainings1 Electric Cooperative Member Successfully ran for a Cooperative Board Seat

Developing Organizations: We build the capacity of nonprofits, local branches of government, and other organizations through technical assistance, training, access to capital, and relationship connections. Programs: Community Development Institute (350 attended 11 trainings), more than 300 attended Opportunity SC 2024: A 30th Anniversary Celebration in Charleston, SC. Community Development InstituteThe Community Development Institute (CDI) offers professional organizations and their staff an opportunity to build skills, learn from peers, and connect to existing state, regional and national resources. (Continued on Schedule O)Structured training sessions are offered throughout the year and cover a broad range of topics pertaining to Community Economic Development and Nonprofit Management.2024 Trainings Included:Strategic Homeownership InitiativesLeveraging the Local Accommodation Tax for Affordable HousingElevating Our Voice: Nonprofit Voter Engagement Training & Mini-GrantNonprofit Management 101 Workshop SeriesThe Northside Initiative: Where Transformation BeginsBuilding a Local Home Repair Program2024 Community Impact Fund (CIF) Grant Overview WorkshopCommunity Gathering & Conversations with Malik YobaNonprofits Guide to Advocacy Amplify Your Voice: Community Advocacy WorkshopSCACED's 2024 Policy PrioritiesImpact: 350 Participants attended 11 training sessionsOpportunity SC: 2024SCACED's 25th annual conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration exposed attendees to integrated, innovative and sustainable solutions for low-wealth communities across our state and region. Impact: Over 350 attendeesBroadband Community Champion TrainingThe Broadband Community Champion Training Initiative addresses barriers and the lack of broadband access in rural communities. Workforce Development | Wednesday, September 11Featuring guest speakers Nina Staggers, SC Department of Workforce Development, and Dr. Leon Geter, Benedict CollegeSC local leaders have an opportunity with the unprecedented federal funding to close the digital divide. The Digital Equity Act Programs lift the voices of under-serve populations by providing workforce transformational services. Telehealth | Thursday, September 12Featuring guest speaker Davia Smith, Palmetto Care ConnectionsDigital health equity is becoming a frequent topic of discussion. However, before we can engage people in their health via technology, we must address the inequities surrounding technology access, use, and literacy. K-12 Digital Literacy | Friday, September 13Featuring guest speaker Dee Albritton, Fast ForwardWhy is digital equity important? Digital equity has been an issue in rural SC, due to lack of devices and access to Wi-Fi. Research on COVID-19 pandemic impact cite Black, Latinx and Indigenous students from low-wealth communities were the most impact. Impact:3 trainings were held131 Individuals received training16 Broadband Community Champion Counties received $153,319,567 in infrastructure funding