Get Involved

YOU ARe THE FOUNDATION OF OUR WORK

Your involvement and investment are what powers the Foundation’s impact

Since its inception in 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation has continuously earned regional and national respect as a solution-driven organization. Community involvement and investment ensure the Foundation remains effective in its mission to champion the historic authenticity, cultural character and livability of the Charleston region through advocacy, stewardship and community engagement.

Every donation—every dollar—reinforces the Foundation’s long-standing and trusted position as one of Charleston’s primary caretakers and enables us to address and help manage the many challenges and opportunities facing the area today and in the future.

Winslow Hastie

As a city, we are in a seminal period where so many choices about our future rely on how we make sense of our past. Fail, and we lose an essential part of ourselves – and our city – that we can’t ever get back.

Winslow Hastie
President & CEO, HCF

More Ways to Give

Community Partnerships & Sponsorships

Community Partnerships and support through Event Sponsorships are integral to the fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission. As a partner or sponsor, your organization has a direct impact on the Foundation’s ability to protect Charleston’s historic authenticity, cultural character and livability. Partnerships and sponsorships are typically customized (e.g., advertising, financial support, in-kind donations, strategic activities, volunteer opportunities, etc.) to ensure both parties mutually benefit. For more information, please contact Events Manager, Ruth Smith.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-Advised Funds are accepted by the Foundation as donation vehicles. Prior to moving forward with this option, please contact the Development Department.

Easements

Easements are essential preservation tools that help protect Charleston’s architectural and historic heritage. A preservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between the owner of a historic property and the Foundation that establishes perpetual protection for the property. An easement allows property owners to prevent inappropriate changes from being made to their historic properties by giving HCF the ability to work with current and future owners to safeguard a property’s historic character, materials, and significance. When an easement donor makes a ‘qualified contribution’ through an easement, they may be entitled to a tax deduction. HCF proudly holds 400+ easements and covenants on historic properties throughout Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. For more information, please contact Director of Preservation, April Wood.

In-Kind Donations

In-Kind Donations are a great way for the Foundation to partner with donors to help defray recurring and/or one-time costs for labor or resources. These donations are often associated with sponsorship of activities and events, but can also support day-to-day HCF needs such as copier paper and/or hardware (computer) needs. For more information, please contact Events Manager, Ruth Smith.

Securities

Securities (stocks, etc.) are accepted by the Foundation as donation vehicles. Prior to moving forward with either of these options, please contact the Development Department.

Real Estate

Real Estate, in certain circumstances, is accepted by the Foundation as a donation vehicle. Prior to moving forward with either of these options, please contact the Development Department.

Tributes & Memorials

Tributes & Memorials are a time-honored way to support the Foundation while celebrating an occasion, remembering a loved one or recognizing someone special. They are an especially poignant way to highlight the efforts of those preserving and protecting the architectural, historical and cultural character of Charleston. HCF acknowledges all gifts by mail and notifies all gift recipients of your generosity. For more information, please contact the Development Department.

For More Information

To discuss one of the options above or another idea, please contact the Foundation.
Chris Nungesser, Database Manager and Philanthropy Analyst