The 2019 grant period for the Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Grants is currently open, and Ten at the Top will host a workshop to guide applicants through the process and parameters of the grants on July 16, 2019. The workshop is from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at their event space at Park 37, 250 Executive Center Drive in Greenville.
Since 2013, Hughes Investments has provided $80,000 in funds to 24 local communities as part of the Elevate Upstate Community Vibrancy Grant program. The purpose of the Elevate Upstate Grants is to identify and provide initial funding support for community-based programs that promote community and economic vibrancy in local areas across the Upstate.
Phil Hughes, President of Hughes Investments, Inc., said, “The Elevate Upstate Grants are for those wishing to bring new life to their communities—a spark, a fresh idea, a new tradition—something that will excite the public and bring people together from all walks of life in a new way.”
“Thanks to Hughes Investments and their generous support of these community vibrancy initiatives throughout the Upstate, communities are able to take an idea and turn it into reality,” said Dean Hybl, Executive Director of Ten at the Top.
Last year’s winners were Ninety Six Movie Night at the Park and the First Annual Charles Townes Art & Technology Experience. Past winners include public art projects, interactive outdoor education, downtown music, a food truck plaza, and more. The key element is that the proposed initiative will increase community vibrancy and sense of place and benefit the community as a whole.
The workshop will include presentations from Mary Anne Goodman with the Ninety Six Mill Village Association and Rick Green with the Upper Savannah Council of Governments about how they partnered to help a small community apply for the grant to fund a community movie night, and from Coie Switzer and Curtiss Hunter with the Union Environmental Art and Music Festival, who were runners up and received a matching grant—and how they got the support they needed to launch their event a year ahead of schedule.
The grant period opened June 1 with an initial interest form due by August 1 and the completed applications due by September 16. Two grants of $5,000 each will be awarded at Ten at the Top’s annual Celebrating Successes event in November, where finalists will have the opportunity to present their proposed project before a final judgment is made.
The Elevate Upstate Grant Workshop is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested. You can learn more about the workshop and register at www.tenatthetop.org.
About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.
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