The Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation has announced a substantial donation of $180,000 to six organizations across South Carolina, supporting projects in housing, recovery, community arts, and arts education. Each of the selected organizations will receive $10,000 annually for three years, totaling $30,000 per organization.
Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has contributed over $4.1 million to South Carolina nonprofits and public schools, reflecting the band’s commitment to giving back to their home state.
Dean Felber of Hootie & the Blowfish shared, “We are honored to support local schools and community programs. Seeing the positive impact of the Foundation fuels our determination to keep pushing forward. I’m proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the support of our corporate partners and friends.”
This year’s grant recipients are:
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The Courage Center (Orangeburg County)
- Project: Building a comprehensive care system for residents struggling with substance abuse. The grant will fund evidence-based screenings, linkages to community providers, and counseling services.
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University of South Carolina School of Music (Richland County)
- Project: Hands-On Harmonies, an outreach program providing music education to underserved communities through live performances and interactive instrument demonstrations.
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School of the Arts Band and Boosters (Charleston County)
- Project: Upgrading musical instruments and resources for the Charleston School of the Arts Band program to enhance student learning and skill development.
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Family Promise of the Midlands (Richland County)
- Project: Tomorrow’s Promise, offering financial assistance, enrichment activities for children, and community engagement events to families experiencing housing insecurity.
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Georgetown County School District (Georgetown County)
- Project: Providing percussion instruments to rural Title I schools to enrich the music education curriculum for K-5 students.
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Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center (Horry County)
- Project: The Tiny Home Village, a safe, temporary housing community for homeless veterans, fostering support and stability as they rebuild their lives.
Founded by Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, the Foundation aims to level the playing field in educational funding and offer support to those in need. Managed through a donor advised fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Foundation oversees grant requests and distribution.
For more information about the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, visit www.yourfoundation.org or call 803-254-5601.