March 13, 2025
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a long-time partner in Columbia’s growth, is granting $287,700 to four local organizations. Through these funded initiatives, South Carolina communities will see more women stepping into leadership roles, vibrant public art amplifying community voices, stronger connections between citizens and local government, and once-empty commercial spaces being reimagined as bustling hubs for small business pop-ups, breathing new life into neighborhoods.
For more than three decades, Knight Foundation has been dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen the fabric of our community, particularly through arts and economic revitalization. The projects selected for funding reflect Knight Foundation’s commitment to free expression, arts, culture, democracy, and the success of American communities through strategic grant funding in 26 cities across the country where Knight brothers once published newspapers.
Since 1993, Knight Foundation has invested more than $4.2 million in Columbia through its partnership with Central Carolina Community Foundation. Wisely invested, the fund has grown substantially, generating meaningful yield, which Knight Foundation uses for grantmaking in the Midlands.
Made with Cola Love: Continuing to bring new energy to downtown Columbia, Made with Cola Love is expanding its business incubator program for a second year to create a thriving hub for local small businesses. By repurposing vacant commercial spaces in downtown Columbia for small business pop-ups, this initiative provides tailored mentorship and workshops to business owners, helping them build the skills needed to succeed.
One Columbia for Arts and Culture: One Columbia for Arts and Culture is enhancing the Amplify Cultural Plan with its Cultural Layers Public Art Project. This project will amplify the voices of residents from historic Black neighborhoods through public art that reflects their stories and experiences. Building on the success of past initiatives like the Boyd Island project, the Cultural Layers initiative aims to deepen community connections through creative expression and collective memory.
South Carolina Women’s Leadership Network (SC WIL): South Carolina Women in Leadership (SC WIL) empowers women to take on public leadership roles by providing them with the training, connections, and resources they need to succeed. In Columbia alone, SC WIL has been able to support an increase in the number of women serving on appointed boards. This grant will support the growing infrastructure needs of SC WIL and ensure its continued success.
Voterheads LLC: Voterheads is helping make local government more accessible to Columbia and Richland County residents. With a focus on civic engagement, Voterheads‘ Local Public Meetings E-newsletter provides a simple and informative way for residents to stay informed about local government meetings, agendas, and participation opportunities. This initiative promotes transparency, empowers citizens to engage directly with local leaders, and ensures that residents have the tools to help shape the decisions that affect their community.
Mike Switzer, CEO of Voterheads and host/producer of SC Public Radio’s South Carolina Business Review, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to be able to extend our outreach and services across Richland County. Our goal is to empower residents, business owners, property owners, and workers with the information they need to be aware of what is being voted on and discussed at local government public meetings and, as a result, to be able to participate intelligently in their local government and community. Thanks to Central Carolina Community Foundation and Knight Foundation, we can now reach even more people and continue to promote civic awareness and engagement.”
For more information about Knight Foundation’s work in Columbia and beyond, please visit https://knightfoundation.org/.