Charleston Based Blackbaud Grantmaking™ is Now Available in a Powerful New User Interface

March 30, 2021 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced that a new, modern user interface for Blackbaud Grantmaking™ is now available to customers around the world. Powered by Blackbaud SKY®—Blackbaud’s platform for social good innovation—this highly anticipated release of SKY UX® for Blackbaud Grantmaking equips customers for the future of grantmaking with advanced grant management technology that’s accessible anywhere via any browser on any device.

“Grantmakers all over the world enable nonprofits to continue their lifesaving work, and the critical importance of that job has been front and center throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Meredith Johnson, vice president, product management, Blackbaud. “With more veteran grantmakers using mobile technology and a younger generation of grantmakers emerging in the philanthropic community, providing convenient access to grants data and grants management tools will continue to be critical for success. Our recent enhancements to Blackbaud Grantmaking, leveraging SKY UX, are a great example of how Blackbaud is innovating for the future of giving while bringing consistent, cohesive user experiences to our customers.

“Blackbaud Grantmaking empowers all grantmaking stakeholders—from the C-suite to the board room and applicants in the field—with purpose-built tools to achieve greater efficiency, improve remote collaboration and better understand results. With a high level of scalability and personalization, powerful functionality and a cloud-based and fully hosted platform, Blackbaud Grantmaking enables organizations large and small to make a greater impact while alleviating their IT burden, improving data security and providing the freedom and flexibility to work in the system remotely. This flexibility is now taken to new heights with the introduction of Blackbaud Grantmaking in SKY UX, providing grantmakers with a modern user interface that makes work easier than ever. As the world’s needs change and grow, Blackbaud Grantmaking is a partner in helping grantmakers direct funds to organizations that need them. 

Blackbaud Grantmaking in SKY UX Delivers:

Integration with impact measurement mapping indexes Global access to extensive information about grantee organizations including award histories, past and pending grant requests, payment histories, outstanding requirements and more Ability to create and update records on-the-go, allowing users to keep their core system data current at all times Access to personalized dashboards and saved searches, providing grantmakers with key insight into the results and progress of their programs from anywhere Multifactor authentication for enhanced security”Blackbaud Grantmaking has been our trusted technology partner for years, and we are thrilled about its transition to the new user interface, enabling us to get funds out the door using any browser and any device,” said Lindsay Cochrane,  program director, Dunham Foundation. “Blackbaud Grantmaking in SKY UX is the essential technology to allow us to help those in need.” The new user interface for Blackbaud Grantmaking is available free of charge to all current Blackbaud Grantmaking customers.

To learn more about Blackbaud Grantmaking, visit https://www.blackbaud.com/products/blackbaud-grantmaking.

About Blackbaud


Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit  www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Lowcountry

Darkness Never Heals – Original Poem

March 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Life’s like an open book exposed for the world to read.  An ignorant translation of a poets dream 

From the first line, her soul is born to the light 

A giggle, laughter, tears

A burp of joy 

A curious stare 

Hope and wonder may soon turn to despair A storm of hate 

Thunder frightens our fragile fate 

So we pause 

Put down the pen 

Breathe in the air and begin again

This isn’t over or even near 

It’s an explosive beam of light setting off a million new fireworks 

Each a new journey; a new delight

Yet, don’t be blinded by ambition because the darkness never heals  

Let your heart guide you to a beautiful awakening 

A life  breathing a culture of creativity and inclusive ideals

Celebrate life; Celebrate color; Celebration the spring awakening

Spirit in Flight  

An endless narrative high above the clouds breathes air through the pores of this earthly body to the energy of the soul 

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Charleston Business Spotlight: CryoEvolution (Mount Pleasant) – Freeze away the pain

March 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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We are so pleased to feature this unique, healthy and. exciting service in Mount Pleasant. The knowledgeable staff, extremely clean and well maintained faculties and extraordinary health benefits, makes this a perfect option.

Not sure about Cryotherapy? Read more below.

Thank you CryoEvolution for being an amazing neighborhood partner.

Official Website

Packages

Bookings

Location: CryoEvolution – Charleston –893 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Contact: 843-442-4445

About

WHAT IS WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?​

Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is the process of exposing the body to ultra-low temperatures (-200 to -250F) in a controlled environment for a limited amount of time. The individual enters a Nitrogen-cooled cryogenic sauna or chamber for 1-3 minutes, which lowers the skin surface temperature significantly. This action stimulates receptors, activating a Central Nervous System response and causing a release of endorphins. After the session, the body immediately begins to reheat itself, increase circulation, and decrease inflammation by clearing toxins, lactic acid and metabolic waste. The new supply of oxygenated blood stimulates cellular regeneration. Many notice an after-burn effect in which they metabolize additional calories. WBC treatments have been adopted by elite athletes and professional sports teams for muscle recovery and injury prevention.

Why do it?

WBC was developed over 40 years ago by a Japanese doctor as an adjunct therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers. After being used in a clinical setting the technology then migrated to Europe where athletes showed a preference for the effciency of cryotherapy over traditional ice-baths. The technology has been used in the US for the last 8+ years and has become popular in non-clinical settings by sufferers of a variety of disorders, those looking for relief from inflammation and a competetive edge in training. WBC is not just for athletes, as it reduces inflammation throughout the entire body, and can help those with arthritis, joint disorders, improve post-operative recovery, manage pain, improve mood, boost metabolism and improve sleep.

Lowcountry

Firefly Distillery is introducing two new offerings

March 23, 2021 by 0 Comments
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With the arrival of spring, Firefly Distillery is introducing two new offerings to enjoy the distillery in a new way. 

Sharing info below on their new private tasting – the Master Distiller’s Experience – as well as their Flights + Bites tasting options.

Master Distiller’s Experience

A more intimate and in-depth tasting experience, the Master Distiller’s Experience offers a private tasting with a distillery expert for up to 12 people. This new tasting experience offers 6 samples of Firefly’s extensive spirits lineup featuring moonshine, vodka, rum, whiskey, bourbon and dessert liquors, in the Master Distiller’s room for $25 per person. 

With a private tasting, visitors can ask questions and have a more interactive experience getting to know the spirits and the process that goes into each one. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, bachelor/ette parties and more. Call the distillery to book one starting today!

Flights + Bites

Outside of a spirits tasting in the Tasting Room, Firefly is introducing tasting flights and charcuterie boards, Flights + Bites! Choose from one of four tasting flight options – moonshine, vodka, whiskey/bourbon or dessert flight – and pair it with a house-made charcuterie meat + cheese board.

Enjoy Flights + Bites from anywhere on the distillery grounds, available Monday through Friday. Flights: $10-$12; Boards: $12.

Lowcountry

Charleston Parks Conservancy Launches Litter Cleanup Program

March 22, 2021 by 0 Comments
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Effort addresses community concerns about trash on the West Ashley Greenway/Bikeway

CHARLESTON, S.C. — In an effort to address citizen concerns about trash on the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway, the Charleston Parks Conservancy is launching a volunteer litter cleanup program. In April, the Conservancy will kick off Cleanup in the Parks. 

Beginning in April, the Conservancy will give away 100 cleanup kits with bags, gloves, safety vests and trash pickers. Volunteers can keep the cleanup kits and use them to remove trash from any local park or public greenspace. 


The Conservancy also is partnering with like-minded organizations to host community cleanup events along the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway. The kickoff cleanup will be on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. In addition, Charleston Waterkeeper will host a morning cleanup along the West Ashley Bikeway hosted from 9-11. Keep Charleston Beautiful will host its own cleanup on the Greenway from 5:30-7:30 p.m. An additional cleanup event is also scheduled for Saturday, May 22.

Located west of the Ashley River and spanning a combined more than 10 miles, the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway winds through tunnels of trees, residential neighborhoods and across marshlands. This linear park is widely used for walking, running or biking. The trail meets at the cross section of Savannah Highway and Wappoo Road. 

“We are always listening to the community and seeking input on how we can improve Charleston’s parks and greenspaces. After conducting a community survey about the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway, it was clear that litter is a big concern,” said Rachel Barry, volunteer manager for the Conservancy. “We are excited to give the community an opportunity to join us in cleaning up the trails and making them more enjoyable for everyone.” 

To register for a cleanup kit or to participate in the Earth Day community cleanup, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.


Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparksFacebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

Lowcountry

Grand Opening: Tideland Brewing – Saturday, March 27, 2021

March 21, 2021 by 0 Comments
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When: Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 11 AM EDT – 11 PM EDT

Where: Tideland Brewing – 4155 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405-7426, United States

Official Event Page

Details

It’s happening! Tideland Brewing is finally opening its doors to the public!

Join us at our location on Dorchester Road in North Charleston (formerly known as Holy City Brewing) on Saturday, March 27th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

There will be a variety of our beers on tap that are sure to please all types of tastes! And don’t forget to come hungry! Our NEW kitchen will be open!

Can’t wait to show you all what we’ve been brewin’ these past few months


Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant’s Eleven81 Partners with YEScarolina for Kitchen Karma Program

March 21, 2021 by 0 Comments
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Eleven81 Partners with YEScarolina to Benefit Summer Entrepreneurship Camps in Charleston, SC 

$1 of each featured Kitchen Karma item at Eleven81 will be donated to YEScarolina through April.

CHARLESTON, SC – Now through April 30th, Eleven81 in the Market at Oakland in Mount Pleasant has partnered with YEScarolina to raise money through the restaurant’s Kitchen Karma program. 

YEScarolina is a local nonprofit organization that empowers students in South Carolina to create businesses, grow wealth and impact economic development in their community through their entrepreneurship programs. 

Proceeds from this partnership will benefit YEScarolina’s upcoming summer programs and Lowcountry Summer Pitch Contest for participating student entrepreneurs in Charleston.

The Kitchen Karma program began at the Eleven81’s owners’ first restaurant concept, SOL Southwest Kitchen & Tequila Bar. The restaurants partner with a local charity organization to donate $1 from every featured Kitchen Karma item sold throughout the program’s duration. 

The featured items benefiting YEScarolina on Eleven81’s menu are the Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel and Cooper River Golden Ale Draft Beer. $1 of each purchased through April 30th, 2021 will be donated to YEScarolina.

FEATURED ITEMS

  • Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel
  • Cooper River Golden Ale Draft Beer

As entrepreneurs themselves, Eleven81 owners Joe Sciortino, Andy Palmer, and David Clark believe in YEScarolina’s mission and know the impact it can have. 

“Small businesses and the entrepreneurs that lead them are the heart of our community”, explains David Clark. “We’re very excited about partnering with YEScarolina, an organization that teaches our young people how to be leaders through entrepreneurship right here in our own backyard in Mount Pleasant.” 

Since its inception, the owners of Eleven81 have donated over $60,000 to nonprofit organizations here in Charleston through the Kitchen Karma program. 

ABOUT ELEVEN81

Eleven81 is a locally owned and operated neighborhood restaurant + sports bar in Mount Pleasant, SC. Featuring elevated American fare, freshly juiced cocktails, indoor and outdoor dining in a casual, family-friendly environment, Eleven81 is a place for neighbors to catch the game, grab a drink, celebrate with family and friends and eat, drink, and gather. 

  • Eleven81 – 1181 Oakland Market Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Lowcountry

Bank of America Partners with Lowcountry Local First to Support Entrepreneurial Programs as Part of Commitment to Economic Mobility

March 19, 2021 by 0 Comments
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$40,000 in Grant Funding Will Expand Small Business Programs as Spring Business Academy Cohorts Commence

Lowcountry Local First (LLF), a nonprofit focused on economic development centered around local ownership, today announced Bank of America has provided funding to help sustain LLF’s efforts to cultivate an economy anchored in local ownership and foster a better environment for creating and sustaining local businesses. As part of its commitment to economic opportunity, Bank of America will provide LLF with $40,000 in grant funding to support and expand its entrepreneurial work, including the Good Business and Good Enterprises Initiatives.

The keystone of the Good Enterprises Initiative is the Community Business Academy (CBA), which kicked off its spring cohorts in late February.“We had an ambitious set of goals for our Community Business Academy and its growth from day one when we launched in 2019,” says Program Director, Raquel Padgett. “The support of Bank of America ensures we reach those goals, including increasing the number of students we can serve each semester, and hiring new instructors to maintain a  high-quality experience throughout.”Even in a virtual environment, LLF’s initiatives continue to benefit area entrepreneurs who leverage program resources to grow and develop their small businesses. LLF’s Good Enterprises Initiative is a catalyst for reshaping the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem into one that provides equitable opportunity for business ownership. This includes the CBA, a 12-week program offering business planning and management training.

With the ongoing support of organizations like Bank of America, LLF has been able to meet its growth plan to expand the CBA to include three cohorts, one of which will be instructed in Spanish for the first time by two CBA graduates who are reinvesting in the LLF program based on its positive impact on their businesses. The 2021 Spanish course kicked off in February, and the English courses began in March.

“The knowledge and information I gained from the program was truly invaluable,” says Tiffany Young, owner of Dazzling Desserts, and a Fall 2020 CBA graduate. “You learn how to manage a successful business, including things like record-keeping, sales projections, pricing strategies, marketing, and more. The hands-on training through the Business Simulation game we play throughout helps you understand exactly what it’s like to run a business.”

LLF’s Good Business Initiative further catalyzes businesses’ growth by fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and business development with wraparound services like collaborative workspace availability, triple-bottom-line summits and an Expertise Exchange program. The Expertise Exchange program connects small business owners with industry professionals to advise on resources that are key to small business viability, such as communications, real estate, financial planning and access to capital.

Bank of America supports the Good Business initiative by connecting program participants to financial solutions that fit their business goals and advisors who offer small businesses financial expertise.“The team at Lowcountry Local First genuinely cares about the entrepreneurs in the Good Enterprises and Good Business programs. Their work is really helping businesses succeed,” says Bank of America Small Business Banker, Garrett Reuber. “At Bank of America, we are proud of our longstanding partnership with Lowcountry Local First and the impact they are making in the small business community.”

This latest grant builds upon an earlier investment announced in 2019 when Lowcountry Local First was named as the market’s inaugural Bank of America Neighborhood Champion awardee. As part of the Neighborhood Champions recognition, Lowcountry Local First received $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector.

Lowcountry

New Online Resource for Kinship Families Launched KinshipSC Provides Needed Support For South Carolina Kinship Caregivers (South Carolina)

March 16, 2021 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, SC — HALOS, an organization whose mission is to provide support and advocacy to abused and neglected children and their kinship caregivers, has collaborated with the SC Department of Social Services (DSS) to create the first-ever statewide online resource for South Carolina’s kinship families. 

KinshipSC.org seeks to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children that live in kinship care. The website offers community, state, and national resources for caregivers including connecting website visitors to legal assistance, housing support, and financial assistance.


Kinship care is a temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative or any non-relative adult who has a long-standing relationship or bond with the child and/or family has taken over the full-time, substitute care of a child whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so. Currently, more than 69,000 children in South Carolina live with a kinship caregiver, many of them grandparents.  Caregivers often take children into care during a crisis or with little notice so it is critical they have the support they need to meet the child’s physical, social and emotional needs. 


“We are excited to launch this new website, a first in South Carolina!” said Kim Clifton, HALOS Executive Director.  “HALOS has worked with caregivers in the Charleston area and regularly receives calls from organizations and caregivers across the state looking for assistance. With the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more caregivers are turning to virtual help and this is one more way to reach families where they are.”

In addition to the website, KinshipSC.org has launched a toll-free number for caregivers looking to connect with services and programs. Staffed by HALOS, caregivers can reach a live person that can provide information and answer questions during regular business hours (Monday – Friday from 8:30am -5:30 pm) at 1-854-444-3716.


“Kinship caregivers play a very vital role in the child well-being system, said DSS Director Michael Leach. “Every day we work with family members who have stepped up, whether temporary or permanent, to be lifesaving support for a child or youth they love. This website will allow us to ensure South Carolina’s caregivers have the support they need to care for our state’s children.”


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About HALOS

HALOS was the first organization to provide comprehensive services to kinship families in South Carolina. For every 1 child placed in foster care, 19 children are placed with grandparents, relatives or family friends outside of the formal child welfare system. HALOS is here to provide these kinship caregivers the support they need to help the children in their care thrive. To learn more, visit www.charlestonhalos.org.