The St. James Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)(3) ecumenical, community outreach nonprofit organization based in Charleston, South Carolina. As a faith-based organization, it is affiliated with the St. James Presbyterian Church (USA).
The Mission Statement
The St. James Foundation exists to serve James Island and the surrounding communities of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry as a public nonprofit corporation. The St. James Foundation addresses the needs of individuals and families by establishing programs and engaging in collaborative ventures with other organizations to reduce the effects of poverty, inadequate education, substance abuse, violence, unemployment and other social problems that reach across the spectrum of age, gender, or religion for the benefit of the community as a whole.
History
The genesis of The St. James Foundation began in 1997 as a vision of Reverend Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr., Senior Pastor of St. James Presbyterian Church USA located on James Island in Charleston, South Carolina. Economic growth became the centerpiece from which meetings with local pastors and church leaders were held. The concept of the Foundation grew to embrace a larger community need beyond one church…beyond denominations.
Areas of Primary Focus
- Family Life
- Economic Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Education
- Law and Order
- Community Development
Our Successes
- First drug-free corridor on James Island
- Summer Enrichment Program funded by the Coastal Community Foundation
- Food Stamp Program in partnership with the City of Charleston’s Department of Social Services and Agape Ministries
- Community Forums for primary and general elections