Giving back...Daniel Island-style

Daniel Island is a giving community. Island residents are often the first ones to come to the Daniel Island Property Owners Association with ideas on how to help those in need.

The 2017 disasters in Puerto Rico, Texas, and Florida were some of the most devastating events of the year, but, according to a press release from the POA, “Daniel Island residents pulled together, came up with a plan and raised $21,543 in which the Daniel Island Community Fund matched, totaling $43,086.”

This disaster relief fundraising has jump started the idea for something more - an annual fundraising effort for local non-profit organizations.

The Daniel Island Community Foundation (DICF) is a non-profit corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of South Carolina. This private 501(c)3 organization is financially supported by donations from Daniel Island residents, businesses and employees. The foundation was set up as a vehicle for Daniel Island residents and businesses to fund non-profit initiatives.

The DICF has been working with a resident advisory committee to identify charitable causes and organizations that are important to Daniel Island residents and to come up with a method in which the Daniel Island Community Foundation can contribute to our residents’ charitable giving.

Several surveys were conducted to get an idea of what non-profits residents were interested in. The categories below represent the areas of giving that the community is focused on for the calendar year 2018 and the corresponding non-profit organizations that will benefit from fundraising efforts (additional non-profits may be added).

Human Services: East Cooper Meals on Wheels and East Cooper Community Outreach, Lowcountry Food Bank

Children: Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Darkness to Light, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center

Education: Daniel Island School, Philip Simmons High School, Reading Partners

Nature/Environment: Berkeley County SPCA, Water Missions International, East Cooper Land Trust

GoFundMe pages are set up for each category and links can be found on the Philanthropy page on the Daniel Island POA website at www.dicommunity.org.

“You do not have to live on Daniel Island to donate and we encourage residents to spread the word to their friends and families,” stated the POA release.

Annually, the cumulative tax deductible gifts that are donated to each of the featured nonprofits will be matched up to $5,000 by the Daniel Island Community Fund.

Daniel Island resident Carina Buckman serves on the resident advisory board for the foundation.

“The aim of the foundation is to support philanthropy across our entire community,” said Buckman. “Everyone can donate via our giving site to double contributions, be they adults or children donating the proceeds of their lemonade stand, to a cause close to their hearts. In addition, if folks are interested in hosting an event for a charity not currently supported by the foundation, the resident-led board would be happy to consider a way to support your efforts (e.g. matching funds raised).”

“Around the world in 80 minutes,” an event Buckman is organizing for May 19 to raise money for Camp Happy Days, is one of several efforts that will benefit from the foundation this year.

“This event is a good example of a resident-led charity event supported by the DI Community Foundation, where funds raised will be match by the DI Community Fund up to $5,000. We’re excited to see how our community will respond to this opportunity!”

For additional information on the foundation, please contact the Daniel Island POA office at (843) 971-9200.