Aflac is granting $90,000 to 15 local nonprofits working on projects that support health & well-being, education, and community development programs. The selected organizations and their projects are:

· American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is a transportation assistance program providing free door-to-door rides to treatment for cancer patients who do not have a ride, cannot afford a ride, or are too ill to drive themselves.

· Carolina Youth Development Center’s Fostering Our State’s Youth create a safe, secure, and nurturing home for foster children. The new cottage will expand the program to house young adults between the ages of 18-21 years old who are transitioning out of foster care.

· Children’s Attention Home’s Children’s Services Program provides a safe and nurturing home for abused and neglected children. The program focuses on residential care and developmental services to provide the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter; along with educational support, and independent living skills.

· Family Promise of the Midlands’ Hope for Homeless program provides career skills and job training for homeless men and women.

· Healthy Learners Midlands’ Removing Barriers to Learning program partners with 92 schools and 50 local health care providers to increase access to health care services.

· Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation’s Pediatric Care program helps low-income families whose children have terminal illnesses bridge critical funding gaps.

· Logan Foundation’s Science Lab Facilitator program supports hands-on learning opportunities focused on math and science for Logan Elementary School. The program funds materials and fees for the annual science fair, professional development for teachers in the areas of math and science, and field trips that provide educational experiences outside of the classroom.

· LRADAC Foundation’s Recovery Scholarship Fund is a program that provides financial aid to individuals in financial distress, allowing them to more fully participate in the services at LRADAC.

· Pattison’s Academy’s Therapeutic Summer Camp is a 4-week summer camp for children with severe disabilities. The camp is the only one of its kind in the Tri-County area and increases the health and well-being of children by challenging participants with extensive physical activity.

· Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands’ Youth Violence Prevention program works with middle and high school aged youth through a facilitated curriculum to build conflict resolution skills, develop expectations of healthy friend and dating relationships, and teach violence prevention.

· South Carolina National Guard Foundation’s Post Deployment Seminar is a 3-day seminar for service members with PTSD and their families. Attendees receive counseling and transitional support as they reintegrate into our communities.

· Southeastern Chapter National Safety Council’s Drivers Education Program for Low-Income and Foster Youth provides free driver’s training to 150 youth, assisting them with securing their driver’s licenses.

· The Therapy’s Place’s Gamecock Games is an adaptive spring field day where children with various developmental delays are paired with University of South Carolina’s student athletes to participate in sports-related activities.

· Trustus Theatre’s Autism Dialogue is an interactive series that teaches families living with autism how to advocate for their loved ones’ talents and skills.

· Welvista’s Fillings for Free program provides preventive and restorative dental services to the most vulnerable children in rural South Carolina.

“At Aflac, we believe that we have a responsibility to give back to the communities in which we work and live,” said Virgil Miller, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Aflac US, and president of Aflac Group. “We are proud to support these important agencies that have such a positive impact on South Carolina. These incredible programs touch the entire community in a truly meaningful way.”

In 2016, Aflac established its fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation to strength their philanthropic efforts. Since then, Aflac has awarded more than $550,000 in grants to 53 nonprofits. The Community Foundation acts as a centralized point of contact for all grant requests and manages the grants administration, evaluation, outreach, and distribution. Aflac’s grants committee is comprised of a dedicated group of community-minded employee volunteers.

Applications for Aflac’s spring grant cycle is now open, and applications close April 1. For information about applying for an Aflac grant, visit https://www.yourfoundation.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/aflac-charitable-fund-competitive-grant or call 803.254.5601.