Best and Brightest: Sydney Gardner

Sydney Gardner

Director of Finance and Development

South Carolina Bar Foundation

Columbia

Age 30

I am a mission-driven nonprofit professional committed to service, stewardship, and access to justice. I earned my undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College and a Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University. In my current role as director of finance and development with the South Carolina Bar Foundation, I am able to connect with our 50 grantee organizations throughout the state. The foundation provides funding for three primary categories of law-related nonprofits: Administration of Justice, Civil Legal Aid and Law-Related Education. Our grantee partners work incredibly hard to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, homeless families, persons denied access to necessary health care services, victims of discrimination, and more. They also provide opportunities for students throughout the state to learn about the legal system, as well as the opportunity to give back to their communities through public service. Long term, my goal is to continue growing as a nonprofit leader who gives back and invests within the community; using my skills, relationships, and commitment to service to create lasting positive change.