February 11, 2026

Charleston Nonprofit Secures Grant for Youth Entrepreneurship

Charleston, February 11, 2026

Engaging Creative Minds (ECM), a Charleston-based nonprofit, has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards. This substantial funding will enhance their YEScarolina program, which focuses on delivering entrepreneurial education in high school classrooms throughout South Carolina. The grant highlights the importance of local initiatives in fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and supporting economic growth in Charleston County.

Charleston Nonprofit Secures Significant Grant for Youth Entrepreneurship

Charleston’s own Engaging Creative Minds (ECM) has been named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®, receiving a substantial $125,000 grant. This award will significantly bolster their YEScarolina youth entrepreneurship program, facilitating its expansion into high school classrooms across the state. This private investment underscores the vital role that local innovation and community-focused initiatives play in nurturing the next generation of South Carolina’s leaders and innovators, contributing directly to Lowcountry economic growth and the broader Charleston County economy.

In a dynamic business environment, the resilience and determination of local entrepreneurs are crucial. Initiatives that empower young people with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset are key drivers of future prosperity. The commitment of organizations like Chick-fil-A to invest directly in community-based programs exemplifies how private sector engagement, operating with efficient focus, can create tangible opportunities and cultivate a robust environment for personal achievement and small-business resilience.

The Impact of Private Philanthropy on Local Economies

The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program, established in 2015, honors the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and his dedication to generosity, service, and community impact. The awards recognize nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities. These grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, are part of over $6 million awarded in 2026 to organizations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The program highlights the effectiveness of private investment in complementing and accelerating local economic development efforts.

Such private sector philanthropy plays a critical role in addressing community needs and fostering growth without the complexities often associated with public funding. Local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators can nominate organizations, demonstrating a direct connection between local business leaders and the community initiatives they believe in. Engaging Creative Minds, a Charleston SC business, stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can arise from these strategic partnerships.

Engaging Creative Minds: Cultivating South Carolina Entrepreneurs

Engaging Creative Minds (ECM), a Charleston-based nonprofit, is dedicated to sparking creativity and curiosity in all learners through innovative and experiential learning. Recognized nationally as an award-winning South Carolina nonprofit, ECM collaborates with school-day educators and out-of-school-time programs. The organization achieves its mission by leveraging local artists, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals, and cultural organizations, who work in partnership with teachers. The overarching goal is to ensure students achieve academically, remain engaged in school, and succeed in life, while simultaneously empowering teachers to develop engaging strategies that incorporate arts integration and entrepreneurship.

Robin Berlinsky, CEO of Engaging Creative Minds, highlighted that entrepreneurship fosters opportunity and lasting impact, expressing gratitude to Chick-fil-A for their investment in educators and students who are set to become South Carolina’s next generation of creators and leaders. ECM has annually served thousands of students and, following a 2022 merger with YEScarolina, expanded its offerings to include a dedicated high school entrepreneurship program. The organization provides vital support to students in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.

YEScarolina: Empowering Future Business Leaders

The $125,000 grant from the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards will specifically advance ECM’s YEScarolina youth entrepreneurship program. This program is designed to deliver entrepreneurial education directly within high school classrooms statewide and through comprehensive educator training. By participating, students develop essential real-world problem-solving skills, financial literacy, and valuable leadership experience. The funding will further support resources and training for educators and create additional opportunities for students to engage in hands-on entrepreneurship experiences, including participation in the annual statewide Business Plan Competition held in Columbia. This expansion exemplifies a commitment to fostering personal achievement and entrepreneurial innovation from a young age, laying a strong foundation for future Charleston SC business development.

Charleston’s Economic Horizon: Collaboration and Growth

The nonprofit sector plays a substantial role in South Carolina’s economic landscape. It ranks as the 5th largest industry sector in the state based on the number of employees, employing 8.4% (171,642) of all nonfarm employees and contributing nearly $6.5 billion in wages in 2020. This highlights the sector’s significant contribution to job creation and overall economic stability. In Charleston, there is a clear strategic focus on inclusive economic growth, with efforts directed towards expanding the innovation ecosystem, strengthening the talent pipeline, and building long-term economic resilience. Charleston County’s economic development initiatives are centered on attracting new businesses, supporting the growth of existing companies, and serving as a crucial link between the private sector and public agencies.

Effective community partnerships are instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. This grant for Engaging Creative Minds serves as a prime example of how collaboration between a nationally recognized brand and a dedicated local nonprofit can directly impact the development of a skilled workforce and future business leaders, contributing significantly to Lowcountry economic growth. A framework that encourages such private initiatives and reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens can unleash greater potential for innovation and community betterment.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Charleston

The $125,000 grant awarded to Engaging Creative Minds for its YEScarolina program represents a powerful investment in the entrepreneurial spirit of South Carolina’s youth. It underscores the critical role that private philanthropy and targeted community programs play in cultivating skills essential for a vibrant economy. By empowering students with real-world business acumen and fostering innovation, Charleston is actively shaping a future where its young citizens are prepared to lead and succeed.

Supporting local businesses and engaging with community-driven educational programs like those offered by Engaging Creative Minds are direct ways to contribute to Charleston’s continued prosperity and ensure a robust Charleston County economy. We encourage our readers to seek out and support organizations that are building the foundations for the next generation of South Carolina entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant?

The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant program was established in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and his commitment to generosity, service, and community impact. It recognizes nonprofit organizations that are creating meaningful and lasting impact in their communities.

Which Charleston-based nonprofit received the grant?

Engaging Creative Minds (ECM), a Charleston-based nonprofit, was named a 2026 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards® grant recipient.

How much was the grant awarded to Engaging Creative Minds?

Engaging Creative Minds received a $125,000 grant.

What will Engaging Creative Minds use the grant for?

The grant will be used to expand its YEScarolina youth entrepreneurship program into high school classrooms statewide.

What is the mission of Engaging Creative Minds?

The mission of Engaging Creative Minds is to spark creativity and curiosity in all learners through innovative and experiential learning.

What is the economic impact of the nonprofit sector in South Carolina?

The nonprofit sector in South Carolina ranks as the 5th largest industry based on the number of employees, employing 8.4% (171,642) of all nonfarm employees and paying nearly $6.5 billion in wages in 2020.

Key Features: Engaging Creative Minds Grant

Feature	Details	Scope
Recipient	Engaging Creative Minds (ECM)	Charleston-based nonprofit
Award Program	Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®	Nationwide/Global
Grant Amount	$125,000	Specific Award
Program Expansion	YEScarolina youth entrepreneurship program into high school classrooms	State-level (South Carolina)
ECM Mission	To spark creativity and curiosity in all learners through innovative and experiential learning	Organization-wide
Nonprofit Sector Impact	5th largest industry in South Carolina, employing 8.4% of nonfarm employees, paid nearly $6.5 billion in wages in 2020	State-level (South Carolina)