The Jolley Foundation is committed to advancing efforts to eliminate the root causes and effects of poverty and discrimination. The foundation seeks to achieve this by supporting systemic and sustainable solutions to longstanding social issues, investing in nonprofit organizations that build their capacity to serve community needs, and engaging in collaborative philanthropic efforts. The foundation envisions a just, compassionate, and vibrant community and primarily funds initiatives within Greenville County and the upstate region of South Carolina.

Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in a variety of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; and public and society benefit. While the foundation supports a range of organizations, priority funding is given to special projects and capital improvements, particularly in human services and education. Additionally, the foundation administers “Next Generation Grants,” which focus on involving the fourth generation of the Jolley family in local community initiatives. These grants are by invitation only.

Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online grant application form or an alternative accessible application for assistive technology users. Additional required documents should be sent via email to grantadministration@wellsfargo.com with a reference to the submitted application. The foundation does not typically fund annual appeals, membership drives, unrestricted endowment funds, general operating expenses of established organizations, or scholarships for individuals. All applicants must demonstrate financial sustainability for the proposed program or project.

For grant requests of $100,000 or more, applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by February 1 for the spring cycle or by July 1 for the fall cycle. The LOI must include basic organizational and contact information, the project title, the amount requested, the total project budget, and a brief summary (350 words or fewer) describing the organization’s mission, the grant request, and the intended outcomes. Responses to LOI submissions are provided within 30 days—by March 1 for the spring cycle and August 1 for the fall cycle.

The foundation accepts applications year-round, but to be considered in the current funding cycle, applications must be submitted by April 1 for review in the spring or by September 1 for review in the fall. Grant decisions are typically communicated in June for the spring deadline and in November for the fall deadline. Funded projects may be required to submit periodic progress and final reports.

The Jolley Foundation is overseen by trustees James McDuffie Bruce III, Jolley Bruce Christman, James McDuffie Bruce IV, and Andrew Klepper Christman.