On December 10, 1956, a group of approximately 125 citizens who had been convened by the Community Planning Council met and voted to organize the Greenville County Foundation. The Declaration of Trust was executed on August 10, 1957 with an initial contribution of $5,675.
In addition to making grants from its unrestricted funds, the Community Foundation continues to provide administrative and investment services to a wide variety of civic, cultural and charitable initiatives. Grants from its donor advised, designated endowment and special projects funds have totaled over $40,000,000 since 1996.