Carolina Children's Charity

• How do I know if my child qualifies for help from Carolina Children's Charity?
• My child was born premature. Are we eligible for assistance?
• My child was injured in a car crash. Are we eligible for assistance?
• I'm not sure if this request falls within the Charity's grant guidelines. Should I still send in an application?
• How do I apply for assistance from Carolina Children's Charity for my child?
• Are grant funds paid directly to families?
• I've sent my application in. How long until I know if my application has been approved?
• My husband and I both work and we have health insurance. Can we still apply for assistance?
• We have so many medical bills, we're having trouble paying the rent/electric /water/telephone bills. Can the Charity help us?
• Is Carolina Children's Charity in need of volunteers?
• If I make a donation to Carolina Children's Charity, will it be tax-deductible?
• How can I make a donation to Carolina Children's Charity?
• What are your deadlines for receiving grant applications for individuals?
• How can I submit my application?

Q: How do I know if my child qualifies for help from Carolina Children's Charity?

A: Your child must meet all three basic criteria to apply:

1. Birth to age 18

2. Reside in the Lowcountry area of South Carolina. Our coverage area includes the following counties: Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester.

3. Diagnosed with a birth defect or disease

Q: My child was born premature. Are we eligible for assistance?

A: Our mission is to only help only those children who are diagnosed with a birth defect or disease. Premature babies can have long-term health problems -- developmental, medical and other issues evolve as preemies grow up. Some of these issues resolve and others arise as children age and face new challenges. Some of these diagnoses may qualify for assistance, but prematurity alone is not covered by Carolina Children’s Charity.

Q: My child was injured in a car crash. Are we eligible for assistance?

A: Our mission is to help only those children who are diagnosed with a birth defect or disease.

Q: I'm not sure if this request falls within the Charity's grant guidelines. Should I still send in an application?

A: Call the Charity office at 843-769-7555 and talk to one of our staff members if you have any questions. Typically, we do not cover services that are available to you at no cost through state- or federally-funded programs. We also do not cover medical expenses not related to the child’s diagnosed birth defect and/or disease. CCC is not able to consider a grant for medical care/medical bills, supplies, equipment or therapies under any circumstance that relate to the birth of a child, a diagnosis of prematurity, trauma or an accident. The charity can only award a grant if your child has been diagnosed with a birth defect or childhood disease.

Q: How do I apply for assistance from Carolina Children's Charity for my child?

A: First, review the three basic criteria. If you meet these, then you must complete a grant application. We also need a letter from your child's physician that confirms your child's diagnosis and confirms that the request would be medically beneficial/necessary for your child. If your request exceeds $300, we also need a copy of your most recent income tax returns.

Q: Are grant funds paid directly to families?

A: At no time are funds transferred to families. All grants awarded are paid directly to the vendor to pay for equipment, medication, medical evaluation or testing, disease-specific summer camps, etc.

Q: I've sent my application in. How long until I know if my application has been approved?

A: Once we have received all components of the application (completed application form, doctor's letter, and tax returns and progress reports, if applicable), your application will be reviewed by the CCC staff. If the request exceeds $1,000.00, a committee of the Board of Directors must review it. Generally, this committee meets on a monthly basis.

Q: My husband and I both work and we have health insurance. Can we still apply for assistance?

A: Yes. Most of the families we help are gainfully employed, and have private insurance or the child qualifies for Medicaid. Yet, there are often expenses that are not covered by any insurance plan but still are medically necessary and/or beneficial. Or, your deductibles and co-pays are so high and numerous, between therapies, doctor visits and medications, that you just need a little extra help. That's what Carolina Children's Charity is here for.

Q: We have so many medical bills, we're having trouble paying the rent/electric /water/telephone bills. Can the Charity help us?

A: You may wish to submit an application for assistance with your child’s medical costs. For the other items, visit Trident United Way’s 211 Hotline or call them 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1 or 744-HELP from your cell phone. You may also wish to contact your social worker, early interventionist or service coordinator for assistance.

Q: Is Carolina Children's Charity in need of volunteers?

A: Thanks for wanting to give of your time! We really only need volunteers for our special events and to help us raise money so we can help more children. If you'd like to donate your time to help us with the Carolina Children's Charity Telethon in March or the 8K Run / 2 Mile Fun Walk in September, or if you have an idea for another event, please complete our volunteer information form and three references.

Q: If I make a donation to Carolina Children's Charity, will it be tax-deductible?

A: Yes, as allowable by law. We are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, meaning most donations are tax-deductible. However, for donations of appreciated securities, services and property, you may wish to call the Charity office and your tax advisor.

Q: How can I make a donation to Carolina Children's Charity?

A: You can make a donation to Carolina Children's Charity at any time, using our secure online donation form. Visit our donate section for more information.

Q: What are your deadlines for receiving grant applications for individuals?

A: Families can submit applications any time during the year. The Grants Committee generally meets the second Tuesday of each month to review applications that exceed $1,000.00. So, if you submit your completed application by the first Monday of the month, it will typically be reviewed the next week if all components of the application are complete.

Q: How can I submit my application?

A: We’re flexible – send it to us by mail, e-mail, fax, or drop it off at our office.