The Technical College of the Lowcountry receives approximately 20% of its operating budget from the State of South Carolina. Tuition and fees paid by students cover much of the remaining cost, especially as state funding has remained flat while expenses continue to rise. That’s why donor support is more important than ever. Contributions from donors allow the college to grow academic and workforce programs, invest in quality instruction and facilities, and provide critical support to students through scholarships and services.
The TCL Foundation can accept a wide range of assets, including cash, securities, real estate, tangible personal property, collections, and other readily marketable items. However, we generally do not accept gifts of motor vehicles. If you have a specific type of gift in mind, please contact our office to discuss the options.
There are several meaningful ways to support the TCL Foundation. You can make a gift online using our secure donation portal, mail a check, donate securities, or include the Foundation in your estate plans.
Checks may be made payable to TCL Foundation and mailed to:
TCL Foundation
PO Box 2614
Beaufort, SC 29901
To explore additional ways to give, including gifts of stock or planned giving, please visit our Ways to Give page or contact our office directly.
Yes. You can designate your gift to support a specific program, department, scholarship, or initiative that is meaningful to you. Whether you want to support culinary arts, healthcare training, workforce development, or a specific scholarship, we will ensure your gift is directed as you intend. Simply indicate your preference when making your gift or contact our office for assistance.
Yes. The TCL Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records at the mailing address provided to us.
An unrestricted gift provides the TCL Foundation with the flexibility to use your donation where it is needed most, whether that’s supporting student scholarships, investing in faculty development, or meeting unexpected needs. These gifts are vital because they allow the Foundation to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges as they arise.
Gifts made to the TCL Fund are unrestricted.
A restricted gift, on the other hand, is directed to a specific program, scholarship, or initiative that is meaningful to you. For example, you might choose to support the Culinary Institute of the South, healthcare training, or a named scholarship.
Both types of gifts are deeply appreciated and make a meaningful impact on the college and its students. If you have a particular area of interest, we’re happy to work with you to ensure your gift aligns with your goals.
An endowment is a permanent fund established to provide ongoing support for the college. The principal amount is invested, and a portion of the earnings is used each year to fund scholarships, faculty development, specific programs, or other donor-identified purposes, while the remainder is reinvested to ensure long-term growth.
At TCL, the minimum amount to establish an endowment is $25,000. Endowments are a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy, creating opportunities for generations of students. For more information on creating an endowment, please contact our office.
Yes. Making a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, mentor, or friend is a meaningful way to celebrate their legacy. You can do this through a one-time gift, a named scholarship, or by establishing an endowment.
At TCL, the minimum amount to establish a named endowment is $25,000. Endowments are a powerful, perpetual way to honor or memorialize someone, providing ongoing support for students, faculty, or specific programs for generations to come.
For more information, please contact our office.
Planned gifts are a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy at TCL. These can include bequests, charitable trusts, retirement assets, and life insurance policies. Contact our office to learn more about including the TCL Foundation in your estate plans.
Yes. Gifts of appreciated stock, bonds, or mutual funds are a tax-efficient way to support TCL. You may avoid capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the asset. Contact our office for transfer instructions.
Yes. We respect our donors’ privacy. If you prefer to make your gift anonymously, simply let us know when making your contribution.
Every gift to the TCL Foundation makes a lasting impact, directly supporting students, faculty, and programs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Your generosity funds scholarships, workforce training, faculty development, innovative programs, and more. To see the difference you make, visit the Your Gifts in Action page.
As a donor, you will automatically be added to the college’s mailing list. Each year, you will receive the State of the College publication, along with bi-annual updates from the Foundation’s Executive Director, keeping you informed about the impact of your support. You are also invited to attend special events like the annual State of the College luncheon and the Chefs Table Benefit & Auction, where you can see firsthand the difference your generosity makes.
If you ever have questions or want a more personal update, please feel free to call or email the Foundation staff.
We’re here to help. For more information or personalized assistance, please reach out to us. Visit our Contact Us page for details.