Sisters of Charity Foundation Deepens Investment in Black Economic Mobility with $30,000 Commitment to B.E.L.L.

Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina Continues Multi-Year Support of Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill

Rock Hill, S.C. (December 23, 2025) — The Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill (B.E.L.L.) has received an additional grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina to further its mission of advancing equitable economic opportunity and eliminating systemic barriers that limit upward mobility in Rock Hill. This most recent award builds upon a $15,000 grant received in 2025, bringing the Foundation’s total investment in B.E.L.L.’s work to $30,000 across two years in support of continued impact through 2026.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awards grants to nonprofits working to reduce poverty throughout the state by addressing root causes and supporting long-term solutions. B.E.L.L. is one of 119 organizations funded this fall, recognized for its work to strengthen communities through business development, workforce development, and leadership advancement.

“This continued investment affirms both the impact and the direction of our work,” said Dawn Johnson, Chair of the Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill. “B.E.L.L. exists to move beyond temporary fixes by building systems that create access, opportunity, and economic stability. Through entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and leadership representation, we are working to eliminate the structural barriers that have historically limited Black economic mobility in Rock Hill.”

In this funding cycle, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awarded $1,108,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across the state. The additional $15,000 grant to B.E.L.L. will support the organization’s continued efforts to scale its programming, strengthen operational capacity, and expand pathways for individuals and families to thrive. These efforts include supporting Black-owned businesses through nationally recognized business development programs, connecting students to post-graduation career and education pathways, and increasing representation on boards, commissions, and decision-making bodies that shape local policy.

“At the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, we walk alongside individuals and communities experiencing poverty, as well as the nonprofits that support them—working together to find solutions that will benefit everyone,” said Donna Waites, President of the Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to award these grants to organizations that are seeking innovative solutions that build a stronger South Carolina.”

Dr. Lee Pearson, Chair of the Foundation’s Board, added, “Reducing poverty in South Carolina takes a vast network of people and organizations addressing a wide variety of issues. We feel honored to be able to support nonprofits that champion affordable housing, accessible healthcare, food security, economic mobility, educational attainment, and so much more.”

Through this multi-year investment, B.E.L.L. will continue advancing its vision of a Rock Hill where economic opportunity is equitable, accessible, and sustainable—ensuring that individuals are not simply supported, but empowered to shape their own futures.

About the Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill (B.E.L.L.)

The Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill (B.E.L.L.) serves as a resource and advocate for the Black community by building pathways to a thriving community—individually and collectively. Through business development, workforce development, and leadership advancement, B.E.L.L. works to eliminate systemic barriers, expand economic opportunity, and advance long-term mobility across Rock Hill.

About the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Founded in 1996, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. Through the strategic use of resources, the Foundation seeks to reduce poverty through action, advocacy, and leadership.