Together SC and Statewide Partners Call for Nominations Honoring Nonprofit Leadership and Volunteer
COLUMBIA, SC -November 5, 2026 - Across South Carolina, nonprofit leaders and volunteers are addressing critical community needs, building partnerships, and creating lasting change.
Together SC, in collaboration with statewide partners, is inviting South Carolinians to help recognize these contributions through nominations for two prestigious statewide award programs: the 2027 Fred R. Sheheen Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and the 2027 South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
Together, these awards celebrate the people and partnerships that make South Carolina’s nonprofit sector a powerful force for good, from visionary leaders strengthening organizations to dedicated volunteers turning community needs into meaningful action.
“Every day, nonprofit leaders and volunteers are making a difference in communities across South Carolina, often without the recognition they deserve,” said Karen Riordan, President & CEO of Together SC. “By bringing partners together to celebrate their contributions, we’re not only honoring exceptional service and leadership, but we’re also helping more South Carolinians understand the essential role nonprofits play in building stronger communities.”
Fred R. Sheheen Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership
Nominations Open Through December 30, 2026
Presented in partnership with Francis Marion University’s Fred R. Sheheen Non-Profit Leadership Institute, this award recognizes outstanding nonprofit professionals who show excellence in organizational management, resource development, and leadership.
Named in honor of Fred R. Sheheen, a passionate advocate for South Carolina’s nonprofit community and founder of the Non-Profit Leadership Institute, the award celebrates leaders whose work strengthens their organizations and advances the nonprofit sector.
Eligible nominees must be graduates of the Fred R. Sheheen Non-Profit Leadership Institute or members of Together SC.
The 2027 recipient will receive a $500 cash award from Francis Marion University, a distinguished award plaque, complimentary registration to the 2027 SC Nonprofit Summit, and statewide recognition through Francis Marion University and Together SC.
The 2026 recipient, Blakely Roof, President and CEO of United Way of Horry County, was recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing community solutions.
Nominate a Nonprofit Leader:
https://www.togethersc.org/fred-r-sheheen-award-for-excellence-in-non-profit-leadership
South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Awards
Nominations Open Through November 20, 2026
Presented in partnership with the Office of the South Carolina Governor, Together SC’s Volunteer Administration Alliance, AmeriCorps SC, and the United Way Association of South Carolina, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards recognize individuals and groups whose exceptional service strengthens communities throughout the state.
The awards honor outstanding contributions across multiple categories, including youth and longtime volunteers, direct service, volunteer administration, national service, and business and community volunteer groups.
From students making a difference in their neighborhoods to businesses mobilizing employees for community service, these awards highlight the many ways South Carolinians give their time, talents, and leadership to help others.
Award recipients will be recognized in conjunction with the 2027 SC Nonprofit Summit on March 2, 2027, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Nominations are open to eligible South Carolina residents and volunteer groups serving communities across the state. Self-nominations are not permitted, and submissions must include an additional reference who can verify the nominee’s service.
Nominate a Volunteer or Group:
https://www.togethersc.org/governors-volunteer-awards
Elevating the People Behind South Carolina’s Nonprofit Impact
As South Carolina’s statewide network of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, Together SC works to convene leaders, advocate for the sector, and build partnerships that strengthen the network.
These award programs reflect that commitment by bringing together institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community members to celebrate the people making a difference.
By elevating stories of exceptional leadership and service, Together SC and its partners aim to inspire greater civic engagement, encourage collaboration, and increase public awareness of the nonprofit sector’s contributions to South Carolina.
South Carolinians are encouraged to submit nominations, share these opportunities with their networks, and help ensure that extraordinary leadership and service receive the statewide recognition they deserve.
About Together SC
Together SC is South Carolina’s statewide network of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, working to strengthen and elevate the nonprofit sector through convening, advocacy, and partnership. By connecting people, organizations, and resources, Together SC helps build a stronger, more collaborative nonprofit network serving South Carolina.