Fundraising Highlights – 3Q 2024

October 9, 2024

In the first three quarters of 2024, the Charleston Parks Conservancy has exceeded previous year totals in several fundraising categories, as shown below.

Colonial Lake Campaign Pioneers New Funding Strategy 

The community continued to show its love and support for the Conservancy’s work at Colonial Lake. In just two months, the Conservancy raised $130,000 to revitalize the three acres of gardens around the lake. These gardens will serve as more than just a beautiful respite – they will be an example of innovative horticulture that addresses climate-related changes, including flooding events and saltwater intrusion. We look forward to bringing you along as we undertake this major overhaul.

Colonial Lake is the latest example of the Conservancy’s new fundraising strategy. Following in the footsteps of The McGee Family (Wragg Square) and The Theodora Park Fund in support of on-going maintenance at Theodora Park, The Beach Company has generously stepped in as a sustaining sponsor for Colonial Lake, committing $150,000 over five years to ensure that the new plantings at Colonial Lake can be exceptionally maintained. Sustaining funding is critical to the Conservancy’s ability to successfully maintain our park gardens, especially in areas susceptible to storm damage and flooding, which severely stresses plant material. Thank you for this pioneering, long-term commitment to our community’s parks.

If you are interested in becoming a sustaining sponsor for one of the Conservancy’s parks, please reach out to Emily Topham at etopham@charlestonparksconservancy.org.

Thank you to our Colonial Lake Revitalization Donors.

Party for the Parks 2024 Update

Party for the Parks is not only one of the most sought after tickets of the year, it is the Conservancy’s largest and most important fundraiser. Money raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, raffle sales and our incredible auction provide critical operating support and allow us to fulfill our mission.

The Conservancy is proud to announce that we have secured the most sponsors EVER for Party for the Parks – we have 50 total sponsors for the most fun party of the year (compared to 34 in 2023). Of these, 17 are brand new to the organization.

We are also pleased to announce that Party for the Parks had its fastest sellout ever – 24 hours. We are so grateful for the community’s support! Stay tuned for our next impact report where we will announce the total raised and its impact on the Conservancy and our parks.

Thank you to our 2024 Party for the Parks Sponsors.

Grants & Corporate Support Awarded

Thank you to the companies and corporate partners who pledged to support the Conservancy in the 3rd quarter. Your financial support allows us to continue to fulfill our mission.  If your organization’s values align with the Conservancy’s mission, please contact us to discuss partnership options.

• The Beach Company, $150,000/5 years in support of Colonial Lake Sustaining Maintenance
• The Speedwell Foundation, $10,000 in support of Colonial Lake Revitalization
• Publix Super Markets Charities, $6,000 in support of Grow it Forward 
• Mark Elliott Motley Foundation, $3,000 in support of the Conservancy Fellowship Program
• Exchange Club of Charleston, $2,500 in support of Grow it Forward
• Crews Subaru of Charleston, $2,500 sponsorship of Fall Music in the Parks
• ICI Specialty Products, Inc, $2,000 in support of general funding
• GEL Laboratories, $289 in support of general funding

Media Highlights

• Charleston Parks Conservancy Surpasses $125,000 Fundraising Goal for Colonial Lake, WCBD, News 2