Forces of Philanthropy: Barbara Stone Foundation

Barbara Stone Foundation

Website: barbarastonefoundation.org

Address: P.O. Box 26567, Greenville, SC 29616
Phone: 864-214-5798

Facebook Handle: @barbarastonefoundation
Instagram Handle: @thebarbarastonefoundation

Established: 1991
Number of Employees: 9
Geographic Area of Service: Upstate, SC

Funding Sources

• Grants: 39%
• Charitable gifts: 34%
• Special events: 27%

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve as a champion for individuals with disabilities. We do this by raising funds in order to connect people to, create, and invest in innovative programs and initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities and enlighten the community.

The Barbara Stone Foundation serves as a champion for individuals living with disabilities in South Carolina’s Upstate. Since 1991, the foundation’s primary focus has been to influence community systems, policies and culture to provide equitable opportunities for the disability community.

The Foundation identifies gaps in services, invests in or creates innovative programs, leverages community partnerships, and works through our signature initiatives — Greenville Collaborative Action Network and the Upward Professionals Employment Initiative.

Greenville CAN is a coalition of self-advocates, service providers, families, caregivers and professionals whose mission is to create a better place for those with disabilities.

The UP Employment Initiative is an individualized direct service program aimed at developing and supporting inclusive employment of individuals with disabilities. The program includes a year-long professional development class and a pre-employment training program.

Impact

We believe in the power of opportunity. BSF offers direct assistance and services, while also partnering with area businesses, organizations, and municipalities, including the city of Greenville. The mission is all-encompassing, but it can be captured in two words: providing choices. Make it your choice to support a foundation who ensures everyone has options to flourish.

Leadership

Board of directors

Nick Skenteris, board chair
Michele Reeves, vice chair
Riku Oinonen, treasurer
Brooke Schmidt, secretary
Matthew Collins, board member
Marion Elliott, board member emeritus
Lisa Finch, board member
Amy Hallasy, board member
Jane Hart, board member
Dana Gantt Moore, board member
Elizabeth Piper, board member
Lee Sowell, board member
Audra Vellucci, board member
The Honorable Nick Theodore, president emeritus

Fundraisers and events

• Road to Possibilities: Resource Fair (partnership with Greenville County Schools)
• Barbara’s Birthday Bash: Fundraiser (Barbara Stone Community Leadership Award)
• Bingo Bash: Fundraiser
• Adaptive Rec Day: Activity Day
• CAN Talks: Disability Awareness, Education & Fundraiser (BSF Community Innovations Grants Awarded)
• UP Employment Initiative Professional Cohort Graduation
• Greenville CAN Monthly Lunch & Learns

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer with one of our fundraisers as a planning committee member, with one of our Greenville CAN Initiative Project Teams or volunteer as class session support or mentor with one of our UP Employment Initiative programs (Professional Cohort or Pre-Employment Program).

Giving opportunities

• Become a CHAMPION sponsor: Businesses, corporations, families, foundations, organizations and individuals that donate a total of $10,000 or more will be considered CHAMPION Sponsors. CHAMPIONS may make a one-time donation, set up a recurring donation, sponsor a single event or sponsor all three of the foundation’s annual events.
• Sponsor organization events: Bingo Bash, CAN Talks and Barbara’s Birthday Bash, UP Employment Programming
• Provide an in-kind sponsorship such as donating silent auction items, printing services and professional services