Gifts that Guard Charleston

YOUR PRESERVATION POWER IS DOUBLED WITH A GIFT MATCH

In a new giving opportunity designed to inspire generosity and strengthen the Foundation’s mission, an anonymous donor offers a unique chance for supporters to double their preservation power through matching gifts.  

Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) is proud to announce an exciting new matching gift incentive designed to inspire generosity and strengthen the organization’s mission to preserve and sustain the historic character, cultural traditions, and livability of Charleston. ​ This gift incentive, made possible by a visionary anonymous donor, offers a unique chance for supporters to have their donations doubled. ​

That means each gift has twice the impact; twice the preservation power.

From August 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026, every eligible contribution to HCF will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 per household.

Qualified gifts include:

  • Current Donors: Any amount above their 2024 giving level will be matched 1:1. ​
  • First-Time Donors: All contributions will be matched 1:1. ​
  • Lapsed Donors: Any gift from donors whose last contribution was prior to August 1, 2024, will be matched 1:1. ​
  • 1947 Society: Current donors giving below $1,947 annually who increase their giving to $1,947 or more will be recognized as inaugural contributors to the 1947 Society, with their total gift matched 1:1. ​

Since its founding in 1947, HCF has remained steadfast in its mission: to preserve and protect the historic character, cultural traditions, and livability of Charleston for generations to come. Today, our city faces increasing pressures — from development and increased flooding to the erosion of cultural landscapes — and the need for bold, proactive preservation leadership has never been greater.

To meet this moment, now more than ever, it is critical for HCF to unlock the full potential of our supporters and grow the core engine that powers our mission: 

Introducing The 1947 Society

The 1947 Society, inspired by our visionary challenge donor and inaugurated in August 2025, recognizes and celebrates HCF’s most loyal supporters who contribute $1,947 or more annually.  These leaders in preservation recognize the importance of proactively working to preserve and sustain the best of Charleston. Through their commitment, 1947 Society donors multiply their preservation impact—fueling ongoing initiatives and deepening engagement as the Foundation advances its work.

HCF has played a significant role in safeguarding this historic city, helping to create the finest preservation district in the country, serving as a model for other cities across the nation.

Dyke Messler
NAC Member and Charleston resident

FAQ

What is the 1947 Society?

The 1947 Society recognizes those who lead with generosity in recognition of our founding year. It includes donors who contribute $1,947 or more to HCF annually.

If I have been consistently supporting HCF at an annual level above $1,947, am I considered an inaugural member of the 1947 Society?

In recognition of your leading generosity, YES, you are in!

I am not sure if I qualify as a current or lapsed donor. How may I confirm this?

To confirm your past generosity, please contact Courtenay Fain, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at cfain@historiccharleston.org or 843.724.8498.

I am a current donor, but not sure of my 2024 annual giving level.  How may I confirm this?

To confirm your 2024 annual giving level, please contact Courtenay Fain, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at cfain@historiccharleston.org or 843.724.8498.

I plan to purchase a table for HCF’s 2025 Fall Gala, set for November 13th.  Will my table purchase qualify for matching funds?

Yes, if your gala table purchase exceeds your 2024 cumulative giving level, any dollar amount above your 2024 giving level will be matched dollar for dollar. If your gala table purchase is your first gift to HCF, it will be matched dollar for dollar.

I plan to purchase tickets for the PreserVISIONist Soiree, set for November 14th. Will ticket purchases qualify for matching funds?

Yes, if your ticket purchase amount exceeds your 2024 cumulative giving level, any dollar amount above your 2024 giving level will be matched dollar for dollar. If your Soiree ticket purchase is your first gift to HCF, it will be matched dollar for dollar.

I plan to attend HCF’s 2025 Fall Gala, set for November 13th, and will commit support to the Foundation during the paddle raise portion of the evening. Will my paddle raise gift qualify for matching funds?

Yes, if your paddle raise commitment exceeds your 2024 cumulative giving level, any increased giving will be matched dollar for dollar. If your paddle raise commitment is your first gift to HCF, it will be matched dollar for dollar.

Can grants from Donor-Advised Funds and/or private foundations be used to fulfill a qualified matching gift?

Yes, as long as you direct the grant for the purpose of fulfilling an annual fund gift or a paddle raise gift.  Donor-advised fund grants may not be used for gala table purchases, per IRS guidelines.

May I fulfill a qualified matching gift by donating stocks and appreciated securities?

Yes. To receive our stock transfer instructions, please contact Chief Philanthropy Officer, Courtenay Fain at cfain@historiccharleston.org or 843.724.8498.

My employer will match their employees' charitable contributions. Can my employer's matching donation qualify as a matching gift for this challenge?

Yes! Your employer's matching contribution will qualify for the anonymous donor's match as long as the contribution is received by April 30, 2026, and provided that it is 100% charitable. Typically, employer matches may not be used for gala table purchases.

I plan to mail a check as my contribution towards the 1947 Society Challenge. To which address should I mail my check?

Thank you!  Checks may be made out to Historic Charleston Foundation and mailed:
Historic Charleston Foundation
ATTN: Courtenay Fain, Chief Philanthropy Officer
P.O. Box 1120
Charleston, SC  29402

Do recurring monthly or annual gifts qualify for this matching opportunity?

Yes, if you increase your existing recurring gift, any increment above your prior giving will be matched dollar for dollar for a 12-month period. If you set up a recurring gift as your first gift to HCF, it will be matched dollar for dollar for a 12-month period. Please visit historiccharleston.org/Give to set up a recurring gift.

May I make a gift online?

But of course!  Please visit HistoricCharleston.org/Give to make your online gift, today.

Still have questions?

Courtenay Fain, Chief of Philanthropy
(843) 724-8498 | cfain@historiccharleston.org

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