Jonathan Kresken, president for Waccamaw Community Foundation, and Cookie Sprouse, executive director for The Chapin Foundation, met with Thomas G. Keegan, area director for Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) on June 29, as part of Council on Foundations' District Days.

Through the meeting, Kresken and Sprouse raised awareness of their foundations’ work in local philanthropy and the nonprofit community in Horry and Georgetown counties. They explained the mission and work of their foundations, the impact of supporting community programs and the importance of promoting philanthropy. They shared examples of collaborative efforts including promoting capacity building, homelessness and community education regarding philanthropy. In addition, Kresken and Sprouse described the purpose and work of affiliated membership organizations including Council on Foundations and the Foundations on the Hill program, Southeastern Council of Foundations, South Carolina Grantmakers Network and South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

“We were very pleased with the discussion. It was an opportunity to share and educate Mr. Keegan on the work of foundations and nonprofits in the area,” said The Chapin Foundation Executive Director Cookie Sprouse. “He is interested in philanthropy and the local work of the agencies and programs that address humanitarian concerns, making the meeting a success”

Kresken and Sprouse were able to offer resources on philanthropy and the local nonprofit community, suggest training and educational opportunities on federal funding and propose collaborating with events sponsored by Senators DeMint and Graham.

“It is our hope to build relationships between philanthropy and Congressman Brown’s office, build stronger relationships with Congressman Brown and the constituents in the Horry and Georgetown County area, update the office on current local programs and community needs and serve as a resource for the Representative and his staff,” said Sprouse.

District Days allows foundations the opportunity to reach out to their Representatives during the congressional district work periods.