NURSE RETENTION PROGRAM FOR BSNs AND ADNs OF BEAUFORT AND JASPER COUNTIES
Q. What is the NEED this fund is addressing?
A. There is a severe nursing shortage in this country which will continue to get worse. South Carolina is one of the worst states in terms of the current and projected shortage. The nursing shortage has a negative impact on economic development by increasing the cost of healthcare. There is an immediate and growing need to attract and retain Nurses in Beaufort County and Jasper County.
Q. What is the name of the fund?
A. South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative (SCNRI)
Q. What is the Mission of the fund.?
A.The mission of the South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative is to provide financial award programs that attract and retain qualified nursing students and professionals providing quality health care for citizens in Beaufort County and Jasper County in an effort to reduce the shortage of nursing professionals.
To help increase the number of ADN and BSN graduate nurses employed in Primary Care settings in Beaufort /Jasper County, and keep nurses from leaving the area, the South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative offers a unique “post-graduation” monetary award in return for a work commitment – providing up to $12,000 (BSN) and $6,000 (ADN) over two years based on merit, dedication to the nursing profession, financial need, educational mobility and long-term commitment to practice in Beaufort or Jasper Counties – including specific geographic areas where funding has been made available.
Q. How will the fund operate?
A. The SCNRI will be led by an independent volunteer committee responsible for raising funds, interviewing and selecting recipients and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which will provide the platform to be used, expertise, and admin services including fund management, tax management, and distribution of the funds.
Distributions from the Fund shall be made by the Community Foundation for purposes of awarding scholarships to applicants who in the judgment of the Advisory Committee, would derive the greatest benefit.
It is considered a not for profit 501(c) 3 under the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Disbursements will be made on a semi-annual basis directly to the individual upon receiving proof of employment in Beaufort or Jasper County.
FOR POTENTIAL DONORS
Q. Why should I donate to this fund?
Potential donors who may wish to contribute to the SCNRI because they value the benefits of having quality healthcare available in Beaufort County and Jasper County, and/or they wish to establish a legacy for this support. Potential donors include private citizens, health care professionals, local businesses, major corporations with operations and employees in the area, healthcare facilities, philanthropists, foundations, financial advisors, and other institutions whose members may be interested in charitable opportunities.
You may choose to donate to the general fund to be used to attract and retain Nurses in both Beaufort and Jasper Counties (unrestricted)
You may also choose to specify a local geographic area to include Hilton Head Island or the City of Beaufort.
Q. There are many financial award programs available to nursing students. What makes this program unique?
A. Although there are many nursing financial award programs offered at the federal/state/university level, there are no programs in the SC or Beaufort County/Jasper County offering a “Post-graduation scholarship” in return for a work commitment.
Q. How can I donate to this fund?
A. Visit the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Donor page.
Q. Are there different donor Levels and associated benefits?
A. You may donate any amount and your contribution will be aggregated with other donations until we reach the amount required for financial awards.
When we reach $12,000 we can support another BSN recipient.
When we reach $6,000 we can support another ADN recipient.
You may donate $6,000 or $12,000 as a one-time payment or in the form of a pledge which would be satisfied over a period, not to exceed two years.
You will be notified when a recipient has been named.
You may also elect to have this award in your name.
Q. Can I make a multi-year pledge?
A. Yes, A pledge for any amount is acceptable and can be paid on a recurring basis, not to exceed TWO years.
Q. Is my contribution tax-deductible?
A.Yes, It is considered a charitable donation. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a 501(c)3