AIKEN, S.C. () — Horse Creek Academy is putting its mission of service into action — not by asking for grants, but by giving them.

“When your citizens see that you care about them, it makes a school so much more than a place that kids might go between eight and three every day,” Chief Communications and Impact Officer, Horse Creek Academy Sarah Morris said.

The program started in 2023. It’s built on the school’s three pillars: flexibility, service, and connection. “Mini grants was something that I had seen advertised for schools that we could apply to and it just gave me the idea that it would be something great for our local nonprofits to apply to here in Aiken as well,” she added.

This year, Horse Creek Academy is awarding one $1,000 mini-grant and two $500 grants to local nonprofits. Halfway to Heaven gives kids hands-on learning with wild mustangs. First Tee is launching Aiken’s first special education golf program, and Glam Stars builds creativity and confidence through dance.

“We pretty much line them up against a rubric with our pillars of flexibility, service and connection, see which most align, and then we also try to make sure we’re spreading the love so we don’t keep awarding the same ones every year.”

Past winners include local clinics, food banks, and youth programs — all growing under the support of Horse Creek.

“We also try to talk about these winners on and off campus with our kids. So, it’s something not just that the school’s doing, but it’s something the kids can be proud of, that they’re part of the organization that’s making a difference.”

The school hopes to grow the program in the coming years. Nonprofits can apply next September through the school’s website or Facebook page.