Greenville’s Legacy of Giving: A Bright Future Built on Philanthropy
From Vision to Reality: The Founding Families
In the heart of lovely Greenville, a story of legacy, vision, and commitment to the community thrives, reaching back to 1948. This tale of giving has roots that dig deep, thanks to the incredible partnership of the Mickel and Daniel families, who not only laid the groundwork for the booming city we enjoy today but continue to shape its future through charitable efforts.
A Passion for Education and Community Growth
At the helm of this philanthropic journey today is Minor Mickel Shaw, a tireless trustee of The Daniel-Mickel Foundation. She reflects on a significant ethos that remains as relevant now as it was when her father, Buck Mickel, joined the firm founded by Charles Daniel. “If you go back to our guidelines,” Shaw explains, “there were a number of things that the trustees then and the trustees now really care about, and one of those certainly is education.”
The same post-war era that heralded the joining of families also saw the inception of the Daniel Foundation. Fast forward to 1993, when it was renamed The Daniel-Mickel Foundation, and a powerful engine of community support was officially unleashed.
Making a Difference: Millions Contributed
The Foundation has been a beacon of hope in Greenville. Over the years, it has funneled an astounding $57 million into local nonprofit organizations—ranging from the arts to healthcare and conservation. Notably, two organizations that have greatly benefited are Greenville Technical College and the Greenville Tech Foundation.
Just recently, on October 22, the Greenville Tech Foundation celebrated the Daniel-Mickel Foundation for its “lifetime giving” achievements, acknowledging over $330,000 in donations since the year 2001. The impact of these contributions has been monumental—fueling the growth of programs that span culinary arts, information technology, and ongoing education initiatives.
The Power of Measurable Outcomes
Shaw beams with pride when discussing the Foundation’s endorsement of the college, asserting, “We feel really good about giving our money to Greenville Tech because we know it makes a difference, and we’re getting results and they can measure their results.” One heartwarming success is the African American Male Scholars Initiative (AAMSI), established in 2019, which boasts an impressive 83% retention rate among its scholars.
Listening to the Community’s Needs
Listening to the community is crucial for the foundation’s trustees, who sift through heaps of grant applications annually to get a real sense of Greenville’s evolving landscape. “The key is trying to understand the needs of what’s going on in Greenville,” Shaw highlights. “Greenville Tech is a really, really critically important organization in this community and is one of the building blocks of this community.”
Supporting Economic Growth
Trustee Charlie Mickel echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting local organizations that facilitate economic development. “Why wouldn’t you support an organization that supports Greenville and economic development in our area? Once we get families working and industries here, we all get to rise up.”
A Symbiotic Relationship
One of the shining features of this partnership is the foundation’s appreciation for Greenville Tech’s commitment to sharing success stories—keeping donors informed about how their contributions change lives. “When donors give to Greenville Tech, it’s important for them to be able to keep us informed,” Shaw comments, saying they truly feel the difference their support makes.
A Privileged Partnership
As the Green Tech Foundation gears up for an event recognizing the support of The Daniel-Mickel Foundation later this month, trustee Carter Shaw Lowrance expresses her gratitude: “Greenville Tech has always been such an integral part of our community, and for us to be able to play a small part in that is a real privilege.”
The Daniel-Mickel Foundation’s ongoing generosity continues to leave an indelible mark on Greenville, ensuring a bright future filled with opportunities for generations to come. With its focus on education and community engagement, this legacy of giving aims to uplift the entire Upstate of South Carolina!
