Partnership to Conduct Nonprofit Benefits Research

Spartanburg’s Paige Stephenson’s Leadership Impact is Felt Statewide as Together SC and Employers Network Announce New Partnership to Conduct Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Research.    

“Knowing how helpful Employers Network’s services have been to our state's for-profit businesses, I saw a real opportunity for them to work with Together SC to serve our state’s nonprofit sector.” said Paige Stephenson, CEO United Way Piedmont 

“This innovative collaboration will empower nonprofit leaders to have more up-to-date data on compensation and benefits. South Carolina’s nonprofit and philanthropic organizations need to know what constitutes competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain the most talented individuals." Said Rita Revels, President & CEO, Employers Network 

In addition to Employers Network of Spartanburg, Together SC has engaged the College of Charleston Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities, committing to research and report the data nonprofits need long-term.  

Stephenson, is entering her second term as board chair at Together SC. Her dynamic leadership reflects the alignment of United Way's mission with Together SC's, specifically in nonprofit workforce development, compensation studies, and advocacy. With a steadfast focus on driving positive change and centering our communities, Stephenson’s reappointment marks an exciting phase for both organizations. 

Together SC, the leading statewide association for nonprofit organizations, is excited to welcome three new board members to its esteemed ranks.  

Dawn Down, Chief Operating Officer of Homes of Hope of Greenville;

“As COO at Homes of Hope in Greenville, I’ve spent 15 years working in the nonprofit sector and knowing the good we can do. I also experienced that good firsthand when, as a single mother with three young boys, I walked through poverty and homelessness.” Dawn is dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders with lived experiences that bring stronger leadership to the nonprofit sector. Together SC’s compensation study, conducted in November ‘23, will support this effort, one of the many goals our board has this year. 

Dawn joined by Andrea Tucker, Chief Financial Officer of Children's Trust of SC located in Columbia; and Stig Rasmussen, Compliance Manager at Fact Forward also headquartered in Columbia, bring fresh perspectives and expertise that will contribute to strategic direction and growth in line with Together SC's mission to educate, connect, and advocate for South Carolina nonprofits. 

Together SC board will be instrumental in fostering a stronger nonprofit community by: 

• BoardStrong - This fall Together SC brings BoardStrong, is a national, online, searchable database that helps match interested community-minded individuals with nonprofit organizations hoping to utilize their talent. 

• Association Healthcare Plan: Under local leadership statewide Together SC will continue to reach more nonprofits so they can benefit from Group Health Care Plans that save Nonprofits thousands and makes healthcare more affordable. The Association Health Plan is Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC's fastest-growing Association Health Plan in SC. In less than two years, 28 nonprofit organizations have signed up, providing affordable coverage for their organizations as well as the 250-plus employees who are enrolled. 

• Workforce & Sector Impact: Together SC in collaboration with the USC Upstate releases a report examining the role of nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations in South Carolina's social and economic landscape. Nonprofits employment accounts for 8.4% of the workforce in 2020. Sharing such data is part of Together SC efforts to advocacy for the nonprofit sector.  

• Powered Up Initiative: In partnership with Duke Energy, the Powered Up initiative by Together SC supports emerging community-focused nonprofits. Powered Up empowers minority-led organizations and those working in underserved communities within Duke Energy's South Carolina service area by providing customized technical assistance and coaching. 

• Carolina Leadership Seminars: Together SC, in collaboration with Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC, SC First Steps, and United Way of the Midland, continued to support the Carolina Leadership Seminars. This acclaimed program offers comprehensive leadership development exclusively for nonprofit executive directors, benefiting over 150 South Carolina executive directors. 

• 2024 Nonprofit Summit: In its 27th year the SC’s Nonprofit Summit will host over 800 nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in a 3-day conference brings together leaders from organizations who believe in Together SC's vision to have a united, trusted, and effective nonprofit community working to enrich the lives of all South Carolinians. 

 
United Way of the Piedmont and Together SC remain committed to fostering collaboration, driving change, and uplifting the nonprofit sector's impact on communities across the state. 
 

For media inquiries, please contact: Brooke Robertson. brooke@togethersc.org 
  

 
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Together SC’s board also includes  

Nate Barber, CEO of SC Community Loan Fund in Charleston  

Mac Bennett, Nonprofit Sector Consultant, Beam & Hinge in Columbia 

Nicole Echols, executive director of the Pee Dee Branch of Harvest Hope Food Bank in Florence 

Shawn Edwards, CEO of Solutions by Shawn Edwards 

Monroe Free, president & CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County 

Erika Kirby, executive director of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation in Columbia