The official AFP accolade for the ATI Foundation!
One nomination. Four honorees. A community united by a commitment to philanthropy.
The ATI Foundation has been named Corporate Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter as part of its 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards.
The recognition celebrates the ATI Foundation's commitment to philanthropy and reflects a belief at the heart of its mission: meaningful progress begins when people and organizations work together to create opportunity.
ATI Foundation Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Recognition Reflects a Shared Purpose
Philanthropy is about more than financial contributions. It is about recognizing where opportunity is limited and bringing people, resources, and ideas together to remove those barriers. Trust-based philanthropy is built on relationships among trusted partners. The ATI Foundation believes its role extends beyond funding and into creating the environment where trust is built through collaboration.
The ATI Foundation's approach to philanthropy centers on removing barriers, building connections, and unlocking potential through workforce development and community partnerships.
The Corporate Philanthropist of the Year recognition honors that commitment while acknowledging the importance of working alongside organizations and individuals who share a vision for stronger communities.
National Philanthropy Day 2026 Celebrates Giving
National Philanthropy Day recognizes the contributions of individuals and organizations whose generosity, leadership, and service strengthen communities.
First celebrated in 1986, National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to recognize the people and partnerships behind meaningful community progress.
The AFP South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter has celebrated local philanthropic leadership for more than 20 years, recognizing individuals, foundations, and businesses that work alongside nonprofit organizations.
On November 10, 2026, the chapter hosted its National Philanthropy Day Awards Reception at The Porter Room at Holy City Brewing in North Charleston, South Carolina.
| Award Category | 2026 Honoree |
|---|---|
| Corporate Philanthropist of the Year | ATI Foundation |
| Outstanding Fundraising Professional | Bridget Laird, Trident United Way |
| Individual of the Year | Jerry Scheer |
| Outstanding Young Professional | Maggie Yorski, Make-A-Wish South Carolina |
The ATI Foundation congratulates its fellow honorees and recognizes their contributions to philanthropy throughout the Lowcountry.
Learn more about the celebration and its recipients through the AFP Lowcountry National Philanthropy Day website.
ATI Foundation Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award Highlights the Power of Partnership
Behind every philanthropic effort are people who choose to invest their time, knowledge, and resources in creating opportunities for others.
For the ATI Foundation, that commitment takes shape through three connected priorities:
Katy Calloway (Nonprofit Champion), Anna Pearson (ATI Foundation Operations Manager), Dolly Pelto (ATI Foundation Executive Director), Lindsey Ballenger (Lowcountry Literacy Project Executive Director).
Removing barriers: Funding workforce initiatives that address challenges to education, training, and career advancement.
Building connections: Bringing businesses, educators, nonprofit organizations, and job seekers together around shared workforce needs.
Unlocking potential: Supporting pathways that allow individuals to develop skills, pursue careers, and contribute to their communities.
These priorities guide the ATI Foundation's work and reinforce an important principle: sustainable progress requires collaboration.
The recognition also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organizations whose commitment makes that work possible:
Community partners and grantees who develop and deliver programs that expand opportunity.
Employees and volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and energy.
Businesses and educators who collaborate to strengthen workforce pathways.
Community members who recognize the value of investing in people.
The ATI Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Lindsey Ballenger for the nomination and to AFP Lowcountry for recognizing its commitment to philanthropy.
Looking Beyond the Recognition
An award recognizes work already undertaken. Its greater value lies in the responsibility and opportunity to continue that work.
The ATI Foundation remains focused on strengthening communities through workforce initiatives, meaningful partnerships, and opportunities that connect people with pathways to sustainable careers.
Corporate philanthropy is most meaningful when recognition becomes a renewed commitment to the people and communities it serves.
The ATI Foundation is grateful to stand alongside the Lowcountry's philanthropic community and looks forward to continuing the partnerships that make progress possible.
Empowering people and strengthening communities for a better future.
| Award Recipient | ATI Foundation |
|---|---|
| Award | Corporate Philanthropist of the Year |
| Presenting Organization | Association of Fundraising Professionals, South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter |
| Occasion | National Philanthropy Day 2026 |
| Date | November 10, 2026 |
| Location | The Porter Room at Holy City Brewing, North Charleston, South Carolina |
| Nominated By | Lindsey Ballenger |
| Other Honorees | Jerry Scheer, Bridget Laird, Maggie Yorski |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received the 2026 Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award in the Lowcountry?
The ATI Foundation received the 2026 Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. The award was presented as part of the chapter's National Philanthropy Day recognition on November 10, 2026.
What is National Philanthropy Day?
National Philanthropy Day is an annual observance recognizing the contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations to their communities. Local chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals celebrate philanthropic leadership through awards and community events.
Where was the 2026 AFP Lowcountry National Philanthropy Day celebration held?
The 2026 awards reception took place on November 10, 2026, at The Porter Room at Holy City Brewing, located at 1021 Aragon Avenue in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Who nominated the ATI Foundation for Corporate Philanthropist of the Year?
Lindsey Ballenger nominated the ATI Foundation for the 2026 Corporate Philanthropist of the Year recognition.
What does the ATI Foundation do?
The ATI Foundation is a grant-making organization focused on workforce development. It funds initiatives that address workforce challenges and connects businesses, educators, and job seekers to expand career opportunities and strengthen communities.
Continue Building Opportunity
Learn how the ATI Foundation funds workforce initiatives, builds partnerships, and connects people with career pathways by visiting the ATI Foundation website.