About Our Promise Zone

In 2015, SouthernCarolina Alliance won a Promise Zone designation for a region of 90,004 people living in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties who face numerous and significant challenges stemming from high rates of poverty and unemployment, as well as comparatively few opportunities compared to the rest of South Carolina.

Announced by the Obama Administration in 2013, the Promise Zone Designation Program was designed to help 20 high-poverty communities across the nation have access to grant funds and other resources to create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, reduce crime, enhance public health and address other priorities identified by the community.

The designation, which lasts until 2025, allows for the counties within the zone to secure special help in crafting applications for existing federal grants and other resources, as well as preferences for certain competitive federal grant programs and assistance from participating federal agencies.

To learn more about the Promise Zone Designation Program, please visit: Promise Zones (PZ) | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).