Community Engagement

Investing in the communities where we live and work.

Building strong, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors is important to us. This is why in 2016, as our plant site was just beginning to take shape, we formed the Volvo Car Good Neighbor Collaborative. And at the center of this initiative, we have partnered with local community leaders from Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties to guide us in our relationships across the Lowcountry.

These leaders have been volunteering their time and expertise to serve on Volvo Cars’ Community Advisory Group. They are our eyes, ears, and voices across our local neighborhoods. They are helping us to share key plant updates, hiring/workforce information, and they stay apprised of all safety and environmental items related to our site.

Additionally, they are shaping the way we invest in the communities where we live and work. With their recommendation, Volvo Cars has partnered with the Coastal Community Foundation to help us in that endeavor.

Community investment

We invite non-profit organizations who share Volvo Cars’ values of safety, quality, education and protecting the environment, to share their goals and apply for funding from the Volvo Cars Community Investment Grant program.

The Volvo Cars Community Investment Grant Program is led by members of our Community Advisory Group who will accept and review funding proposals from qualified organizations. Based on these submitted applications, these leaders will recommend funding groups that match the priorities of the surrounding region. Financial backing will be provided by Volvo Cars and administered by the Coastal Community Foundation.

Submissions are accepted at Coastal Community Foundation’s online portal. Please click here to register, and please be aware that the registration process can take up to 48 hours. If you are already registered, you do not need to register again. To access the current application, click here. Please download the Word document and submit via email to grants@coastalcommunityfoundation.org. We are planning to accept applications for grants several times each year, and will make awards accordingly.

Eligibility and schedule

• Your application addresses one of the four focus areas (education, environment, safety and/or quality of life)
• Primarily serves people who live within 40 miles of Volvo’s South Carolina plant (Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties); however, within South Carolina is a must
• Recognized by the IRS as a non-profit with a 501 (c)(3) public charity designation
• Not a political or lobbying organization
• Do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, sexual orientation, national/ethnic origin or disability

Schedule for 2020:
• First round of applications will be accepted through March 6, 2020, 5 pm ET; grants are slated to be awarded in May.
• Second round of applications will be accepted through September 4, 2020, 5 pm ET; grants are slated to be awarded in November.