10/23/06  -  A collaborative effort has been launched to increase the capacity of grassroots organizations to apply for program funding. The SC Office of First Steps is strategically investing monies in four counties to support youth programs. To ensure that organizations are equipped to submit competitive applications, the local First Steps offices in each participating county will host a grant application informational session facilitated by The Weathers Group. “This is a significant message being sent to all stakeholders in the nonprofit sector. We must do all we can to empower and equip grassroots organizations to be competitive, competent, and compliant. This is going a step beyond inviting organizations to the proverbial table – now we’re actually giving them a menu and serving them.” said Charles Weathers, company President. The counties chosen for this round of grants include; Dillon, Marlboro, Hampton, and Jasper.