About the Foundation
A community foundation, built by and for Union County.
Since 2006, the Union Community Foundation has been a home for local generosity — stewarding charitable funds, making grants, and working to build a Union County that is self-sufficient and thriving.
Our vision
Union County is self-sufficient and thriving.
Our mission
We serve as the foundation for philanthropy and prosperity in Union County.
What we value
The principles behind every gift and grant.
Stewardship
UCF engages in transparent and prudent financial practices that develop strong relationships and contribute to the success of Union County.
Community
UCF is responsive to the needs of people and organizations across Union County, and the Foundation acts as a catalyst for positive change by supporting collaboration and facilitating access to opportunity.
Innovation
UCF pursues new and creative approaches to ensure its resources reach those with the greatest needs and are a blessing to as many as possible.
Impact
UCF proactively evaluates and communicates the effectiveness of its grant programs and services to demonstrate meaningful outcomes.
Our story
Twenty years of investing in Union County.
The Union Community Foundation began in 2006 with a single, community-minded gift — a $1 million endowment from part of an insurance settlement paid to the City of Union. Twenty years later, it stewards roughly 20 charitable funds and makes grants across the county, guided by a volunteer board and a new strategic plan.
2006
A foundation is formed
The Union Community Foundation is established as a South Carolina nonprofit charitable organization, created to invest in the long-term good of Union County.
2006
A gift that started it all
A $1 million endowment gift from the City of Union — drawn from an insurance settlement after fire destroyed the former Union High School building on Main Street — becomes the Foundation's founding endowment.
Today
Growing, and giving back
The Foundation now stewards roughly 20 charitable funds and makes its own grants across the county. The Spartanburg County Foundation provides fiduciary oversight and back-office support — a partnership that has driven significant growth in the portfolio.
2026
A new chapter
In its 20th year, the Foundation adopts a new strategic plan and hires its first Executive Director to lead the work forward.
Our strategic plan
Where we’re focused next.
01
Expand visibility & community engagement
Make sure the people and organizations of Union County know the Foundation is here — and how to work with it.
02
Strengthen funding capacity
Grow the funds under the Foundation's care so it can do more, for more of the county, over time.
03
Coordinate collaborative, community-based investments
Bring partners together around shared priorities so charitable dollars go further than any one gift could alone.
Leadership
Our board & staff.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of Union County leaders, supported by past chairs who serve as advisors.
Ann Angermeier
Executive Director
The Foundation's first Executive Director, Ann leads the day-to-day work of the Foundation — carrying out the strategic plan, coordinating initiatives, and strengthening relationships with donors, partners, and the community, so the Board can stay focused on governance and oversight.
Kathy Jo Lancaster
Chair
County of Union
John Gregory
Vice Chair
Arthur State Bank
Dr. Fran Adams
Secretary
Union County School District — Foster Park Elementary
Paul Winters
Treasurer
WoodmenLife
Mike Fowler
Director
Velocity Clinical Research
Leroy Kennedy
Director
Retired
Graham Williams
Director
Retired
Glenn Ivey
Immediate Past Chair, Advisor
SelfStorage of Union
Lewis Jeter
Past Chair, Advisor
Retired