Upcountry Fiber Foundation announced that its annual charity golf tournament, held on October 21 at The Cliffs at Mountain Park, raised $150,000 for nonprofit organizations serving the internet provider’s service area. The event, presented by ElectriCom, attracted local business leaders, community volunteers and families who shared a love of the game and a commitment to strengthening the region.
Grant focus on education, youth, culture, arts and health
The foundation, the charitable arm and permanent endowment of Upcountry Fiber, will distribute the proceeds to nonprofit groups that directly impact residents of Anderson, Oconee, Pickens and northern Greenville counties. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a clear benefit to the communities that Upcountry Fiber serves, ensuring that every dollar raised on the course returns to the neighborhoods where members live and work.
Leadership highlights the community impact
“Every dollar raised on that course goes right back into the communities our members call home,” said Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and co‑chair of the Upcountry Fiber Foundation. Lovinggood emphasized that the foundation’s mission aligns with the cooperative’s long‑standing commitment to reliable, affordable broadband and to the broader well‑being of the region.
Growth from the previous year
The $150,000 total eclipses the $133,000 collected during the 2025 tournament, reflecting growing community enthusiasm and the effectiveness of the foundation’s outreach. Organizers attribute the increase to expanded sponsor participation, higher player turnout and a renewed focus on transparent grant reporting.
How the funds will be used
Grant recipients will receive support for a range of initiatives, including after‑school tutoring programs, youth sports leagues, cultural festivals, local theater productions, health‑screening clinics and senior‑service projects. By targeting these areas, the foundation aims to foster a stronger, more connected community while also promoting digital literacy and access to high‑speed internet.
Looking ahead
Foundation officials plan to build on this momentum for next year’s tournament, seeking additional corporate partners and expanding the pool of eligible nonprofits. The goal is to create a sustainable cycle of giving that continually reinvests in the very people who rely on Upcountry Fiber’s broadband services.
For more information about the Upcountry Fiber Foundation, its grant application process, or upcoming events, visit upcountryfiber.com/foundation.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
