Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
To provide resources to 25,000 Upstate South Carolina children and young adults that promote opportunities for lifelong success.
GuideStar seals, ranging from Bronze to Platinum, rate a nonprofits financial transparency, governance, and commitment to measuring results. Fewer than 1% of nonprofits in the United States have earned GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.
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Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) was recognized by South Carolina’s Secretary of State Mark Hammond on November 21st in Columbia, SC as a winner of the Angels of 2024 award.
Angel charities are those that have made significant contributions to the well-being of South Carolinians and that have demonstrated good stewardship of charitable resources. CRO has deployed 93.2% of its revenues to program services.
The Angels were selected by review of financial reports submitted annually to the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as through nominations from the public. To be selected as an Angel, the charity must have devoted 80% or more of its total expenditures to charitable programs, must have been in existence for three or more years, must make good use of volunteer services, must receive minimal funding from grants, must have a significant presence in South Carolina, and must be in compliance with the South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds.
“The 2024 Angels exemplify the diverse needs and passions of people from all over South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “It is my hope that this recognition will encourage others to donate their time and resources to an area that interests them, and to do so wisely.”
CRO was represented at the awards ceremony by Scott Wallace, President of CRO, Rebecca McNichols, Chair of Vineyards CRO, Kelly Bodine, Chair of Springs CRO, and Perry Helm, Vice Chair of Glassy CRO.
Since 2007, Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO), a 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation, has been committed to the mission of “Providing resources to regional children that promote opportunities for lifelong success.” While we support a wide variety of student programs, our focus centers on funding initiatives that relate to education and human services.
CRO is comprised of five Communities that represent The Cliffs’ South Carolina Communities of Glassy, Valley & Mountain Park, Keowee Vineyards, Keowee Falls & Keowee Springs. Representatives from each of these Communities serve as Directors of the CRO Corporate Board. Each Community has a volunteer Advisory Council that works independently to support the needs of their local schools through fundraising and volunteering, all aligning with one consistent mission – enabling Upstate children to succeed.
The success of CRO is measured by the many benefits we have provided to our community school students. Through the generosity of our residents and community service partners, and the services of our committed volunteers, we have seen great things happen in our local schools.
CRO supports children and their immediate families nearby in Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Oconee counties in South Carolina with programs focused: on literacy, technology, education (K-12 and early childhood), nutrition, human services, and student/family crisis situations.
THE YEAR
CIFFS RESIDENTS OUTREACH
WAS ESTABLISHED AS A 501(c)(3)
non-profit with the mission to “Provide
resources to regional children that
promote opportunities for lifelong success.”
CRO has a board of directors, officers,
and representatives from each of the
five community-level advisory councils.
SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY CROs — GLASSY, VALLEY/MOUNTAIN PARK, KEOWEE VINEYARDS, KEOWEE FALLS, AND KEOWEE SPRINGS. To efficiently and effectively serve the local communities, the board empowers each of the five community advisory councils to drive CRO engagement with local program recipients, volunteers, and donors.
CRO AIMS TO BE A 100% VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION as much as practical. Some technical and financial management services may be contracted (e.g., website management, audit, and accounting services).
NUMBER OF CRO VOLUNTEERS. Keowee Springs CRO won the 2023 South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Award for Group or Family Service for its notable growth from six to 60 in the number of mentors it provides to the schools it supports.
CRO strives to maintain a donor base where at least 80% OF FUNDS COME FROM RESIDENTS.
OF FUNDING GOES DIRECTLY TO CRO’S MISSION.
and find out how you can support Cliffs Residents Outreach.
In any given calendar year, the amount provided to specific categories of programs can shift based on needs and priorities. In calendar year 2024, the funding was spread among the following categories:
This category encompasses everything from scholarships to music education to summer academic camps.
Examples include the purchase of tablets and laptops, educational software, robotics kits, and specialized technology for programs in website design, animation, and even mechanical engineering classes.
This category captures funding support for everything from medical assistance to family emergency-housing assistance.
Examples include weekend backpacks of food for families to nutritious after-school snacks.
Spans programs that replace and upgrade library books, back school literacy initiatives such as One School One Book, and provide specialized support for children needing extra help to reach grade-level competency.
This includes everything from improvements to school facilities, such as library furnishings, to basic supplies so that no students start school without their supplies.
Funding support has aided in everything from improving playgrounds for preschool/Pre-K to age appropriate books.
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IMPACTED ANNUALLY
in the Upstate by CRO support.
the amount cro provides annually
to support programs and organizations across the Upstate. This has increased significantly since Cliffs Residents Outreach launched in 2007.
Increase in overall giving in the last 5 years.
CRO Holds Platinum Tier Status With GuideStar
Platinum is the highest possible rating. This seal showcases measurable outcomes and impact as well as financial transparency.
GuideStar is an independent group that provides information and ratings for all non-profits.
We are grateful for the financial support from our residents, corporate partners and individual community sponsors. Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) is making a difference in the lives of children in the Upstate through literacy, nutrition and mentoring programs. Donations that support multiple CRO Community initiatives, Donor Advised Fund contributions, and donations that require payment to CRO, Inc, 501(c)(3) should be made payable to:
CRO, Inc.
c/o Scott Wallace, President
635 Garden Market, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
CRO is grateful for the ongoing generous support of our Corporate Partners play an important part in reaching our goals. Please support them if you are in need of their goods or services, and join us in thanking them for their commitment to our mission!
Our Corporate Partners Make a Difference.
Cliffs Residents Outreach is a 501(c)(3) non-profit South Carolina corporation with defined by-laws. A board of directors consisting of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer with additional board members representing all Upstate SC Cliffs communities governs the CRO organization. The CRO board meets quarterly. Volunteer advisory councils govern the CRO communities of Glassy, Valley & Mountain Park, Keowee Vineyards, Keowee Falls and Keowee Springs. The board is proud to report that general and administrative costs represent less than 5% of the budget.
Most community programs fall under these categories: Educational Programs (as requested by the schools), Nutritional, Family Resources, ECD-Early Childhood Education and Student/Family crisis situations. Contact your community Advisory Council for specific program information.
Each CRO Community selects nearby school(s) and the programs aligned with the CRO mission of enabling Upstate children to succeed. The Advisory Councils work with the schools and programs to identify, select, and evaluate the impact of CRO support.
You can support CRO by volunteering your time and your talents as well as through financial donations.
Residents wishing to volunteer should contact your community Advisory Council members.
Tax deductible donations may be made on-line by credit card or by mailing a check and may be designated to a specific CRO Community. See the Donate button on your community website for additional information.
CRO is now able to accept donations of stock through our brokerage account with Merrill Lynch. Almost all publicly traded stocks can be accepted. If you have an interest in donating stock please contact your CRO community treasurer. After confirming that the stock of interest can be accepted we will provide you with the information needed to initiate the transfer. The donation value of the stock transfer will be based on the date the stock is received into the CRO account.
As a donor to CRO, please consider having your gift matched by your employer. Even if you’re retired, your former employer may still match your gift. Not sure if your employer or a prior employer offers a charitable match? Utilize the following link and find out! https://www.vwu.edu/giving/
Recent IRS Form 990’s can be accessed via the FAQ box shown below. You may request a copy of a specific CRO Community Advisory Council Budget Plan by contacting the appropriate Community Treasurer, each of whose contact information is located on the community “Donate” page.
IRS Form 990 is an informational tax return that the CRO is required to file annually. The form provides an overview of the organization’s activities, governance, and detailed financial information. The return covers the period August 1 of each year through July 31 of the following year, coinciding with the CRO fiscal year.
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