Family-serving professionals from across South Carolina convened in West Columbia on Sept. 24 for a high-impact summit focused on sustainable fundraising and advocacy strategies for community programs.

The daylong event was hosted by Children’s Trust of South Carolina’s Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) team. With more than 20 Triple P partners across the state, Children’s Trust works to activate the evidence-based prevention program statewide, supported by The Duke Endowment and the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation. 

Sarah Knox, senior director of policy and advocacy at Children’s Trust, delivered a two-part advocacy training session. The first covered the basics of effective public policy work, while the second dove into navigating the South Carolina General Assembly.

“Advocacy is essential to sustaining and scaling our programs,” Knox said. “When we understand the policy landscape and learn how to engage lawmakers effectively, we can turn passion into lasting policy impact.”

Keynote speaker Mary Dell Hayes, principal consultant at StopGap Solutions, led an interactive session titled Effective Donor Stewardship: Thriving in the Storm of Scaling for Success. She emphasized the importance of grounding fundraising strategies in purpose and connection.

“Fundraising is not about us going out and begging on the street,” Hayes said. “It’s about us inviting people in to be part of the heart and core of our work and letting them carry the load alongside us.”

Hayes encouraged attendees to ask what is within their control and what boundaries can be pushed, amidst the changing landscape of fundraising. “What does it look like for us to be wildly successful? You are the professionals who can help guide your community along the way.”

After the keynote session, Children’s Trust staff announced that enrollment is now open for the revamped Triple P South Carolina Network for the 2025–2027 term.

The network brings together agencies, accredited Triple P practitioners, support staff and partners who are dedicated to strengthening families through shared learning, coordinated support and advocacy.

Triple P Network Enrollment Details

Membership is free and the term runs now until Sept. 30, 2027.

It is open to anyone delivering, supporting, funding, evaluating or advocating for Triple P in South Carolina.

Membership benefits include:

• Ongoing professional development and peer learning
• Statewide events promoting collaboration
• Curated communication tools and campaign resources
• Outreach and storytelling opportunities
• Potential funding connections and partnerships

Organizers said the summit’s theme, Mission Possible, reflected the shared belief that with the right tools, community organizations can continue to create meaningful, measurable impact — even in a challenging environment.

Sarah Knox Offers Advocacy Advice for Community Organizations