Every year, thousands of people across South Carolina’s Midlands region come together for Midlands Gives, an online giving event that connects local donors with nonprofits doing real, tangible work right in their community. But for many dads and community members, the question is still the same: which nonprofits should I support, and why does it matter?

The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families (SCCFF) is one of those nonprofits. When you give to SCCFF through Midlands Gives, your donation goes directly to supporting fathers and strengthening families right here in the Midlands and across all 46 counties of South Carolina.

What Is Midlands Gives? A Quick Explainer for Midlands Residents

If you've lived in the Columbia area or surrounding counties for a while, chances are you've heard of Midlands Gives. But if you're new to the region (or just haven't participated yet), here's the short version.

Midlands Gives is a year-round online giving platform hosted by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. It connects donors with more than 600 local nonprofits serving 11 Midlands counties. You can explore organizations, learn what they do, and donate anytime through MidlandsGives.org.

The biggest moment of the year is Midlands Gives Day, an 18-hour giving celebration held on the first Tuesday of May. In 2026, that falls on May 5th. During this event, sponsor prize incentives stretch donations further, and a live leaderboard tracks giving in real time. There's even a Block Party at Segra Park to celebrate the spirit of community generosity.

Since launching in 2014, Midlands Gives has helped raise more than $32 million for hundreds of local organizations. It's one of the simplest, most impactful ways to invest in the Midlands.

How SCCFF Serves Midlands Dads Year-Round

The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families has been empowering dads since 2002. Over the past 25 years, SCCFF has served more than 35,000 fathers statewide — and the Midlands is at the heart of that mission.

SCCFF operates through a Hub & Spoke model, partnering with five regional affiliates to deliver programs and services across the state. In the Midlands specifically, the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition covers 16 counties, providing accessible support through hub offices, virtual platforms, phone counseling, and a 24-hour hotline at 844-4SC-DADS.

Here's what SCCFF offers dads completely free of charge:

• Parenting skills classes covering discipline, quality time, and positive role modeling
• Healthy relationships coaching to build self-awareness and stronger family dynamics
• Economic mobility support including job skills training, employment coaching, and budgeting guidance
• Health and wellness education addressing diet, mental health, substance abuse, and preventive screenings

Every program participant also receives a PHQ-9 mental health assessment, because SCCFF understands that building better dads means supporting the whole person, not just one piece of the puzzle.

To find a program near you, visit the SCCFF Find a Program page and enter your zip code.

Why SCCFF Is on Midlands Gives Every Year

Father absence is one of the most persistent challenges facing South Carolina families. More than 23% of children nationwide grow up without an engaged father in the home, and the ripple effects touch everything from school performance to mental health to long-term economic stability.

SCCFF exists to change that equation, and Midlands Gives provides a critical platform to reach donors who care about the same thing.

Participating in Midlands Gives allows SCCFF to connect with community members who might not otherwise know about the organization. It puts fatherhood front and center during one of the biggest giving events in the region, and it helps fund the free programs that dads rely on every single day.

When SCCFF shows up on Midlands Gives, it's not just about raising dollars. It's about raising awareness that investing in fathers is one of the smartest investments a community can make.

What Happens When You Donate to SCCFF on Midlands Gives Day

So where does your money actually go? That's a fair question, and SCCFF is transparent about the impact.

In 2025 alone, SCCFF served 3,409 fathers (a 15% increase over the previous year), impacting more than 3,800 children. That same year, the organization helped generate $416,815 in new income for employed dads, facilitated $842,391 in child support payments, and contributed an estimated $1,554,300 in incarceration cost savings.

Every dollar donated through Midlands Gives helps keep these services free for the fathers who need them most. Whether it's a dad learning how to co-parent after a divorce, a father reentering the workforce after incarceration, or a young man figuring out how to establish paternity, your donation funds the programs, the staff, and the resources that make it all possible.

You can view the full breakdown in the 2025 SCCFF Impact Report.

Where to Find SCCFF in the Midlands

SCCFF's headquarters is located at 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 111, Columbia, SC 29204. But the organization's reach extends far beyond Columbia.

Through its partnership with the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition and its four other regional affiliates, SCCFF delivers programming across the entire state. In the Midlands region alone, fathers can access services through hub offices, community sites, and virtual platforms.

In 2025, SCCFF expanded further with new offices in Orangeburg and Aiken, making it easier than ever for dads in underserved areas to get the help they need.

If you're a dad looking for support, or you know someone who could use it, start at the Find a Program page or call the 24-hour hotline at 844-4SC-DADS.

How to Give to SCCFF on Midlands Gives Day

Donating is quick and straightforward. Here's how to do it:

1. Visit the SCCFF page on Midlands Gives: Go to midlandsgives.org/organization/scfathersandfamilies.
2. Choose your donation amount: Every gift counts. There's no minimum.
3. Give on May 5, 2026, for maximum impact: Donations made on Midlands Gives Day may be eligible for sponsor prize incentives that stretch your dollars further.
4. Share with your network: Spread the word on social media so others can support Midlands dads, too.

You can also donate year-round through the same platform or directly at scfathersandfamilies.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Midlands Gives?
Midlands Gives is a year-round online giving platform and annual giving day hosted by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. It connects donors with more than 600 nonprofits across 11 Midlands counties.

When is Midlands Gives Day 2026?
Midlands Gives Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. An 18-hour giving celebration starting early in the morning.

Is SCCFF a Midlands-based nonprofit?
Yes. SCCFF is headquartered in Columbia, SC, and its Midlands Fatherhood Coalition affiliate serves 16 counties in the Midlands region. The organization also operates statewide through five regional partners.

Are SCCFF's programs really free?
Yes. All SCCFF programs, including parenting classes, employment coaching, healthy relationship workshops, and health education, are offered at no cost to participants. That’s possible because of donor support from platforms like Midlands Gives.

How do I find a fatherhood program near me?
Visit scfathersandfamilies.com/find-a-program and enter your zip code, or call the 24-hour hotline at 844-4SC-DADS.

Show Up for Midlands Dads This May

Midlands Gives is one of the best opportunities all year to invest in the fathers and families right here in your community. SCCFF shows up for dads across South Carolina 365 days a year — and Midlands Gives makes it easy for you to show up for them.

Visit the SCCFF Midlands Gives page to donate directly, explore SCCFF's programs to see the full scope of what your gift supports, or find a fatherhood program near you. Whether you give $10 or $1,000, your support helps a dad in the Midlands become the father his kids need.