News
Goodwill Receives Truist Foundation grant to Fuel the Next Generation of South Carolina’s Clean Tech Workforce
August 18, 2026
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) recently celebrated significant support in South Carolina’s workforce as Truist Foundation presented a grant to support the continued growth of GIUMSC’s Clean Tech Accelerator program, an innovative workforce development initiative preparing individuals for careers in the clean technology field.
This is more than financial support – it is a commitment to expanding opportunity. Truist Foundation’s grant will allow GIUMSC to serve additional participants, provide industry-recognized training and certifications, strengthen employer partnership and connect more individuals with family-sustaining careers in one of South Carolina’s fastest growing industries.
Since its launch, the Clean Tech Accelerator program has become one of GIUMSC’s premier workforce initiatives, preparing participants through accelerated, hands-on training that leads directly to employment. Graduates earn valuable industry credentials, including multiple certifications in high-paying, in-demand careers.
The success of the program is driven by strong partnerships between GIUMSC, employers, and community investors who share a common goal of developing the state’s workforce. Truist Foundation’s support will help ensure that even more individuals have access to the training and support needed to succeed while helping employers meet the increasing demand for skilled workers.
“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Jonathan Chavis, Truist market president. “Goodwill’s Clean Tech Accelerator program has already demonstrated its ability to change lives while strengthening South Carolina’s workforce. We are proud to support a program that connects individuals with meaningful careers, helps employers build the skilled workforce they need and creates opportunities that will have a lasting impact across our communities.”
The grant also reflects the shared commitment of Truist Foundation and Goodwill to expand economic mobility through workforce development. By investing in innovative training programs that respond directly to employer demand, the partnership is helping build a stronger workforce while creating brighter futures for individuals and families throughout the Upstate and Midlands.
“We are incredibly grateful for Truist Foundation’s confidence in our mission and their investment in the people we serve,” said Chunsta Miller, GIUMSC Vice President of Communication and Public Engagement. “This generous grant allows us to build on the incredible success of the Clean Tech Accelerator and extend its impact even further. Every dollar represents another opportunity for someone to gain valuable skills, earn industry credentials and begin a rewarding career. Support like this doesn’t simply fund programs – it changes lives, strengthens business and creates a more resilient workforce for South Carolina.”
As demand for skilled clean technology professionals continue to grow, Trust Foundation’s support will help GIUMSC continue preparing the next generation of technicians while creating opportunities that benefit individuals, employers and communities alike.
About Trust Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small business to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are all the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at TruistFoundation.org