Cliffs Residents Outreach Inc

Cliffs Residents Outreach was founded in 2007 as a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our mission is to raise and invest funds to enable over 35,000 Upstate students across 4 Counties to achieve lifelong success. In our most recent fiscal year ended 7/31/2025, CRO raised a record $1.6M (+27% over prior year) with grants equal to that amount. We now support over 35 schools and 30 education and related non-profits to enhance outcomes, improve the quality of the student experience, and better prepare students for what comes next after graduating from high school. Over 80% of our funding comes directly from the generosity of our Cliffs members with the balance from ~30 like minded businesses. 

We are proud that 96 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to work to help the kids, as our focus is on underserved communities and those with demonstrated need. Our grants have focused on literacy, technology, STEM, robotics, career readiness, nutrition, and human services. We work closely with the leadership teams at our schools to identify the most critical gaps that benefit the largest number of students and initiatives with a measurable impact.

In addition to investing in our communities, we recruit volunteers for tutoring and mentoring with training and student matching performed by the Pickens County YMCA. Over 70 of our members meet with students weekly with mentors committed to serving their mentees until they graduate.

We are also proud to have been recognized as an award winning non-profit. In 2023, CRO received the SC Governor's award for our mentoring and volunteering program. in 2024, CRO earned an Angels Award from the SC Secretary of State for being a fiscally responsible and well run non-profit. In 2025, CRO was recognized by the SC School Boards Association with a Champions in Education award.

It is humbling, gratifying work yet there is so much more that needs to be done.

Please learn more by visiting our website: Cliffs Residents Outreach and watch the video to see CRO in action.

Thank you!