Beautification and Public Safety foundations report volunteers, fundraising and events; beautification installs hanging baskets downtown

Two citizen-founded nonprofit foundations provided updates to the council on volunteer projects, fundraising and events. The North Augusta Beautification Foundation reported 44 sponsor-funded downtown hanging baskets (41 already installed), a community cleanup, and plans for a renamed November wine-walk fundraiser (formerly Jessamine Music Festival). The foundation said it has obtained 501(c)(3) status and has run outreach events including Springfest and third-Thursday activities.

The Beautification Foundation credited city crews with helping install the hanging baskets before the Jack O’Lantern Jubilee and said it has partnered with local nurseries and neighboring cities to learn best practices. The group said it raised funds through a raffle (about $3,300 in donations) and reported plans for a recurring, year-over-year secret project not yet detailed to the council.

The North Augusta Public Safety Foundation (NASPF) reported nearly $30,000 raised in 2024 and a 2025 fundraising goal of $40,000. The NASPF said it provided emergency relief grants following Hurricane Helene — $1,500 each to three officers who were displaced — contributed to k-9 officer support and honor-guard uniforms, and distributed holiday cards and $20 gift cards to 110 public safety employees at the chief’s request. NASPF leaders described plans to grow membership, evaluate a payroll-deduction option for employees, and eventually establish an education scholarship fund and an unfunded capital expense project targeted no later than FY2031.

Both foundations said they were citizen-led with city liaisons and two council representatives. Council members praised the volunteer recruitment program that has produced numerous appointees for boards and commissions via the city’s citizen involvement form.