Safer communities begin with informed, empowered adults. Now, thanks to a generous grant from the Daniel Island Community Fund (DICF), thousands more individuals across the Charleston area and beyond will gain access to training proven to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
The grant supports Darkness to Light, a Charleston-founded nonprofit with a global reach, in delivering its evidence-informed prevention programs to parents, educators, and community leaders. By equipping adults with the tools to protect children, these trainings create safer environments and strengthen the broader network of adults committed to ending abuse before it starts.
“At the heart of the Daniel Island Community Fund is a commitment to supporting organizations that protect and uplift the lives of those around us,” said Danielle Stix, Associate Community Manager for the Daniel Island Property Owners’ Association. “Darkness to Light’s mission to prevent child sexual abuse aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering a safe, connected, and informed community.”
Child sexual abuse is a pervasive yet often hidden issue—impacting 1 in 10 children before their 18th birthday. Most cases involve someone the child knows and trusts, making adult education all the more vital. Despite its prevalence, prevention education remains widely underutilized across many communities.
For 25 years, Darkness to Light has been a leader in prevention—empowering more than 2.4 million adults with the knowledge and skills to protect children. Their work champions child safety in homes, schools, and youth-serving organizations around the world.
With the support of the Daniel Island Community Fund, Darkness to Light will expand access to its flagship training, Stewards of Children®, and increase community outreach efforts that challenge harmful norms and reduce the stigma that too often keeps abuse in the shadows.
“This grant allows us to do more than deliver training—it helps us build a culture of prevention in neighborhoods, schools, and youth-serving organizations,” said Rhonda Newton, CEO of Darkness to Light. “We’re deeply grateful to the Daniel Island Community Fund for investing in the safety and well-being of our children.”
The Daniel Island Community Fund (DICF) was established as a means for supporting community enhancement projects and philanthropic initiatives on Daniel Island and in the surrounding Cainhoy peninsula communities. This private 501 (c) 4 organization is financially supported by a Community Enhancement Fee on all resale transactions on the island. The structure of the DICF allows its financial resources to grow as the island grows, creating a legacy for the community for generations to come. In 2024, the Daniel Island Community Fund (DICF) awarded more than $1.2M in charitable giving via grants, community initiatives, community events, and matching programs.
