About Inspire Columbia
Inspire Columbia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by students and community members in Columbia, South Carolina. We produce leadership events, community workshops, and civic programming that brings people together around positive change.
Mission Statement
Inspire Columbia creates stages for the stories, ideas, and talent that make our city extraordinary. We connect our community through powerful ideas and give Columbia's best a chance to be seen.
Our Story
Inspire Columbia was founded by University of South Carolina students who wanted to bring professional-grade civic programming back to their own city. Formerly known as ChangeMakers Events, the organization is entirely student-run, handling its own event production, sponsorships, and community outreach, and it reinvests every dollar it raises directly into the Columbia community.
Our organization was proud to support TEDxCongaree Vista, an independently organized effort that brought the first standard TEDx gathering held in Columbia in over ten years. Alongside supporting independent community initiatives, we run an annual associate program that gives Columbia-area students hands-on experience producing real community programming.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, all donations to Inspire Columbia are fully tax-deductible. Funds raised stay local, covering the essential costs of putting on accessible, informative, and action-oriented events for the community.
Meet Our Leadership
Inspire Columbia is run entirely by current University of South Carolina students.
Meet the Team