Mission Oversight
Maintaining attention to the Foundation's charitable purpose and public-service priorities in South Carolina.
The Poston Foundation
Leadership and Governance
A small board. Clear responsibility.
The Poston Foundation is governed by a three-member Board of Directors and led day to day by its Founder & Executive Director. The structure is small, which makes clear roles, documented decisions, conflict-of-interest standards, and internal controls especially important.
At a Glance
Who is responsible for what.
This page identifies the people currently responsible for oversight and the practices the Foundation is using to strengthen governance as the organization grows.
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Organization
- South Carolina nonprofit corporation
- Federal Status
- IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity
- Service Area
- South Carolina
- Current Initiatives
- Carolina Cares, Poston Preserve & GERT
Public Verification
Governance information should connect to records a reviewer can check.
Governance Overview
Board oversight should stay close to mission and money.
The Foundation is governed by a three-member Board of Directors. Board leadership supports organizational oversight, responsible stewardship, policy administration, and the continued development of charitable operations.
Responsible Stewardship
Supporting careful administration, financial oversight, documentation, and responsible use of charitable resources.
Policy and Accountability
Working through bylaws, internal policies, conflict-of-interest standards, and core organizational controls.
Board of Directors
Current Board of Directors
The three-member board provides governance and organizational oversight. The roster below is reflected in the Foundation’s Candid profile as of September 24, 2026.
Executive Leadership and Director
Eric Chalmers Poston
Founder & Executive Director President Treasurer Secretary Director
Eric Chalmers Poston founded The Poston Foundation in 2020 and serves as Founder & Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors. His work spans nonprofit management, digital strategy, business operations, communications, program development, and organizational administration.
He leads fundraising, public communications, grant readiness, program development, governance coordination, Carolina Cares, The Poston Preserve Initiative, and the GERT Coastal Education & Conservation Initiative.
The public Candid roster identifies Eric Chalmers Poston as Board Chair for 2026–2027. Questions about Foundation programs, funding plans, or organizational records may be directed to eposton@thepostonfoundation.org or 803-365-3054.
Director
Harold Chalmers Poston
Harold Chalmers Poston serves on the Board of Directors and supports governance, stewardship, and organizational oversight in furtherance of the Foundation's charitable mission.
Director
Maxine Moody Poston
Maxine Moody Poston serves on the Board of Directors and supports governance, stewardship, and organizational oversight in furtherance of the Foundation's charitable mission.
Governance and Accountability
Governance practices that matter more as the Foundation grows.
Governance at the Foundation is supported by organizational documents and internal practices designed to strengthen accountability, stewardship, and consistent decision-making.
Bylaws and Board Oversight
Board responsibilities and organizational decision-making are guided by the Foundation's governing documents and charitable purpose.
Conflict-of-Interest Standards
Conflict-of-interest standards support impartial decision-making and attention to the Foundation's charitable interests.
Internal Controls
Core internal controls and documentation practices support stewardship, operational consistency, and responsible administration.
Charitable Compliance
Operations are organized with attention to nonprofit obligations, accurate public communication, and appropriate use of charitable resources.
Leadership in Service
Governance should make the work stronger—not just add paperwork.
Leadership supports three current initiatives: Carolina Cares, focused on practical direct aid; Poston Preserve, focused on public history and place-based community development; and GERT Makes Waves, focused on children’s literacy, sponsored book outreach, coastal education, and responsible conservation purposes. Each requires a clear scope, responsible use of funds, documented activity, and public communication suited to the work being carried out.
Oversight and Implementation
Clear responsibilities help a small organization work carefully.
Board-level oversight
The Board of Directors provides organizational oversight and attention to charitable purpose, policies, and stewardship. Its role is especially important as the Foundation develops a more consistent fundraising and program structure.
The public Candid profile’s board roster, dated September 24, 2026, identifies Eric Chalmers Poston, Harold Chalmers Poston, and Maxine Moody Poston. The Foundation’s family roots are part of its identity; documented decisions and attention to conflicts remain important to responsible governance.
Day-to-day coordination
Eric Chalmers Poston serves as Founder & Executive Director and is listed as President, Treasurer, and Secretary. He coordinates program development, fundraising systems, public communications, and organizational administration.
Executive responsibilities are supported by board oversight, internal controls, documented approvals, and clear program records.
Stewardship in the Program Plan
The records should explain how support becomes charitable work.
The Carolina Cares stewardship plan identifies the following documentation priorities. They describe the operating framework being built around the program.
Contributions and donor intent
Track the source, amount, date, restriction, and acknowledgment status of funds received. Record appropriate in-kind support separately so donated goods can be understood alongside cash contributions.
Purchases and supplies
Keep receipts, invoices, vendor records, and budget categories for purchases. Use kit counts and practical supply or inventory records to connect procurement to preparation.
Distribution and public reporting
Document distribution dates, locations or partners, and kit counts without unnecessary recipient identification. Prepare concise narrative and financial summaries for leadership, donors, sponsors, and funders.
Budget review and project scope
Compare planned costs with actual spending and explain changes. Poston Preserve’s proposed budget also calls for pricing, required site permissions, and approval before a commitment, with activities paced to available funds.
Information for Funders and Partners
Review the structure and the program behind a proposed commitment.
Published governance information
The Foundation’s Candid profile includes board-practice disclosures covering orientation, executive oversight, conflict-of-interest review, board recruitment, and board assessment.
The current program overview describes adopted governance policies, internal controls, and recordkeeping procedures intended to support responsible stewardship. Specific records may be requested when appropriate for a funding or partnership review.
Review the Candid profileA useful due-diligence request
Tell us which program or proposed project you are reviewing, the documents needed, the intended funding period, and any submission deadline. That helps the Foundation respond with the most relevant public materials and explain the status of any additional record.
Start with the strategic plan, program briefs, and proposed budgets in the document library. For program design, sponsorship, or governance questions, contact Eric Chalmers Poston through the Foundation’s public contact channels.
Open the public document libraryLearn More
A serious nonprofit structure for practical service.
Learn more about The Poston Foundation’s mission, review the public program materials, or support the initiative that best matches your charitable interests.