Deep Well Project named PGA TOUR Charity of the Year

The Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project has been named the 2025 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year, earning a $30,000 grant to support housing assistance programs on the island.

Organization staff members were surprised with the recognition during a recent outing to repair a local resident’s home. The honor was announced by the PGA TOUR. Deep Well Project is a nonprofit beneficiary of the RBC Heritage, Hilton Head Island’s annual PGA TOUR event.

Founded in 1973 to provide clean drinking water on Hilton Head Island, Deep Well has expanded its mission over the decades to provide emergency financial assistance, with a focus on housing stability for members of the island’s workforce.

Through its Emergency Rent/Mortgage Program, the organization pays all or part of housing costs for residents who have experienced an unexpected loss of income or expense that places them at risk of homelessness. In the first 10 months of 2025, Deep Well reported paying $516,000 in rent and mortgage assistance, helping approximately 1,600 people remain housed.

The nonprofit also operates a Livable Housing Home Repair Program, which provides critical repairs to ensure homes are safe and habitable. The organization said it has repaired 100 homes and expected to complete an additional 10 to 15 by the end of 2025.

“Decent and affordable housing for neighbors who comprise our workforce is a challenge across the country, but it’s especially concerning in resort areas like Hilton Head Island,” said Sandy Gillis, executive director of Deep Well Project. “Land costs are high, and when you’re a barrier island, expansion isn’t an option. This amazing recognition from the PGA TOUR, and its grant will power the housing assistance work that Deep Well Project is doing. It will help us be a safety net for neighbors, while also keeping our tourism-based economy firing on all cylinders.”

The $30,000 Charity of the Year grant will support both the rent and mortgage assistance program and the home repair initiative.
The Heritage Classic Foundation, the charitable arm of the RBC Heritage tournament, supports more than 90 local charities across six focus areas. Since 1987, the foundation has distributed $59.5 million to charities in South Carolina and Georgia, according to tournament officials.

“This recognition reflects the incredible impact The Deep Well Project has made in our community, and we couldn’t be prouder to support their mission,” said Steve Wilmot, president and tournament director of the RBC Heritage. “Their dedication and compassion inspire us all, and we look forward to standing beside them as they continue to change lives on Hilton Head Island.”

The PGA TOUR reports that its tournaments collectively have generated more than $4 billion for charitable causes to date.