Despite the economic times, the Heritage Classic Foundation distributed a little more than $1 million to the many charities, civic organizations that run the on-course concessions and scholarship receipients in the community. Those grants from the 2009 Verizon Heritage brought the total amount distributed by the Heritage Classic Foundation to over $19,500,000 in the 22 years the Heritage Classic Foundation has run the event.

The Birdies for Charity program, only in its 10th season, also contributed $321,528 within the 2009 total. Birdies distribution has now reached $2,397,988.  In 2009, 1,321 birdies were made by PGA TOUR Professionals at the Verizon Heritage.

More than 40 local and statewide charitable organizations have benefited since the inception of this program. Birdies for Charity is a completely volunteer program, with approved charitable organizations asking their supporters to pledge a small amount for each birdie made during the Verizon Heritage.

The Heritage Classic Foundation allocates and distributes an additional $100,000 of the Foundation's charitable funds among the participating Birdies for Charities organizations.

Thirteen more outstanding Beaufort County seniors were named Heritage Classic Foundation Scholars. Twelve of the awards have a $17,000 value over the next four years of college, provided the student maintains the necessary criteria. An additional grant honoring the Foundation's first Scholar Chairman, the late Mike Malanick, has a $21,000 value.

The Heritage Classic Foundation initiated this program in 1993 and sponsors twelve of the awards. The Hilton Head Golf Professional's Association sponsors the other award, called the Island Cup Award. A luncheon honoring the scholars is sponsored by Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc.

During the 2006-2007 school year, 48 Beaufort County collegians will be receiving grants at an expenditure of $171,000. Since the Scholar program began, the Heritage Classic Foundation's total distribution is $1,311,000.