Community Impact Grant

The Community Impact Grant, administered by the Richland County Office of Budget and Strategic Management in South Carolina, is designed to support nonprofit organizations and agencies delivering vital community-based programs. This grant program aligns with Richland County Government’s overarching mission to enhance the quality of life for all county residents. To this end, it encourages the continued operation and innovation of services that address pressing needs within the community. For Fiscal Year 2026, pending budget approval, the County Council has allocated up to $1,764,000 from the General Operating Fund to this initiative. Of this amount, up to 60 percent ($1,058,400) is reserved for designated Community Partners, with the remaining 40 percent ($705,600) made available through a competitive application process. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations registered as charitable entities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and recognized by the South Carolina Secretary of State. Religious organizations may apply but must ensure that grant funds are strictly used for secular activities. The program explicitly excludes individuals, for-profit entities, and politically affiliated organizations. Applications must focus on one of several key impact areas: promoting homeownership through education and financial planning; youth programming that reduces violence and enhances safety and workforce readiness; sustainable childcare initiatives for working parents; food insecurity solutions; and veteran health and wellness support. Funding may not be used for fundraising, debt reduction, asset purchases, general operations, medical research, or conference sponsorship, among other restricted uses. Applicants may request up to $50,000 per project and are allowed to submit only one application per year. All proposed projects must be implemented directly by the applicant organization; sub-granting is not permitted. The application process is hosted through ZoomGrants, and all components must be fully completed. Key elements include the organization’s mission, service area, strategic alignment with county priorities, background and past performance, project description, expected community benefits, sustainability planning, and collaboration details. A detailed project budget must accompany the application, including both direct funding requests and anticipated revenues, such as in-kind contributions and pending grants. Applications are evaluated by the Community Impact Grant Committee, using a 100-point scoring system. Evaluation criteria include the clarity and relevance of the project summary, anticipated impact, organizational background and capability, and detailed budget justification. The maximum allowable payment request upon approval is 75% of the awarded amount, with the remaining 25% reimbursed upon submission of a final report and complete financial documentation. Grantees are also required to submit quarterly reports detailing expenditures and progress, including itemized receipts and proof of payment. All marketing or communications related to the funded project must acknowledge Richland County’s support. For the FY2027 cycle, applications open December 1, 2025, and close at 11:59 PM ET on February 1, 2026. Applicants must submit their proposals via ZoomGrants, and all required attachments—such as IRS determination letters, financials, proof of insurance, and letters of support—must be included to be considered complete. Notifications of awards are expected in June 2026, with reimbursements beginning in July 2026. Richland County places high importance on timely reporting; organizations not in compliance may be deemed ineligible for future funding. Interested applicants should direct inquiries to Matiah Pough, the Grants Manager, by phone at 803-576-5459 or via email at [email protected]. The County emphasizes equitable access to its grant programs, affirming non-discrimination in participation and use of funds. All application materials are subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Address a strategic priority; show impact on underserved communities; explain program sustainability and direct benefit to Richland County residents