Arts Organization Quarterly Project Grant Program

The Arts Organization Quarterly Project Grant Program, administered by the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC) in Greenville, South Carolina, is designed to support nonprofit arts and cultural organizations operating within Greenville County. MAC has a long-standing commitment to fostering the arts and enabling community access to creative experiences, and this grant program reinforces that mission by focusing on initiatives that directly impact the community through arts engagement, economic development, and organizational growth. Emphasis is placed on projects that bring measurable benefits to local residents and visitors, bolster the sustainability of artistic endeavors, and enhance the cultural landscape of the region. Funding priority is directed toward projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to the community, such as those providing consistent compensation to artists or covering artist-related costs. Additionally, projects that promote cultural tourism—by incorporating arts activities into visitor itineraries—are favored. MAC also seeks to support efforts that build artistic and administrative capacity within local arts organizations, ensuring broader access to the arts for diverse audiences and facilitating long-term organizational development. Marketing and promotional campaigns, artist fees, and production or exhibition-related costs are considered allowable expenses under this grant. While staff and overhead costs may be included, their eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify. Organizations must be registered charitable entities or government units currently registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Furthermore, applicants must be physically located in Greenville County and serve its residents. Demonstrated capacity to raise the required matching funds is a prerequisite for all applicants. Notably, organizations receiving General Operating Support (GOS) from MAC are deprioritized and encouraged to partner with non-GOS entities if they wish to participate in project funding opportunities. Funding is awarded in amounts up to $3,000 per project, with a required 2:1 applicant-to-MAC matching contribution. Each organization may receive no more than two grants in a calendar year, and the same project may not receive funding from multiple quarterly grants. Incomplete reporting or outstanding requirements from previously funded projects will render applicants ineligible until those issues are resolved. This reinforces MAC’s emphasis on accountability and responsible grant stewardship. The application and submission process is entirely online. MAC no longer accepts mailed or faxed applications. For 2026, the quarterly deadlines are as follows: February 16 (for projects initiated May–July), May 15 (for August–October), August 14 (for November–January), and November 16 (for February–April). Applications must be submitted by 11:45 PM on the deadline date. The program is recurring on a quarterly basis, ensuring regular opportunities for organizations to seek support for eligible projects throughout the year. MAC also encourages projects that aim to reach new audiences or underserved communities and help stimulate broader economic and community development through the arts. The grants are structured to be accessible and impactful for both emerging and established organizations. While the online application and reporting forms are linked from the MAC website, no direct contact information is provided within the available documentation. However, MAC maintains open office hours and a strong local presence, offering additional support for applicants as needed.

Emphasize project feasibility, community impact, diversity in audience reach, and confirmed logistical planning. Incomplete applications lose points. Collaboration with non-GOS partners is encouraged.