Accessibility Grants to help Non-profit Organizations in South Carolina

The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) offers the Accessibility Grant to support South Carolina-based organizations in enhancing accessibility to arts programs and facilities for individuals with disabilities. The SCAC is a state agency dedicated to promoting equitable access to the arts throughout South Carolina, collaborating with state and national partners such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. This grant reflects SCAC's mission to foster inclusive engagement by mitigating barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from full participation in cultural and artistic opportunities. The Accessibility Grant provides funding up to $2,500 and operates on a reimbursement basis for expenses incurred during the grant period, which spans from August 11, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Applicants must submit their proposals through the SCAC’s Foundant grants portal, with the final submission deadline set for March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. However, applications must be submitted at least five weeks before the proposed activities or expenditures. Earlier submissions are strongly encouraged, and applications can be submitted as early as July 7, 2025. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government units based in South Carolina, as well as designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) boards. Applicants must either have a mission centered on the arts, serve as the primary arts provider in their community, or be undertaking a project that directly connects the arts to people with disabilities. All applicants must be federally tax-exempt or apply through a qualifying fiscal agent. Additionally, organizations must have a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) to be considered. Colleges and universities are not eligible. Priority consideration is given to applicants located in the SCAC's Opportunity Initiative Counties, including Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun, and others. Funds may be used to address physical, communication, and digital barriers to accessibility. Examples of allowable expenditures include sign language interpretation, Braille materials, assistive listening devices, audio description, inclusive programming, website accessibility audits, ramp construction, restroom modifications, and more. Capital improvements must comply with relevant building codes and historic preservation standards where applicable. Projects must be completed within the defined grant period. Grant funds cannot be used for new construction, cosmetic renovations, or unrelated consultant fees. Applications are evaluated based on a rubric that includes barrier identification, community input from people with disabilities, project planning, professional involvement, feasibility of the proposed timeline, and impact and sustainability of the effort. Each category carries a point-based score, and the SCAC encourages applicants to thoroughly review this rubric while developing proposals. Successful applications will clearly define the barrier to be addressed, include detailed plans and budgets, and demonstrate engagement with the disability community in shaping the project. For support, applicants may contact Amanda Noyes, the Arts Learning & Accessibility Director at anoyes@arts.sc.gov or call 803.734.8675. General inquiries and grant-specific assistance are available through the Grants Team at grants@arts.sc.gov or by phone at 803.734.8695. Additional guidance is provided via the Grants Portal FAQ and the SCAC’s accessibility resources page. Applicants are also encouraged to take advantage of the Grants Coaching webpage for webinars and one-on-one assistance.

Applicants should review the evaluation rubric carefully and apply early. Engagement with disability community is key.