Competitive Premier Project Grants

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) administers a competitive grant program to support projects that commemorate South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. Established to prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Commission funds initiatives that highlight the state’s historic contributions during the Revolutionary Era. SC250 is working in partnership with local governments, historical organizations, cultural institutions, and community groups to broaden public understanding and participation in this commemoration. Through this program, the Commission seeks to ensure that history is preserved, interpreted, and presented in ways that resonate with diverse audiences across the state. The Premier Project Grants program supports large-scale initiatives with budgets exceeding $125,001. Funding opportunities include seven grant types: Museum and Library Style Exhibit Grants, Local Activities Grants, Historic Tourism and Marketing Grants, Research, Publication, Genealogy and Digitization Grants, Education Grants, Signage and Marker Grants, and Site Grants for planning, development, or renovation. Eligible expenditures vary depending on grant type, but common costs may include consultant fees, professional labor, construction or renovation materials, interpretive signage production, research, publication expenses, and exhibit development. Certain costs are not eligible, such as food, travel, insurance, fireworks, drones, and construction permit expenses. Applicants must carefully align their budgets with the allowable costs specified for each grant type. Eligibility for Premier Project Grants is broad but limited to organizations and entities with strong ties to South Carolina. Eligible applicants include official County 250 Committees, local governments, Native American tribes, museums, historical societies, visitor centers, chambers of commerce, universities and colleges, nonprofit organizations, the South Carolina Council of Governments, and regional tourism commissions. Select businesses may also apply in public-private partnerships. Individuals are generally ineligible unless applying specifically for research or publication grants tied to the American Revolution in South Carolina. All projects must be based in South Carolina, with the exception of research and publication work that directly relates to South Carolina’s Revolutionary history. Applicants uncertain of eligibility are encouraged to contact SC250 staff for clarification or exemption requests. Applications are managed through the Discover SC Web Grants program. Required documentation includes a general information form, a cover sheet, the grant narrative with estimated timeline and anticipated outcomes, assurances and certifications, and several types of supporting materials. These may include letters of support from county committees, fiscal agent documentation such as W-9s and financial statements, nonprofit designation letters, lists of board members, and project master plans. Depending on the grant type, additional materials may be required such as concept sketches for exhibits, consultant résumés, draft verbiage for signage, or scholarly samples for research and publications. For projects involving schools, applications must include documentation of support from administrators. SC250 emphasizes that applications are stronger when they include detailed master plans and evidence of strong local buy-in. Premier Project Grants follow a quarterly review cycle. For FY26, application deadlines are set for September 26, 2025; December 12, 2025; March 26, 2026; and June 26, 2026, all due at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications are not accepted by mail and must be submitted through the Discover SC Web Grants portal. Following submission, projects undergo an initial review by the executive team and review panel. High-scoring proposals are invited to present to the full Commission or Executive Committee. Presentations for the FY26 cycle are scheduled for November 14, 2025; February 12, 2026; May 15, 2026; and August 2026. Award announcements are anticipated on December 1, 2025; March 2, 2026; June 1, 2026; and September 3, 2026, respectively. Awards may be full, partial, delayed pending further due diligence, or denied, depending on Commission determinations and available state legislative appropriations. The funding structure requires applicants to demonstrate at least a 25 percent cost share or match, calculated as a portion of the total project budget. Matches can exceed the minimum required amount and should be documented clearly within the budget. While in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours and donated goods may be noted as community support, they do not count toward the formal match requirement. Grant funds are distributed with 80 percent released upfront and the remaining 20 percent reimbursed after submission of a final report. Reports must document deliverables, provide proof of expenditures, and demonstrate that matching funds were spent. In cases of site acquisition, funding may be released in full to an escrow agent upon provision of specific documentation. Applicants are encouraged to engage with SC250 staff before submitting to ensure alignment with program goals. Assistance is available through email at hhawkins@southcarolina250.com, the general contact at info@SouthCarolina250.com, or by phone at 803-898-3392. SC250 also offers webinars, including an upcoming “Meet the Funders” session on October 11, 2024, to guide applicants through the process. The Commission emphasizes collaboration, encouraging applicants to coordinate with local County 250 Committees and other stakeholders to build comprehensive, community-supported projects. This approach ensures that funded initiatives both honor the Revolutionary legacy and strengthen local engagement throughout South Carolina.