Competitive Major Grants

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) administers the Major Grants program as part of its broader funding portfolio to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. SC250 operates under state authority with a mission to support local governments, organizations, and communities in developing projects that enhance public understanding of the Revolutionary Era in South Carolina. The Major Grants program is one of three tiers of funding opportunities, alongside Monthly Grants and Premier Project Grants, and is intended for projects requiring funding between $15,001 and $125,000. The purpose of the Major Grants program is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing projects that tell the story of South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. Grant types include museum and library style exhibits, local activities, historic tourism and marketing, research and publications, genealogy and digitization, education projects, signage and marker installations, and planning, development, or renovation of American Revolution-related sites. The program emphasizes inclusive storytelling, historical accuracy, and projects that engage diverse audiences while building lasting legacies across South Carolina communities. Eligible applicants for Major Grants include County 250 Committees, local governments, recognized tribes, museums, historical societies, visitor centers, chambers of commerce, universities and colleges, nonprofit organizations, the South Carolina Council of Governments, regional tourism commissions, and certain approved organizations or businesses involved in public-private partnerships. Individuals are eligible only if applying for research and publication grants. All applicants must be located in South Carolina, with the exception of individuals and institutions working specifically on research and publication projects about the American Revolution in South Carolina. Clarification or exemptions may be requested directly from SC250. Applications must be submitted through the Discover SC Web Grant program. Required documentation includes a general information form, cover sheet, grant narrative with estimated timelines and outcomes, assurances and certifications, supporting materials, letters of support from County 250 Committees, fiscal agent documentation, and nonprofit status verification if applicable. Additional requirements vary depending on the grant type. For example, museum exhibit applicants may need to provide design diagrams or sketches, signage applicants must include draft text and supporting location documentation, and research grant applicants must provide scholar credentials and writing samples. The Major Grants program follows a quarterly cycle. Upcoming application deadlines are September 26, 2025, December 12, 2025, March 26, 2026, and June 26, 2026. All deadlines close at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Each application cycle includes a due diligence and Q&A session with the SC250 Commission prior to final award decisions. For the September 26, 2025 deadline, the Commission Q&A will take place on November 14, 2025, with awards announced on December 1, 2025. Similarly, for the December 12, 2025 deadline, the Q&A will be held on February 13, 2026, with awards announced March 2, 2026. Later cycles follow this same structure, with applications in March 2026 reviewed in May and awarded in June, and June 2026 applications reviewed in August with awards in September 2026. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 20 percent cash match of the total project budget. In-kind contributions may be documented to demonstrate support but do not count toward the required match. Grant funds are distributed with 80 percent released upfront and the remaining 20 percent reimbursed upon submission and approval of final reports documenting expenditures, deliverables, and outcomes. For site acquisition projects, 100 percent of funds may be distributed directly to an attorney or agent in escrow upon provision of the required documents. Expenditures are subject to restrictions: for example, personnel costs should not exceed 20 percent of the budget request, while categories such as food, travel, insurance, fireworks, and drone shows are ineligible. Certain site planning and development costs, professional fees, signage expenses, and construction-related materials may be covered under specific grant types. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact SC250 staff prior to submitting their application. Questions may be directed to Heather Hawkins at hhawkins@southcarolina250.com. General inquiries may also be directed to the Commission via info@southcarolina250.com or by phone at 803-898-3392. SC250 also offers webinars and one-on-one consultations to help applicants prepare successful proposals. Upcoming informational sessions include a “Meet the Funders” webinar scheduled for October 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.