Barrier-Free Arts SC (BFASC) Grants

The Barrier-Free Arts SC (BFASC) Grants, administered by the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC), provide targeted support for increasing accessibility in the arts across the state of South Carolina. These grants reflect the SCAC’s commitment to empowering arts organizations to remove barriers for artists and audiences with disabilities. The program spans a three-year period, offering a structured combination of professional development and funding support to foster long-term, sustainable improvements in accessibility. Through this initiative, the SCAC encourages systemic changes in arts environments to make them more inclusive and welcoming. In Year One of the grant period, selected organizations will focus on professional development and planning. Key activities include attending the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference in Philadelphia from August 11–14, 2026, and participating in five virtual cohort sessions facilitated by the SCAC’s Arts Learning and Accessibility Director. Additionally, grantees will engage with asynchronous learning modules and complete a comprehensive accessibility audit through AbleSC. The year culminates in the development and presentation of a tailored accessibility plan at the BFASC Spring Convening and Showcase. Year One funding, capped at $3,500, is intended to cover travel, staff participation, and other related expenses. No matching funds are required in the first year. Years Two and Three shift focus to implementation, with up to $5,000 awarded each year to help organizations realize their accessibility plans. In these phases, grantees will use funds to directly remove identified barriers and improve inclusivity in programming and facilities. A 1:1 matching requirement applies during these two years, meaning grantees must contribute an equal amount from other non-SCAC sources. In-kind contributions are not permitted to fulfill this match. Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the total award, ensuring that the majority of funding supports direct project expenses, such as artist fees, travel, and supplies. Eligibility is strictly limited to South Carolina organizations that are current SCAC operating support grantees and that either own their facilities or have documented permission to make physical alterations. In addition, all applicants must be in good standing and provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Fiscal agents, if used, must also provide a separate UEI. Commissioners, staff, and their immediate families are not eligible to apply. The primary contact for the application must be an internal member of the applicant organization—not a consultant or external representative. Applications are submitted in two parts: an initial Letter of Intent due by April 16, 2026, followed by an invitation-only full application due May 14, 2026. Submissions are accepted via the SCAC’s Foundant grants portal. Award announcements are expected prior to the grant start date of July 1, 2026. The annual grant period ends on May 15 of the following year, concluding with May 15, 2029, for Year Three. Participation in each phase is contingent upon successful completion of the prior year’s requirements. Priority will be given to applicants based in or proposing activities within South Carolina's designated Opportunity Initiative counties, which include Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun, Edgefield, Hampton, Lee, Marlboro, Saluda, Union, and Williamsburg. Organizations completing the three-year BFASC cohort will receive public designation and recognition through SCAC channels and become eligible for future accessibility-related grants and mentorship roles within the cohort program. This layered structure fosters both internal growth within organizations and a peer-supported network of accessibility-focused leaders across the state.

Visit Grants Portal FAQ before starting; submit early as staff assistance ends at 5 p.m. on deadline day.