South Carolina Local Grants

This grant provides financial support to new and existing small businesses in Abbeville, South Carolina, to promote economic growth through startup costs, business improvements, and building enhancements, particularly in the Historic District.

This program provides financial assistance to licensed business owners in Camden for improving the appearance of their building facades, with a matching reimbursement of up to $15,000.

This funding program provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and housing authorities in Charleston County for purchasing land to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.

The Charleston County Community Development Program has announced the opening of the application period for the 2025-2026 Urban Entitlement Funding Request for Applications (RFA). This program supports projects that align with the goals of the county's Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2021–2025. Applicants must clearly identify which goal their project addresses and include measurable outputs. Additionally, applications should specify whether the funding request is for Charleston County, the City of North Charleston, or both jurisdictions. The application window runs from November 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. Funding is available through several programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), and Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG). Each program has specific requirements, and applicants must submit all documents electronically via the Urban Entitlement Application in Neighborly. Signed forms must include an authorized representative’s signature. HESG applicants must also obtain an endorsement letter from the Lowcountry Continuum of Care, with requests due by December 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST. The required documents vary by program and include forms such as the Application Certification, Financial Statement Form, and budget templates specific to each grant type. Additional details can be found in Section 5 of the RFA Instructions. Workshops will be held to assist applicants on December 3, 2024, at City Hall in North Charleston and December 5, 2024, at the Charleston County Council Chambers. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the application process and ask questions. Applicants may also submit written questions about the RFA process to Community Development staff by December 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST. Answers will be posted in an addendum on December 20, 2024. Town hall meetings will be hosted in participating jurisdictions to discuss program funding and gather community input, with meetings scheduled throughout November and December 2024. Projects must align with the Consolidated Plan's goals and provide measurable results. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by the January 6, 2025, deadline through the designated portal. Late submissions will not be accepted. For additional information or support, applicants can email [email protected] or call (843) 202-6960.

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that protect or restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed, increase citizen awareness, and empower communities to collect and share water quality data, with priority given to proposals closest to the spill site.

The Beaufort County Accommodations Tax Board is offering grants from its two percent (2%) state accommodations tax fund. This program aims to financially support and promote tourism, as well as fund tourism-related activities within municipalities and counties in South Carolina. The underlying mission is to leverage a dedicated tax revenue stream—generated from transient accommodations like hotels, motels, inns, and vacation rentals—to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the local tourism economy. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations within Beaufort County. These organizations are expected to implement projects and initiatives that align with the board's objective of promoting tourism. The impact goals are centered on increasing tourism activity, improving tourism infrastructure, and creating a more attractive environment for visitors, thereby contributing to the economic well-being of the county. The primary focus of these grants is to fund tourism-related activities. This includes, but is not limited to, initiatives that market the county as a tourist destination, develop and maintain attractions, and support events that draw visitors. The strategic priority is to maximize the impact of the accommodations tax by investing in projects that have a demonstrable connection to tourism promotion and development, aligning with the state law's intent for the 2% tax levy. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in visitor numbers, enhanced quality of tourism offerings, and a stronger tourism-dependent economy in Beaufort County. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the implicit theory of change is that by strategically allocating funds derived from the accommodations tax, the county can stimulate tourism growth, leading to broader economic benefits. The eligibility criteria state that Non-Profit Organizations are eligible to apply for these grants, emphasizing a focus on community-driven initiatives.

The Anderson Water Council is currently accepting applications for grants focused on the protection and remediation of water resources within Anderson County, specifically within Georgia and South Carolina. This grant program is designed to align with the Anderson Water Council's mission to assist Savannah Riverkeeper and Upstate Forever in identifying, prioritizing, and funding projects that empower citizens to address existing and emerging threats to water resources. The core objective is to restore water quality in the impacted areas of the Savannah River watershed. The target beneficiaries for this grant funding include not-for-profit charitable corporations or trusts authorized to operate in South Carolina or Georgia with a mission aligned with the Water Council's goals. Additionally, the Georgia and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commissions, and Departments of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism are eligible. Educators, municipalities, school systems, and any agency, commission, or instrumentality of such a municipality in the impacted areas are also encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered on empowering local communities to take action and collect and publicly share water quality data, ultimately leading to improved water quality. The program prioritizes projects that empower local communities to actively participate in water resource management, particularly those focused on data collection and public sharing of water quality information. Funding is also available for water restoration projects. The Water Council is particularly interested in initiatives that foster citizen engagement and education around water resource issues. The expected outcomes include a more engaged citizenry, increased awareness of water quality threats, and the implementation of effective water restoration efforts. Measurable results for citizen empowerment and education projects typically see average individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, while water restoration projects can receive up to $100,000. Grants may also include multi-year awards, not exceeding three years. The Anderson Water Council's strategic priority is to support initiatives that contribute directly to the restoration and protection of the Savannah River watershed, with a strong emphasis on community-led solutions and data-driven approaches. Their theory of change suggests that by empowering local communities with funding and support for data collection and restoration, significant improvements in water quality and resource protection can be achieved.

The Spartanburg County Foundation offers Continuous Improvement Grants of up to $25,000, aligning with its vision to help all Spartanburg County residents achieve their human potential. These grants focus on three amplified areas: quality of life, educational achievement, and economic mobility. The Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that demonstrate alignment with this mission, provide services to Spartanburg County residents, respond to these three areas with data-informed approaches, utilize comprehensive measurement tools, and can leverage multiple funding sources. The target beneficiaries are residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Impact goals include improving overall well-being, reducing barriers to academic success, and enhancing potential for upward economic mobility within the community. The theory of change is that by supporting initiatives in these key areas, the Foundation can foster a community where residents have access to opportunities for personal and economic growth. The grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, such as community and cultural programs, activities promoting physical and mental health, and resources for household stability. Examples include accessible outdoor spaces, care for uninsured individuals, Spanish-speaking staff for diverse populations, mobile food markets, and assistance with housing and utilities. The expected outcomes in this area are improved physical and mental health, increased community engagement, and greater household stability for residents. Educational achievement is another key focus, aiming to reduce academic barriers and improve educational outcomes for K-12 students, provide access to post-secondary education and careers, and support return-to-learn adults. This includes mentoring, out-of-school programs, summer learning initiatives, internships, and access to GED completion, internet, and academic materials. Measurable results would include increased academic success rates, higher rates of post-secondary enrollment, and greater access to educational resources for all ages. Economic mobility initiatives are designed to improve financial self-sufficiency, promote asset building, and ensure access to affordable transportation. This involves supporting job training and certification, job search and placement services, financial coaching, small and minority business development, homeownership assistance, and programs to supplement or provide transportation in rural areas. The expected outcomes are increased financial stability, asset accumulation, and improved access to employment opportunities for Spartanburg County residents. The grant duration for all projects is one year.

The City of Conway Economic Development Grant Program for 2024-2025 is now open for applications, aiming to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life within the Conway, SC community. This grant program is designed to support various projects and activities that stimulate economic activity and benefit local organizations. The overarching mission of the program is to foster a thriving Conway by investing in initiatives that create a positive economic impact. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are local organizations within Conway, SC, including charities, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and similar entities. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting economic development programs, expanding or recruiting new businesses, and facilitating special events that draw attention and activity to the city. By supporting these organizations, the program seeks to strengthen the local economy and improve the community's overall well-being. The program's priorities and focuses include funding for economic development programs such as small business incubators and activities to expand or recruit new businesses. It also covers economic development staff salaries and benefits, special events like festivals, parades, conferences, conventions, sporting events, and arts/cultural events within the City of Conway. Additionally, travel for the purpose of recruiting business is a permissible use of funds, highlighting the program's commitment to attracting new opportunities. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more vibrant and economically active Conway. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, a rise in local employment, and a greater number of successful community events that enhance the city's appeal. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with fostering a robust local economy through direct investment in growth-oriented initiatives and community enrichment. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that targeted investments in local organizations and economic development initiatives will directly lead to a stronger, more dynamic community. By providing financial support for key activities, the City of Conway aims to create a ripple effect, where initial investments lead to sustained economic growth, increased civic engagement, and an improved quality of life for all residents. This approach emphasizes collaborative efforts between the city and local organizations to achieve shared prosperity.

The City of Charleston’s Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) Grant Program aims to positively impact tourism within the City of Charleston by funding projects from non-profit organizations. This program is supported by the 2% lodging tax imposed by the State of South Carolina. The program's mission aligns with enhancing the city's appeal as a tourist destination, thereby contributing to the local economy and cultural vibrancy. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are non-profit organizations that can propose projects related to tourism. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen Charleston's tourism sector by supporting activities and services that attract and cater to visitors. This includes a broad range of initiatives designed to improve the tourist experience and promote the city's unique attractions. The program prioritizes activities directly related to tourism. These include advertising and promotion to draw more visitors, supporting arts and cultural events that showcase the city's heritage, and maintaining facilities crucial for civic and cultural activities. Additionally, the grant focuses on enhancing health, safety, and public services for tourists, providing essential transportation shuttles, and operating visitor information centers. Addressing waterfront erosion control and repair is also a key area of focus, highlighting the program's commitment to preserving the city's natural and historical assets. Expected outcomes include an increase in tourist numbers, greater engagement with local arts and culture, improved public services for visitors, and better-maintained tourist infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "positively impacting tourism" suggests that success would be measured by indicators such as visitor satisfaction, event attendance, and the overall economic contribution of tourism. Personnel costs and items normally provided by the county or municipality are ineligible for funding, ensuring the grants support new or supplementary tourism-focused initiatives.

This program provides funding for events and projects that promote tourism in Mauldin, helping to attract visitors and boost the local economy.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and destination marketing groups in Fairfield County, South Carolina, to develop projects that attract tourists and boost the local economy through targeted advertising and enhanced recreational and cultural experiences.

The City of North Charleston's Accommodations Tax Grants program is designed to allocate revenue generated from the state's 2% lodging tax, specifically for activities that promote and support tourism within the city. These funds are intended to enhance the visitor experience and stimulate economic activity directly related to the tourism sector. The program's mission is inherently aligned with fostering a vibrant tourism economy, ensuring that the tax contributions from visitors are reinvested into services and initiatives that benefit them and the local tourism infrastructure. This strategic allocation of funds reflects a foundational commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver for local development and cultural enrichment. Target beneficiaries of these grants are non-profit organizations operating within or serving the City of North Charleston. These organizations are expected to implement projects and services that directly or indirectly benefit tourists and the broader tourism ecosystem. The impact goals include increasing visitor satisfaction, promoting local arts and cultural events, enhancing public services for tourists, and improving tourism-related infrastructure. By supporting non-profits, the program aims to engage a diverse range of community stakeholders in the collective effort to promote North Charleston as an attractive destination. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined, emphasizing several key areas of tourism-related activity. These include advertising and promotion of tourism, promotion of arts and cultural events, support for facilities that host civic and cultural activities, additional health, safety, and public services for tourists, transportation shuttles, visitor information centers, and waterfront erosion control and repair. These focus areas demonstrate a comprehensive approach to tourism development, addressing both promotional aspects and essential support services and infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are implicitly linked to the stated priorities. For instance, increased advertising and promotion should lead to higher visitor numbers or longer stays, while support for cultural events could result in greater attendance at these events. Improvements in public services and infrastructure are anticipated to enhance the overall visitor experience and satisfaction. The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, composed of hospitality industry representatives, plays a crucial role in reviewing applications and making recommendations, suggesting an emphasis on projects with tangible benefits for the tourism sector. The City of North Charleston's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant program, center on the sustainable growth and enhancement of its tourism industry. The underlying theory of change is that by reinvesting lodging tax revenues into targeted tourism-related activities and infrastructure, the city can attract more visitors, provide a better experience for them, and ultimately stimulate local economic growth. This approach involves empowering non-profit organizations to deliver services and programs that align with these goals, thereby creating a collaborative framework for tourism development and community benefit.

This program provides financial and technical assistance to property and business owners in Downtown Orangeburg for improving the exteriors of their buildings, including signage and historic details.

The Community Foundation of Greenville welcomes grant requests from established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt agencies that have been operating for two or more years. These agencies must be located within and offer services to the residents of Greenville County, South Carolina. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting the capacity building of these local non-profit organizations to better serve the community. The target beneficiaries are the residents of Greenville County, South Carolina, who receive services from the eligible non-profit agencies. The impact goals are centered around improving the effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to address community needs. The foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen an organization's internal operations and external reach. The grant focuses on Capacity Building funding opportunities. This includes projects designed to improve an organization’s ability to monitor and respond to client and supporter needs, adopt management innovation, enhance process improvement and accountability, and form collaborative ventures. It also supports technology audits, analyses of information management systems, and the purchase of necessary equipment to achieve the organization's mission, as well as efforts to diversify revenue streams. Examples of Capacity Building efforts include organizational assessment, strategic and long-range planning, program evaluation and planning, developing marketing plans, mergers/collaboration, and feasibility studies. The expected outcomes are stronger, more efficient, and more impactful non-profit organizations within Greenville County. Measurable results would likely include improved service delivery, increased organizational efficiency, enhanced program effectiveness, and greater financial stability for the recipient agencies. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in the infrastructure and capabilities of local non-profits, with a theory of change that by strengthening these organizations, they can more effectively achieve their individual missions and collectively improve the quality of life for Greenville County residents. The grant award budget for capacity building initiatives is $100,000, with individual awards typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This funding is intended to provide critical support for the strategic growth and development of eligible organizations.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations in York County that provide programs in financial literacy, workforce development, and economic and family support to help families achieve financial stability.

The Animal Services Responsive Grant, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for all animals, educate the community on responsible pet care, and enhance spay/neuter and adoption services. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, ensuring that organizations dedicated to animal welfare receive the necessary funding to operate and expand their reach. By focusing on these key areas, the grant seeks to create a more humane environment for animals and foster responsible pet ownership within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are animals in need, as well as the communities and individuals who benefit from enhanced animal welfare services. The grant targets organizations working in specific Texas counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson. The impact goals are centered on reducing animal suffering, increasing pet adoptions, promoting spay/neuter initiatives to control pet overpopulation, and educating the public on best practices for animal care. The grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to these objectives and have a proven track record of serving their local animal populations. The program's priorities include supporting direct animal care services, public education campaigns, and programs that facilitate adoption and spay/neuter. The expected outcomes are a measurable reduction in the number of homeless and neglected animals, an increase in responsible pet ownership, and a more informed community regarding animal welfare issues. Measurable results are tied to the organizational budget and corresponding award amounts, indicating that larger, more established organizations with greater capacity are expected to achieve more significant outcomes. For instance, organizations with budgets over $1,000,000 are eligible for a $50,000 award, implying an expectation of broader impact. The San Antonio Area Foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this grant, include fostering community well-being through targeted support for critical services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to qualified animal welfare organizations, these organizations will be empowered to implement effective programs that directly address the root causes of animal neglect and overpopulation, ultimately leading to a healthier and more compassionate community for both humans and animals. The eligibility criteria, such as requiring 501(c)(3) status and local operation, ensure that funding is directed to legitimate and impactful entities. This grant does not support endowments, capital campaigns, religious purposes, scholarships, political activities, or lobbying efforts. This restriction further refines the foundation's strategic focus, ensuring that funds are directly applied to programmatic efforts that align with the core goals of animal services. The focus is strictly on responsive grants that address immediate and ongoing needs, rather than long-term institutional building or advocacy.

This program provides financial assistance to business owners and tenants in Newberry's historic downtown to improve the appearance of their building facades, promoting preservation and aesthetic enhancement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and Destination Marketing Organizations to promote tourism in Richland County, focusing on projects that attract visitors and enhance the area's cultural, historic, and recreational offerings.

This program provides financial support to local artists in Columbia, SC, for creating public art projects that celebrate the city's history, engage the community with its rivers, or promote sustainability themes.