SC Arts Commission Grant Programs
Giving Credit to SCAC & NEA:
Funds awarded by the Commission are public monies and must be given appropriate credit. Therefore, an organization or artist receiving funds or support from the Commission must give credit to the South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts in all advertising, news releases, printed materials, and promotion and publicity. This credit should be prominently positioned near the name of the sponsoring organization or applicant using the following wording:
This project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Where no printed program for a funded project exists, grant recipients must make at least one public announcement during the activity giving credit to the South Carolina Arts Commission noting that the Commission receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Failure to provide appropriate credit may result in reduction or cancellation of grant funds.
- SCAC Logo and credit
- Sample Press Release (Microsoft Word document)
Subgranting and Quarterly Projects:
These programs are funded in part by a generous award from the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC. In addition to giving credit to the SC Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, credit must also be given this source in all advertising, news releases, printed materials, and promotion and publicity. A logo and additional information about the Coastal Community Foundation of SC is available at www.CCFgives.org.
To Legislators:
SCAC grant programs are funded primarily through state funds which are appropriated to the South Carolina Arts Commission by the General Assembly. It is important for grant recipients to express their appreciation to their legislators for such support. On receiving notification of a grant award, grant recipients are responsible for informing their legislators of Commission funding. Unless the Commission specifies an exemption, the grant recipient is also responsible for inviting their legislators to all grants-sponsored events.
- Visit www.scstatehouse.net for a list of legislators, their districts and contact information.
- Sample Letter to Legislator (Microsoft Word document)
Getting the Money
Contract Packet:
After an award has been approved, a contract packet will be prepared and mailed to you. The packet will include a color coded grants folder labeled SC Arts Commission, copies of your grants contract, payment request form, final report form, and additional pertinent material. It is important that you keep the folder handy and refer to it throughout the grant period.
Contracts:
A contract specifying the terms of the grant is sent to all grant recipients. The contract must be signed and returned to the Grants Office by the date specified on the contract.SCAC must receive a signed grant contract before any funds are disbursed. Contracts must be signed by the individual who can legally obligate the organization--Authorized Official--or the individual applicant him/herself.
After the grantee agrees to the terms specified, no changes in the project shall occur - in activities, personnel or budget - unless approved in advance, in writing, by the South Carolina Arts Commission. The person who signs the contract agrees to uphold the conditions and is legally responsible for the compliances stated in the contract. All project dates - the period required to implement and complete the proposed activity - must fall within the Commission's fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) unless an extension has been approved.
Award Reductions:
Because of unanticipated state revenue shortfalls, the Commission
may be required, by the Legislature or Budget and Control Board, to
reduce the agency budget at any time during the year. It is possible
that a required state agency budget cut could reduce award amounts in
mid-year. The Commission, therefore, reserves the right to reduce award
amounts commensurate with the budget adjustments set forth by the Legislature
or Budget and Control Board.
Grant Cancellation:
The Commission reserves the right to withhold, cancel, and request return
of funds allocated to a grantee in the event the grantee does not meet
specified reporting deadlines, or changes the project without prior
Commission approval.
Refunds:
Any grant moneys which remain unobligated and unspent at the end of the grant
period must be refunded to the Arts Commission.
Managing the Award
Recordkeeping & Reporting:
Accurate records of the project and expenditures must be kept for all
activities related to the grant for a period of three years after the
completion of the project. Financial records must be made available for
audit upon request by the South Carolina Arts Commission and/or the National
Endowment for the Arts.
Financial Management:
A grantee shall use an accounting system that is in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and principles including, but not limited to, the following:
- Accurate and complete disclosure of all financial grant activity in accordance with the SCAC reporting requirements.A system which clearly separates grant funds from other revenues and maintains records which identify the source and use of funds for grant supported activities.Supporting source documentation of all grant-related expenditures, such as letters of agreement, contracts, purchases orders, invoices, bills, etc.
- Maintaining financial records for a minimum of 3 years after completion of the grant.
Audit Requirements:
As required by the SC State Auditors Office, in accordance with OMB-Circular
A-110 and A-133 for Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and
other nonprofit organizations and Circular A-128 for State and Local
Governments, any contractor receiving $500,000 or more in federal funds
in one fiscal year from all granting sources is required to have an
audit and must submit a copy to SCAC. Other organizations receiving
SCAC grants may be subject to agency audits of receipts and expenditures
as they relate to grant funds.
Final Reports:
A final evaluation report with financial information and other documentation
is required of all grant recipients. The due date for this information
varies by project and funding category. The Final Report Due date is
printed on the first page of the grant contract. If the Grants Office
has not received a Final Report by this due date, a letter will be mailed
to the grantee with the notification that said grantee is no longer
eligible to receive SCAC funds until the Final Report is received and
approved. Grantees may also be invoiced for any funds received to date.
Ensuring future funds
Bad Debts:
Individuals and organizations who are in arrears to the Commission for previous debts will not be paid any awarded grant funds until their debts are cleared.
