SC Arts Commission Grants Programs
All applicants - Please refer to specific program guidelines and only
submit material required in those guidelines. This section is only an
overview of information that may be required.
Required Application Materials
For programs that require hard copy
submissions (not electronic), each page/item of materials must be labeled with the
name of the applicant and be submitted in a format suitable for
copying. Typeface must be legible, and no less than 12 point.
Do not use 3-ring binders, folders, staples, or bind the application materials in any way other than with binder clips or paper clips.
The application package must include one complete collated set. Refer to individual program guidelines for a complete listing of support materials required for each application. No support material is required for Operating Support applicants.
We know that many of you prefer to present your application materials in aesthetically pleasing packages, especially after you have worked so many hours to prepare them. Please resist the urge to do this, as all the materials must be removed for copying before sending to the panelists. Only paper clips and binder clips are acceptable. Type your application using at least 12 point type or larger.
Grant Application forms
Always submit an original completed and signed Grant Application form.
The name on your application must match either the name on your IRS
tax-exempt letter (if an organization), or the correct name associated
with your social security number (if an individual). We are unable
to process an application unless the names and numbers match federal
tax records. Do not use variations on your name of record.
All applications must include original signatures.
Narrative
The Narrative should follow requirements stated in the program-specific
guidelines. Please refer to individual program guidelines, as
some program applications do not require narratives. Do not exceed
the number of pages specified in the guidelines. Pages that exceed
the maximum amount will not be copied.
Review
The criteria used for review are noted in most guidelines.
Carefully read each section before responding to the Narrative questions. Use the criteria as guides for determining important information to be included
under each narrative section.
We have put this information together--the narrative questions & review criteria--in order to stress the importance of criteria in the panel rating and review process. Although all of the narrative is meaningful, the number of points assigned to a section gives you an idea of its relative importance. (Don’t forget to number and name the sections.) Also, do not assume that the panelists know anything about you, your organization or your project. Write clearly and concisely. Creative writing is appreciated, but it is not a good substitute for a logical and honest presentation.
Budgets
Provide detailed budgets for project support or budget
notes for operational support.
- For Operating Support, provide a complete fiscal year of income and expenses.
- For Project Support, provide a detailed budget that reflects enough information to give a clear idea of the financial status of the project.
Staff Lists
Include alist of all current and proposed staff (or project) positions,
including names (indicate with asterisks those who are African-American,
American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Hispanic), titles, salary
ranges and general description of the position, including brief list
of specific duties & tasks. If there is no staff, please submit
resumes of persons (authorized official, contact person, etc.) who will
be administering the grant.
This information provides the panel with an idea of how your organization or project is managed in terms of who does what. Volunteer staff should be included if the duties and responsibilities are vital to the organization’s operation, especially if that volunteer functions as a staff person. Panelists want to know who will be responsible for administering a grant and what that person's qualifications are.
Résumés
Include brief résumés of principal artistic and administrative staff.This can make or break an application. Assume that the only thing panelists know about your artistic personnel comes from this section. Also, proof that you have competent administrative personnel or abilities is very important in projecting an organization’s or project’s success. Brief is the key word here. Resumes should not exceed 3 pages. Additional pages will not be copied.
Organizations Only
Board of Directors list
Always include a current board of directors list with occupations/professional
affiliations indicating with asterisks those who are African-American,
American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Hispanic.
Panelists are interested in how the board composition reflects the community or constituency that your organization serves. A list of names and their occupations and/or professional affiliations gives a panelist an idea of why these people were asked to serve on your board. Although a panelist may not personally know your board members, he or she will be able to get an idea of the breadth of your organization’s leadership. Feel free to add lists of advisory committees or other entities that are involved in your operations.
SC Charities Letter
A copy of an organization's current letter of registration or exemption under the SC Charitable Solicitations Act is required with all applications.
Nonprofit organizations must be incorporated and registered in the state of South Carolina with the Office of the Secretary of State at the time of application, and must have a current Secretary of the State Charities Letter (see example PDF). Nonprofits must renew their registration annually. Please note: The date for Annual Registrations for charitable organizations has been changed, from July first to 4 and 1/2 months after the close of the fiscal year.
IRS Tax-exempt Letter
A copy of an organization's IRS tax-exempt letter is required with
each application.
All applicants must provide a copy of their IRS tax-exempt
letter. A copy of your letter should be sent with each application
submitted. Be sure your application name matches the name of record
on your IRS letter. We are unable to process applications unless
names and numbers match federal tax records.
OR If applying through a fiscal agent,
- A copy of fiscal agent's IRS tax-exempt letter
- A copy of a letter of agreement, signed by both the applicant and the fiscal agent that outlines the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.
If applying through a fiscal agent, record the fiscal agent's federal
tax ID number in the secondary applicant section of the application
form. Payments will be made to the fiscal agent, who will then
pay you.
All Applicants
Suggested or required support materials - see program-specific guidelines.
Please study the instructions for submitting support materials according to your arts discipline. In some funding categories this information is required; in others it is highly recommended. However, the format and written description of materials is very important. Typically, an applicant’s review during the panel meeting lasts an average of 10 minutes. If the support material is unorganized, it will detract from the evaluation.
