SC Arts Commission Grant Programs

Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) keeps track of more than 70 million businesses world-wide through its Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). Two events have occurred recently that reflect the importance of all SCAC Operating Support applicants obtaining a DUNS number.

1. First, the federal government (including the National Endowment for the Arts) has recently adopted a new policy that requires all organizations to provide a DUNS number as part of their grant applications and proposals.


2. Second, Americans for the Arts has created an annual research initiative – the Creative Industries project – that uses DUNS numbers to document the number of arts-related businesses and employees in any geographical region or political jurisdiction. This information will be used to increase the awareness of the national scope of the arts industry and provide a way to advance the arts at the state and national level.

As a result of these two actions, the SC Arts Commission is now requiring that all Operating Support applicants (Annual Operating Support and Long Term Operating Support) must obtain a DUNS number and include it on all applications.

There is no fee for registering for a DUNS number. Organizations may register by phone or online. However, online registrations may take up to 30 days, so it is important that you begin the process now.

What's the easiest way to get a DUNS number if my organization needs one?

It only takes a day to get a DUNS number from D&B by phone (you may be on hold for a little while), but Internet applications can take up to 30 days! Note that an authorizing official, not a project director, of the organization should request a DUNS number.

Call D&B's special toll-free number for federal grant applicants: 1-866-705-5711. When you call, tell the operator that you are applying to a federal grant program and need to register for a DUNS number. The process will take about ten minutes. You will be asked to provide the following information (subject to minor changes):

• Legal name of organization
• Physical address (and PO box if you have one)
• Telephone number
• Web address
• Name of the authorizing official (e.g., president, director, etc.)
• The purpose of your organization (e.g., non-profit dance company to perform and create work, museum that provides art exhibitions for the general public, etc.)


• Total number of employees

Your organization can also register for a DUNS number via D&B's website. Choose the "DUNS number only" option. Please note that registration via the website may take up to 30 business days to complete.

What You Need To Do