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SC Arts Commission Grants Programs

Purpose

To help South Carolina arts organizations make programs and existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant must be one of the following:
   • a S.C. organization with primary mission focused on the arts (or an organization that serves as the primary arts provider in its community)
   • a designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs board
   • a S.C. organization that will commit to a project that connects the arts to persons who have disabilities
2. Applicant must ALSO be one of the following:
   • a charitable organization currently registered with the Office of the Secretary of State that has its own federal tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. A S.C. organization is one that reflects S.C. as its primary address on all current official organizational documents.
   • a charitable organization currently registered with the Office of the Secretary of State applying through a tax exempt fiscal agent organization
   • a unit of government

 

Deadline

Applications must be received at least 6 weeks before the project begins.

 

Grant Period

Projects must be completed by the close of current SC Arts Commission fiscal year (June 30).

Use of Funds

As reimbursement for any combination of qualifying expenses incurred during the grant period. Check with your SCAC Regional Coordinator if you have questions.

 

Projects may include but are not limited to the following:

 

Programs:

• Usage of large print interpretative and program materials
• Artist/consultant fees
• Transportation of disabled constituents or performers
• Preparation for special exhibitions
• Audio description
• Sign language interpretation
• Website accessibility
• Docent training for visual or audio enhancement
• Consultant fee to develop an overall accessibility plan for your organization
• Inclusive programming
• Staff training (i.e. travel to a workshop and/or training)
• Other accommodations that make programs accessible

Facilities

• Curb cuts
• Construction of accessibility ramp(s)
• Accessibility signage for exterior and/or interior space
• Modification of restroom(s)
• Modification to drinking fountain(s)
• Installation of elevator
• Installation of electronic door opener 
• Installation of Braille plaques
• Hearing assistance/enhancement
• Architectural or engineering study to address accessibility of existing facility
• Capital improvements (bricks and mortar) of existing facility (see Restrictions below)
• Design development and construction documents that address the proposed accessibility project
• Adaptive equipment
• Other accommodations that make facilities accessible

Funds may not be used for

• New construction (new buildings must comply with current ADA requirements)
• Cosmetic work such as interior painting and furnishings
• Actual building construction costs other than costs associated with accessibility
• Consultant fees for facilities fundraising

Restrictions

• Applicants are limited to one grant award per fiscal year.
• Funds for capital improvements (bricks and mortar) are limited to renovations to existing facilities.
• If the existing facility is on The National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible, all work must conform with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
• All construction documents must be stamped by the architect and/or engineer and must meet all local and state building codes.
• If applying for capital improvements, applicant must include a copy of deed or letter from property owner acknowledging approval of project.

Funding Range

Up to $2,500

 

Match

1:1 (applicant:SCAC); 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.

Filing Fee

None

Review Process

The initial staff review of applications focuses on eligibility, conformity to guidelines, clarity of narrative, completeness of packet, and compliance with grant application requirements.  Applications will be reviewed by Arts Commission program staff and management.  Recommendations for funding will be approved by the Executive Director.

Final Report

All grantees are required to file a final report at the end of the grant period.  An award letter and  final report form will be mailed to all awardees. Failure to file the final report by the due date will result in cancellation of the award.

Required Application Materials

Each page/item of materials must be labeled with the name of the applicant organization 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, or bind the application materials in any way other than with binder clips or paper clips.

 

Submit only original application forms with original signatures. Do not submit copies or fax your application.

 

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

 

The application package must include one complete collated set of items as follows:

1. Two Forms

Forms are in Portable Document Format (PDF). (How To Use PDFs)


• Grant Application for Organizations. For application category (Section III), check "Other." If applying for programs, write in "VSA." If applying for facilities, write in "Accessibility."
• Detailed Budget. Itemize all expenses and sources of income that pertain to the project.



2. Narrative
The Narrative should not exceed 2 numbered pages, and must address the following.

 

Project Description/Scope of Work -

• Capital Improvements: Describe your project and the scope of work to be done. The narrative should include information such as description of the project, project time line, professionals involved, and proposed use of SCAC funds. Include estimated number of persons with disabilities in your service area. If applying for capital improvements, include a copy of deed or letter from property owner acknowledging approval of project.
• Project Grants: Describe your project and the scope of work to be done. Describe the current accessibility issues you plan to address with this project and proposed use of SCAC funds. Include estimated number of persons with disabilities in your service area.

3. Photographs/Drawings/Plans
(Capital Improvement applicants)
Photographs, drawings or plans of existing facilities, identifying project areas, should be included with the application. All construction documents must be stamped by the architect and/or engineer and must meet all local and state building codes.


 

4. IRS Tax-Exempt Letter
A copy of applicant's IRS tax-exempt letter.
OR, IF APPLYING THROUGH A FISCAL AGENT,

1. A copy of fiscal agent's IRS tax-exempt letter
2. A copy of formal agreement between applicant and fiscal agent that outlines the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.

 

Use this optional application checklist (PDF) to ensure a complete Accessibility grant application package.

 

Submit completed applications to:
Accessibility Grants Program
South Carolina Arts Commission
1800 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

 

NOTE: The SC Arts Commission will no longer require a copy of an applicant's current SC Charities registration letter. Instead, applicant information will be provided to the SC Office of the Secretary of State. In accordance with the SC Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, charitable organizations must maintain current registration with the SC Office of the Secretary of State. Failure to register and renew the registration annually may result in severe fines by the SC Office of the Secretary of State.

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