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SC Arts Commission Grants Programs

Accessibility Grant Guidelines

Purpose

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

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Applicant must be
    • a SC organization with primary mission focused on the arts (or an organization that serves as the primary arts provider in its community) OR
    • a designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs board OR
    • an organization that will commit to a project that connects the arts to persons who have disabilities.

  2. Applicant must ALSO be:
    • 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 OR
    • A charitable organization currently registered with the Office of the Secretary of State applying through a tax exempt fiscal agent organization OR
    • A unit of government.


Deadline & Grant Periods

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

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:

  • 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 $7,500

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.


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

    1.  Two Forms :

    • Grant Application for Organizations form. An original completed and signed Grant Application for Organizations form.  For application category (Section III), check "Other." If applying for programs, write in "VSA." If applying for facilities, write in  "Accessibility."


    • Detailed Budget form. Submit a detailed budget for your project.  Itemize all expenses and sources of income that pertain to the project.

    2.  Narrative:

    The Narrative should not exceed 1 numbered page, and must address the questions. Each item in the Narrative should be identified by the appropriate letter and topic heading.


    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.   SC Charities letter:
    Include a copy of applicant's current  SC Registration as Charitable Organizations letter.  The letter must be renewed annually with the SC Office of the Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of the SC Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act.


    5.   IRS tax-exempt letter:
    A copy of applicant's IRS tax-exempt letter

    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.


IMPORTANT NOTE:  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Submit only original application forms with original signatures. Do not submit copies or fax your application.

Instructions

In addition to this page, you must read the following for complete guideline information:


Back to Grants Home


South Carolina Arts Commission Accessibility Statement