SEARCH THIS SITE

SC Arts Commission Grants Programs

Introduction

Many arts organizations are facing difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified staff because they lack the capacity to compete with larger organizations when it comes to benefits packages. Competitive salaries or bonuses are no longer enough to recruit and retain staff. Today's market requires an attractive package which includes employer sponsored benefits which are a direct cost to the organization.

The bottom line for many organizations looking to build organizational capacity through staff recruitment and retention is whether or not the organization is able to afford basic health insurance coverage as an employee benefit. And, for organizations that do offer benefits, there is need to control the costs.

In an effort to assist organizations, SCAC is offering a grant program to encourage employer sponsored benefits.

• Resource List: Learn more about starting an employer sponsored benefits program

Purpose

To assist SC arts organizations in acquiring or expanding employer sponsored benefits for full-time or part-time employees.

Eligibility Requirements

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).

AND

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 local government with primary mission focused on the arts

NOTE: Applicant may not be a unit of state or federal government, college, university, or K-12 public or private school.

Funding Priorities (Descending Order)

1. The creation of an employer sponsored benefit program (i.e. insurance, paid leave, retirement, etc) for an arts organization that currently does not offer such benefits.
2. The expansion of an employer sponsored benefit program for an arts organization that currently has limited benefits for staff.

Restrictions

1. Employer sponsored benefit program must continue at least through September 30, 2009. If packages are eliminated or reduced before that date, the organization will be required to return all funds paid under this program.
2. Benefits program must be in place no later than October 1, 2007.
3. Funds may not be used for employee bonuses or salary increases.

Deadline

The SC Arts Commission is not currently accepting applications for this grant program.

Award Announcement

Awards have been announced.

Grant Period

Year one: Beginning no earlier than January 1, 2007 and no later than October 1, 2007

Year two: Beginning no earlier than January 1, 2008 and no later than October 1, 2008

All two-year cycles must be complete by September 30, 2009

Funding Ranges

Maximum of $2,000 (year 1).

Funding and Match

1:1 ( applicant :SCAC ) Up to 50% of benefits for year 1

2:1 ( applicant :SCAC ) Up to 33% of benefits for year 2

Filing Fee

None

Grant Payments

Payment will be on an expense reimbursement basis only. Up to two interim payments, totaling no more than 80% of the grant award, may be requested during the grant year. An accurate Grants Payment Request Form listing only expenses allowable under the program guidelines for the certified time period must be submitted in order to receive payment for the grant award. Final payment will be released upon receipt and approval of the grantee's final report.

Review Process

Please contact your SC Arts Commission county coordinator for guidance on completing the application form.

 

The initial staff review of applications focuses on eligibility, conformity to guidelines, clarity of narrative, completeness of packet, and compliance with grant application requirements. Arts Commission program staff and management will review grant applications on the basis of requirements listed in the guidelines. Funding recommendations are then presented to the Arts Commission Executive Director for final decision.

Final Report

All grantees are required to file a Final Report (PDF) (How To Use PDFs) at the end of each grant year. The Final Report Due Date is printed on your contract. Failure to file the final report by the due date will result in cancellation of the award and repayment of funds received. SCAC will not fund applicants who have outstanding final reports. Submit only original final report forms with original signatures. Do not submit copies or fax your final report form.

Required Application Materials

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, 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

Originals, completed and signed. Forms are in Portable Document Format (PDF). How To Use PDFs

1. Grant Application for Organizations. For application category, check "other" and fill in the blank with "Benefits Incentive."
2. Detailed Budget for your project showing schedule of costs and income for the first year grant period.

2. Narrative

The narrative should not exceed 1 page, no less than 12pt font. In addition to the above, funding considerations will be based on the narrative which will address the following:

• A. Description of proposed employer sponsored benefits program
  Describe the benefits plan to be added or expanded, which employees and positions will receive benefits, the benefits company / provider, and monthly costs of the benefits to both employer and, if any, the employee.
• B. Strategic Opportunity and Impact
  Explain why it is appropriate to begin or expand a benefits program now. Describe how having a benefits program may impact the organization, either positively or negatively. If you anticipate negative impacts, please describe how they will be addressed.
• C. Implementation and Administration
  Name the person(s) and their role within the organization who will be responsible for developing, implementing and administering the benefits program.
• D. Resources and Long-term Planning
  Detail what resources will provide the required matching funds during the grant period and what resources will provide the full cost beyond the grant period. What is your plan for securing those resources?

3. SC Charities Letter

All applicants must 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.

4. IRS Tax-Exempt Letter

All applicants must include a copy of applicant's IRS tax-exempt letter

OR
If applying through a fiscal agent,
a. A copy of fiscal agent's IRS tax-exempt letter AND
b. 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.

Submit completed applications to:

Benefits Incentive Grants Program
South Carolina Arts Commission
1800 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

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