SC Arts Commission Grants Programs
Grant Guidelines
Purpose
The SC Arts Commission (SCAC) acknowledges that a thriving arts environment creates significant economic activity. One way to reveal this impact is through the use of economic impact studies. The results of such a study can show trends, reveal opportunities, provide important data, or otherwise inform an arts organization and other community leadership. The purpose of this program is to support local arts councils in undertaking economic impact studies.
Eligible Activities
Funding is available to Arts Councils who wish to undertake economic impact studies for their counties. Studies may be provided by Americans for the Arts or by any other qualified group or individual. Only contractual fees to providers and other direct costs of the studies are eligible for reimbursement.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must be:
- an Arts Council that is currently registered with the Office of the Secretary of State of South Carolina, and that either has its own federal tax-exempt status with the IRS or applies through a fiscal agent. If a fiscal agent is used, SCAC requires that the fiscal agent and the applicant organization enter into a formal agreement that outlines the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties. This letter must be submitted with the application;
- OR the primary provider of general, multidisciplinary arts programs and/or services within a particular community or region.
Applicant must ALSO:
- have completed at least three full fiscal years in operation prior to application;
- be a current (FY09) Annual Operating Support or Long Term Operating Support grantee (view the list);
- make available copies of study results to SCAC and to local representation or delegation.
Application Deadline
August 15, 2008
Applications must be postmarked, or hand-delivered to the South Carolina Arts Commission offices before 5:00 pm, no later than the stated date, or, when the deadline occurs on a weekend or holiday, no later than the next business day.
Grant Period
Projects must be completed by June 30, 2009.
Funding Range
Maximum award: $2,500.
Match
1:1 (applicant: SCAC)
Filing Fee
None
Grant Payments
Payment will be on an expense reimbursement basis only. Grantees may submit a maximum of two interim payments, totaling no more than 80% of the grant award. Final grant payment will be released upon receipt and approval of grantee's final report.
Final Report
All grantees are required to file a Final Report (PDF) (How To Use PDFs) at the end of the grant period. Failure to file the Final Report by the due date may result in cancellation of the award and repayment of funds received. SCAC will not fund applicants who have outstanding Final Reports.
Review Process
A staff review of applications will focus on eligibility, accuracy and detail of budget, clarity of narrative, completeness of packet, and compliance with grant requirements.
Review Indicators
Pay attention to Review Indicators, as the reviewers will use them in assessing your application.
- The rationale for the proposed study is clearly defined and articulated.
- Anticipated goals are clear, specific, measurable and appropriate to the proposed work.
- A complete, detailed timeline is included and is appropriate for the proposed project.
- A complete, detailed budget is included and is adequate to accomplish the proposed study.
- Partnership, collaboration, and/or board buy-in is evident as appropriate to the proposed study.
- There is a plan for sharing the results of the study with the public, decision makers, civic leaders, etc.
- A plan exists for subsequent use of the study.
In addition to these indicators, geographic distribution of awards will be a consideration for funding.
How to Apply
Before applying, you are strongly advised to discuss the project with your county coordinator to determine whether your project meets the guidelines.
Please review the following steps carefully in preparing your application materials. Failure to include the required application materials may result in disqualification of your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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, no less than 12 point. Do not submit copies or fax your application. Do not use 3-ring binders, folders, or bind the application materials in any way other than with binder clips or paper clips.
Forms are in portable document format (PDF). (How To Use PDFs)
The application package must include one complete collated set of the following items:
- Grant
Application for Organizations form. Under Grant Program Category, select "Other" and enter "Arts and Economic Impact Study." The application form must be signed by the applicant organization's authorized official.
- Detailed Budget form. Itemize all expenses and sources of revenue for your project.
- Narrative. In a two-page narrative, using no less than 12 point type, explain how an economic impact study will benefit your organization. Furnish complete details on the study provider. The narrative must not exceed two pages.
- Project timeline. Please use the following format:
When is the task to be completed? What is the task? Who is responsible for completing the task? What is the product or outcome? Other information as needed
- Letter of support. Submit a signed, one page letter of support from your organization's board stating how the board as a whole will support this work.
- IRS tax-exempt letter. Submit 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, along with
- A letter of agreement, signed by both the applicant and the fiscal agent, that outlines the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.
Use this optional grantee checklist (PDF) to ensure a complete Arts and Economic Impact Study Assistance grant application package. (How To Use PDFs)
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Mail to:
Arts and Economic Impact Study Assistance Grant Program
SC 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.
