SC Arts Commission Grants Programs

Purpose

To assist SC arts organizations with construction and renovation of arts facilities.

Funding for this program is contingent on a pending request for new state funds from the State Legislature. There is no guarantee that funds will be available to make awards in this category.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must be:

• 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).
• 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 (Applicant may not use a fiscal agent); OR
  • A unit of government.
• Applicant may not be a college, university, or K-12 public or private school.

Use of Funds

Funds may be used for purchase and/or construction of arts facilities, including:

• Improvements to existing administrative, performance, exhibition, gallery, studio space, workshops, or classrooms;
• New administrative, performance, exhibition, gallery, studio space, workshops, or classrooms;
• Making existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities;
• Outstanding payments for such projects undertaken within the past three years.

Restrictions

1. Funds may not be used for feasibility or fundraising studies.
2. Funds may not be used for cosmetic work such as interior painting and furnishings.
3. Funds may not be used for landscape projects or monuments.
4. 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.
5. All construction must meet all local and state building codes.
6. Cultural facility projects receiving direct state line-item funding are ineligible.
7. Organizations must have been in operation for at least one complete fiscal year prior to application.
8. Organizations who received Arts Facilities Project funding in FY2007 are eligible to apply; however, the FY2008 application must reflect a different phase of the overall project or a different project.
9. Salaries for current organization staff may not be included in the project budget.

Credit

In consideration of its support for this capital project, the Commission expects prominent and permanent credit for its contribution in the same location or position within the facility and manner afforded to other donors at the same or comparable level. This may include, but is not limited to, plaques, engraved walls, room naming, etc.

Deadline

February 1

Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the SC 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

One-year cycle for project expenditures between July 1 through June 30. Funds for reimbursement will not be available until late fall of the project fiscal year and are subject to release of funds by the state.

Funding Ranges

Potential maximum of $200,000.

Match

2:1 (applicant:SCAC).
100% of the applicant's match must be cash; no in-kind expenses are allowed.

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.

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. Formula-based funding recommendations are then presented to the Arts Commission Board for final decision.

Final Report

All grantees are required to file a Final Report (PDF) (How To Use PDFs) at the end of the grant period. 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 type with 1” margins.

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 "Arts Facility Projects." Be sure to complete page 2 of the application form.
2. Detailed Budget for your project showing schedule of costs and income for the grant period only. NOTE: Income and expenses should only be listed for the grant period 7/1/2007 – 6/30/2008.

2. Narrative

The Narrative should not exceed 2 pages, 12 point type with 1” margins, and must address the following questions. Each item in the Narrative should be identified by the appropriate letter and topic heading.

1. Project Description/Scope of Work
   Please describe the facility to be constructed/renovated and the scope of work. The project description should include information such as planned use of the facility, square footage, project time line, key professionals involved, and design and construction costs.
2. Resources
   What secured sources will provide the required matching funds during the grant period?
   

3. Résumés

Résumés or statements of qualifications for principal architect(s), engineer(s), general contractor and/or consultant(s).

4. Property Documents

A copy of the deed to the property subject to construction or renovation showing ownership by the applicant organization
OR
a copy of an executed contract for purchase of the property by the applicant
OR
a letter from the property owner acknowledging approval of the proposed project and certifying that at least five years remain on the existing lease or rental agreement with the applicant organization.

5. SC Charities Letter

Unless applicant is a unit of government, 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.

6. IRS Tax-Exempt Letter

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

Submit completed applications to:

Arts Facility Projects 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.