Purpose
To help 4K CERDEP providers offer arts-integrated experiences for students alongside professional learning opportunities for teachers to use the arts to increase kindergarten readiness.
Who's Eligible
S.C. First Steps & S.C. Dept. of Education Childhood Early Reading and Development Education Program (CERDEP) 4K providers
Funding
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year
Matching Requirement
1:3 (grantee:SCAC); no match for qualifying providers (see note)
These grants help CERDEP preschool providers offer arts-integrated experiences for students and professional learning opportunities for teachers to use the arts to increase kindergarten readiness.
Projects may be considered to increase kindergarten readiness by:
Although there is not one singular definition for arts integration, the SCAC finds that the Kennedy’s Center’s comprehensive definition of Arts Integration is a worthy model. To read more how their definition has evolved, please visit their website and read “What is Arts Integration?”
Please Note
Grant guidelines are subject to change until the application opens.
Please contact Arts Learning Director Kimberly Washburn Motte (803.734.8694 | kmotte@arts.sc.gov) before applying if:
Note: Applicants who are applying through a fiscal agent/receiver must submit a letter outlining the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.
4K Arts Integration Grant funds may be used to pay for the following:
Artists labeled as “Verified Teaching Artists” on the S.C. Arts Directory have been additionally vetted by SCAC through the submission of sample lesson plans, recorded teaching samples, and letters of recommendation; we encourage but do not require grant-funded teaching artist residencies to employ Verified Teaching Artists.
Any activities carried out within this grant must align with state guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Priority may be given to CERDEP preschool providers located in SCAC FY24 Opportunity Initiative Counties:
At least five weeks before the project begins, for projects beginning on or after September 25, 2023.
Here are some time-specific deadlines:
Applications may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the deadline date. However, please be aware that staff members will not be available to assist you with questions or technical difficulties after SCAC closes at 5 p.m. that day.
Awarded applicants can expect contracts at the time of notification.
September 25, 2023–May 15, 2024
All grant purchases and activities must be complete by May 15. If you have a program (for example, a teaching residency) occurring after May 15, please reach out to Arts Learning Director Kimberly Washburn Motte (803.734.8694 | kmotte@arts.sc.gov) before applying.
Up to $2,000 per grant. A school may receive up to two (2) 4K AI grants for a total of $2,000 per fiscal year (see restrictions section of these guidelines for details)
1:3 (grantee:SCAC)*
*Exception: No match is required for CERDEP preschool providers located in SCAC FY24 Opportunity Initiative Counties:
Are you wondering what makes for a strong application?
The SCAC recommends using the FY24 4K Arts Integration Grant Evaluation Rubric as a guide when writing your application. Grant panelists will score your application responses based on the criteria within this rubric.
Applications are accepted through our grants portal, which uses the Foundant platform.
New to Foundant? For frequently asked questions, registration instructions, and other helpful information, we highly recommend visiting the Grants Portal FAQ, before you begin working in the system.
The applicant must have an active account in our Grants Portal.
Helpful Hint: The primary contact person for this grant should be the 4K teacher who will administer the grant activities. To ensure the correct person is listed as the primary contact for your application, that person should be the one to log on and click the “Apply” button to start the application. The primary contact person for this grant should be the person who will:
The Grants Team will review submitted applications for completeness and compliance with guideline and application requirements. A review panel of early childhood arts integration professionals will evaluate the applications based on the published review criteria. An applicant’s panel comments are available to them upon request. Staff will then develop funding recommendations, based on these evaluations and the availability of funds. Final funding decisions are approved by the deputy director. Recommendations will be presented to the SCAC Board of Commissioners, which makes final award decisions. Award notification is expected in four to five weeks, as detailed in the “Deadlines & Grant Period” section of these guidelines.
If your application is funded, you (and your fiscal agent/receiver, if applicable) will enter into a contractual agreement with the South Carolina Arts Commission, and you must comply with all requirements stated in that contract. You will receive notification and instructions when your contract is available in the Grants Portal. You must submit your completed contract packet, including signatures and other documentation as instructed, by the date indicated in the system. You must also complete all other assigned follow ups by the due date.
Please note: Any significant revisions to grant-funded activities must be approved in writing, in advance, by the SCAC. Significant revisions to grant-funded activities must be emailed to grants@arts.sc.gov to be processed for approval or denial.
Additional details about managing an SCAC grant are available on our agency website.
Payments are reimbursement-based. This means any expenses must be financed up front by the grantee and/or a cooperating entity.
An accurate final report, 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.
ALL GRANTEES are required to file a final report at the end of the grant period. The final report due date is stated in the grant contract. Failure to submit an accurate and complete final report by the due date will result in cancellation of the award and repayment of any funds received. SCAC will not fund applicants who have outstanding final reports.
We also highly recommend a visit to our Grants Coaching webpage, for
Missed a group call or session? Look for the video link to access a recording of that presentation.