1. The applicant must be either:
   • a designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs board,
     OR
   • a S.C. organization that
     • has a primary mission focused on the arts, or
     • serves as the primary arts provider in its community, or
     • will commit to a project that connects the arts to persons who have disabilities.

     Note: A S.C. organization is one that reflects S.C. as its primary address on all current official organizational documents.

2. The applicant must also be either:
   • a unit of government,
     OR
   • a charitable organization currently registered with the Office of the Secretary of State that either
     • has its own federal tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service, or
     • is applying through a tax exempt Fiscal Agent/Receiver organization.

3. In accordance with federal government policy, all organizations – including (but not limited to) private schools, government entities, public school districts, and nonprofit organizations – must provide a valid DUNS number to receive an S.C. Arts Commission grant award.

    

   If a grantee is using a fiscal agent/receiver, separate DUNS numbers must be provided for both the applicant organization and the fiscal agent/receiver.

• Applicants are limited to one grant award per fiscal year.
• Funds for capital improvements (“bricks and mortar”) are limited to renovations to existing facilities.
  • Capital improvement projects must meet all local and state building codes.
  • 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.

Grants awards may reimburse the applicant for any combination of qualifying expenses incurred during the grant period. Projects may include but are not limited to the following:

Programs

• Usage of large print interpretative and program materials
• Artist/consultant fees
• Transportation of constituents or performers with disabilities
• 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 facilities (see Restrictions section)
• 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

Deadline

At least six weeks before the project begins

Applications may be submitted until 11:59pm (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 the Arts Commission closes at 5:00 p.m. that day.

Grant Period

All projects must be implemented between July 1 and June 1. If your proposed project is scheduled to end after June 1, please contact the Grants Office (grants@arts.sc.gov | 803.734.8695) before applying.

Funding

Up to $2,500

Matching Requirements

1:1 (applicant:SCAC)

At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.

Funds from another S.C. Arts Commission grant may not be used as matching funds.

Our online grants are managed using the Foundant platform. For frequently asked questions, registration instructions, and other helpful information, we highly recommend you visit the Foundant FAQ, before you begin working in the system.

To apply for an ACA grant, the applicant must have an active account in our online grants management system.

1. Click the “Apply” link below. The online grants management system will open in a new browser tab or window.
2. Log on, then click the “Apply” link at the top of your Applicant Dashboard.
3. Find “Accessibility (ACA) Grants” in the list of available grant applications, and click the “Apply” button to the far right.

The initial staff review of applications focuses on eligibility, accuracy and detail of budget, inclusion of a well-written narrative, completeness of submission, compliance with grant requirements, and confirmation of required support materials. (Please be aware that evaluators may also visit your website.) S.C. Arts Commission staff will evaluate grant applications, and final funding decisions are approved by the Executive Director.

If your application is approved, you will receive notification and your contract will be available in the online system. You must electronically sign your contract by the date indicated. You must also complete a Final Report, as listed in your online account, by the date stated. You will be expected to contact the Arts Commission if for any reason your project will undergo significant revisions.

Grant Payments

Payment will be on a reimbursement basis only and will be released upon receipt and approval of a Final Report.

Final Report

ALL GRANTEES are required to file a Final Report at the end of the grant period. The Final Report Due Date is printed on your 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. The S.C. Arts Commission will not fund applicants who have outstanding Final Reports.