Accessibility Grants

About This Grant

Purpose

Accessibility grants are designed to help South Carolina organizations make arts programs and existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities by removing accessibility barriers. Accessibility barriers are anything that prevent an individual with a disability from fully accessing a service or fully participating in a program. Examples of accessibility barriers can include, but are not limited to, physical/structural barriers, communication barriers, and digital/technology barriers.

If you are interested in learning more about accessibility, please visit the SCAC’s accessibility resources page, which includes links to highly informative topical webinars.

Please Note

Grant guidelines are subject to change until the application opens.

• Eligibility

  1. The applicant must be either:
     • a designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs board,
       OR
     • a South Carolina 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.
  2. The applicant must also be either:
     • a unit of government,
       OR
     • a nonprofit organization
       1. currently registered as a charity with the S.C. Secretary of State’s Office
          Note: Applicants who are exempt from this registration must upload their registration exemption approval.
       2. reflecting S.C. as the primary address on all current official organizational documents
       3. with federal tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service
          OR
          applying through a tax-exempt fiscal agent/receiver organization
          Note: Applicants who are applying through a fiscal agent/receiver must submit a letter outlining the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.

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

     *Learn about the Unique Entity ID (UEI)

     Note: If an applicant organization is using a fiscal agent/receiver, separate UEI numbers must be provided for both the applicant organization and the fiscal agent/receiver. Exceptions to separate UEI numbers are organizations run by a local government or a school district.

• Restrictions

  • Organizations are limited to one Accessibility Grant award per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
  • Colleges and universities are not eligible to apply for this grant category.
  • Commissioners and staff of the S.C. Arts Commission and members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply for any individual SCAC programs, grants, fellowships, or services that provide financial support or career recognition.

• Use of Funds

  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

  • Printing large print program materials
  • Printing Braille materials
  • Artist/consultant fees
  • 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
  • Purchase of assistive listening devices

  Facilities

  • Curb cuts
  • Construction of accessibility ramp(s)
  • Accessibility signage for exterior and/or interior space
  • Modification of restroom(s)
  • Modification of drinking fountain(s)
  • Installation of elevator
  • Installation of electronic door opener
  • Installation of Braille plaques
  • Architectural or engineering study to address accessibility of existing facility
  • Capital improvements (“bricks and mortar”) of existing facilities
    Note:
    • 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.
    • Applicants for capital improvement project support must upload
      1. A copy of the deed or letter from the property owner, acknowledging approval of this capital improvement project.
      2. Photographs, drawings or plans of existing facilities, identifying project areas. All construction documents must be stamped by the architect and/or engineer.
  • 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

• Additional Requirements of this Grant

  None.

• Priority

  Priority will be given to individuals or organizations that have projects in SCAC’s Opportunity Initiative Counties:
  

  • Allendale
  • Bamberg
  • Calhoun
  • Cherokee
  • Clarendon
  • Dillon
  • Edgefield
  • Hampton
  • Jasper
  • Laurens
  • Lee
  • Marion
  • Marlboro
  • Saluda
  • Williamsburg

• Deadline & Grant Period

  Deadline

  At least five (5) weeks before the project begins, for projects beginning on or after August 6, 2024.

  • Application period: July 2, 2024 – January 31, 2025
  • Applications must be submitted at least five weeks (unless otherwise noted by an * below) before grant-funded activities begin or purchases are made. However, earlier applications are encouraged. Applicants do not need to wait until five weeks before their project starts to apply.
  • Note: No applications will be accepted after Friday, January 31, 2025.

  Here are some time-specific deadlines:

  • July 2, 2024, for projects beginning August 6 or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of July 29.
  • August 5, 2024, for projects beginning September 9 or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of September 2.
  • September 2, 2024, for projects beginning October 7 or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of September 30.
  • September 30, 2024, for projects beginning November 4 or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of October 28.
  • October 28, 2024, for projects beginning December 9* or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of December 2.
  • December 2, 2024, for projects beginning January 13, 2025* or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of January 6, 2025.
  • January 6, 2025, for projects beginning February 10 or later.
    • Notification (awarded or declined) is expected the week of February 3.

  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.

  Grant Period

  All grant-supported activities must be implemented between August 6, 2024 and May 31, 2025.

  If your proposed project is scheduled to end after May 31, please contact us BEFORE beginning your application.

• Funding & Match

  Funding

  Up to $2,500

  Federal funding note: This grant might be funded using federal dollars. The SCAC will notify the grantee if federal dollars are used. In the event federal dollars are used, the grantee’s match must not consist of federal funding.

  Matching Requirements

  1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

  • At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.
  • Funds from another SCAC grant may not be used as matching funds.

• Grant Criteria

  Are you wondering what makes for a strong application?

  The SCAC recommends using the rubric in this section as a guide when writing your application. Grant panelists will score your application responses based on the criteria within this rubric.

  FY26 Accessibility Grant Application Evaluation Rubric
  Accessibility Barrier Identification: 20%
  Accessibility Barrier	0-1 points: The applicant has not identified a current barrier to accessibility or the barrier will not be addressed by this project. There is little to no demonstrated understanding of the concern this barrier causes for the organization.	2-4 points: The applicant has identified a current barrier to accessibility that will be loosely addressed by this project. There is a somewhat demonstrated understanding of the concern this barrier causes for the organization.	5-7 points: The applicant has identified a current barrier to accessibility that will be addressed by this project. There is a demonstrated understanding of the concern this barrier causes for the organization.	8-10 points: The applicant has identified a current barrier to accessibility that will be directly and thoroughly addressed by this project. There is a strong demonstrated understanding of the concern this barrier causes for the organization.
  Disability Community Input	0-1 points: The applicant did not consult with members of the disability community when identifying barriers and solutions this project would address. No feedback helped shape the project.	2-4 points: The applicant consulted with members adjacent to the disability community when identifying barriers and solutions this project would address. The feedback somewhat shaped the project.	5-7 points: The applicant consulted with members of the disability community when identifying barriers and solutions this project would address. The feedback clearly shaped the project.	8-10 points: The applicant consulted with multiple members of the disability community when identifying barriers and solutions this project would address. The feedback clearly and thoroughly shaped the project.
  Project Details: 40%
  Accessibility Project Description	0-5 points: The proposed plan to address the accessibility barrier is unclear. The applicant does not explain how the barrier will be removed by the end of the grant period.	6-11 points: The proposed plan to address the accessibility barrier is vague. The applicant somewhat explains how the barrier will be removed by the end of the grant period.	12-15 points: The proposed plan to address the accessibility barrier is clear. The applicant explains how the barrier will be removed by the end of the grant period.	16-20 points: The proposed plan to address the accessibility barrier is detailed and thoughtful. The applicant thoroughly explains how the barrier will be removed by the end of the grant period.
  Involved Professionals	0-1 points: The applicant does not provide names or qualifications of the professionals involved in the project. Selected professionals are not a good fit for their assigned role.	2-4 points: The applicant provides the names and minimal qualifications of the professionals involved in the project. Selected professionals are somewhat a fit for their assigned role.	5-7 points: The applicant provides the names and qualifications of the professionals involved in the project. Selected professionals are a good fit for their assigned role.	8-10 points: The applicant provides the names and in-depth qualifications of the professionals involved in the project. Selected professionals are a strong fit for their assigned role.
  Timeline	0-1 points: The applicant's timeline is incomplete or not present. It does not demonstrate a plan to meet the goals of the project within the grant period.	2-4 points: The applicant's timeline is sparse and demonstrates a minimal plan to meet the goals of the project within the grant period.	5-7 points: The applicant's timeline is complete and demonstrates a feasible plan to meet the goals of the project within the grant period.	8-10 points: The applicant's timeline is thorough and demonstrates a strong, clear plan to meet the goals of the project within the grant period.
  Impact and Sustainability: 20%
  Measure of Success	0-1 points: The applicant has little to no plan for measuring the success of the project. There is little to no plan for collecting data and recording important outcomes.	2-4 points: The applicant's plan for measuring the success of the project is vague. The plan for collecting data and recording important outcomes is limited.	5-7 points: The applicant's plan for measuring the success of the project is clear. The plan for collecting data and recording important outcomes is well-defined.	8-10 points: The applicant's plan for measuring the success of the project is clear and feasible. The plan for collecting data and recording important outcomes is comprehensive.
  Sustainability	0-1 points: The applicant has little to no plan to sustain or expand accessibility efforts for the organization.	2-4 points: The applicant has a vague plan to sustain and potentially expand accessibility efforts for the organization.	5-7 points: The applicant has a clear plan to sustain and expand accessibility efforts for the organization.	8-10 points: The applicant has a strong, feasible plan to sustain and widely expand accessibility efforts for the organization.
  Financial Resources and Support 20%
  Financial Resources	0-1 points: Budget is not detailed and does not show the necessary financial resources to complete the project.	2-4 points: Budget lacks detail but shows adequate financial resources to complete the project.	5-7 points: The budget is detailed and shows the necessary financial resources to complete the project.	8-10 points: Budget is highly detailed and shows strong financial resources to complete the project.
  Support Materials	0-1 points: The applicant's support materials do not demonstrate evidence of the accessibility barrier to be addressed through this project.	2-4 points: The applicant's support materials demonstrate minimal evidence of the accessibility barrier to be addressed through this project.	5-7 points: The applicant's support materials demonstrate evidence of the accessibility barrier to be addressed through this project.	8-10 points: The applicant's support materials demonstrate strong evidence of the accessibility barrier to be addressed through this project.

  Click for a printer-friendly rubric.

How to Apply

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.

• Your Grants Portal Account

  Applicants must have an active account in our grants portal (Foundant).

  If you have previously used Submittable to apply for other SCAC grants or programs, please note that Foundant is a different system. Your Submittable credentials will not work; you will need a Foundant account to apply for this grant.

  If you have used the grants portal as both an artist and for a school or organization, be sure you log on with the correct account to apply for this grant.

• Starting Your Application

  1. Click the “Apply” link below. The grants portal 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” in the list of available grant applications, and click the “Apply” button to the far right.

After You Apply

• Review Process

  The Grants Team will review submitted applications for completeness and compliance with guideline and application requirements. SCAC program staff and management 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 executive director. Award notification is expected within four (4) to five (5) weeks of submission.

• If You Receive a Grant Award

  If your application is funded, you (and/or your fiscal agent/receiver, if applicable) will enter into a contractual agreement with the South Carolina Arts Commission. All parties agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, executive orders, provisions, and requirements stated in the 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.

  Grant Payments

  Payment will be on a reimbursement basis only and will be released upon receipt and approval of your final report.

  Final Report

  ALL GRANTEES are required to submit 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.