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 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, government entities, public school districts, and nonprofit organizations – must provide a valid DUNS number to receive an SCAC grant award.

Organizations are limited to one Accessibility Grant award per fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

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
  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

Any activities carried out within this grant must align with state guidelines regarding COVID-19.

There are no specified priority areas for this grant category.

Deadline

• September 1, 2021, for projects beginning September 15-30, 2021
• At least six weeks before the project begins, for projects beginning on or after October 1, 2021
  • Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before grant-funded activities begin or purchases are made. However, earlier applications are encouraged. Applicants do not need to wait until six weeks before their project starts; you may submit an application as soon as you are ready.
  • Note: No applications will be accepted after April 15, 2022.

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 September 15, 2021 and June 1, 2022.

If your proposed project is scheduled to end after June 1, please contact La Ruchala Murphy (803.734.8762 | lmurphy@arts.sc.gov), Arts Industry Director before applying.

Funding

Up to $2,500

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.

The applicant must have an active account in our grants portal.

• If you have previously used Submittable to apply for other SCAC grants or programs, please note that the grants portal is a different system. Your Submittable credentials will not work; you will need a grants portal account to apply for this grant.
• If you have used the grants portal as both an artist and as a contact for a school or organization, be sure you log on with the correct account to apply for this grant.

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” in the list of available grant applications, and click the “Apply” button to the far right.

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 numerical rating and 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 two to three weeks of submission.

Review Criteria

• The applicant meets the eligibility requirements.
• The proposed activities align with the stated purpose of this grant category.
• The proposed use of funds meets the requirements as stated in the grant guidelines.
• The professionals have the appropriate qualifications necessary to carry out the proposed activities.
• The application shows evidence of adequate financial resources to complete the proposed activities.
• For capital improvement projects, the required documentation is included.

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 our online grants management system. 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 given.

Please note: Any significant revisions to grant-funded activities must be approved in writing, in advance, by SCAC.

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 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.