Arts Industry Operating Support

• Applicant Coaching

  • Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
  • 2-3:15 p.m. on Zoom
  • Register for the coaching call.

• Eligibility

  To be eligible for this grant, an organization must fit all the following criteria:

  1. Be a current (FY26) operating support grantee.
  2. Have a primary mission focused on the arts OR serve as the primary arts provider in their community
  3. Be either
     • a unit of local government
       OR
     • a nonprofit community-based arts organization
       • currently registered as a charity with the SC Secretary of State’s Office
         Note: Applicants who are exempt from this registration must upload their registration exemption approval.
       • reflecting SC as the primary address on all current official organizational documents
       • 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 will need to submit a letter that outlines the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.
  4. Have completed at least one fiscal year of programming.
  5. Have a valid Unique Entity ID

     • 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.

  6. 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.

• Restrictions

  Organizations receiving SCAC Arts Industry Operating Support funding may not receive simultaneous Arts Project Support funding, except for professional development opportunities.

• Use of Funds

  Grantees may use these funds for any general operating expense related to their arts programming, such as staff salaries, paying the electric bill, printing programs, buying supplies, etc.

  Arts programming expenses might include (but are not limited to) concert series, visual arts workshops, a season of theatrical productions, or other activities and initiatives conducted with the primary intention of providing arts experiences to the community.

  This grant is not intended to support programming that is not arts-focused (although it may contain artistic elements).

  Allowable (Operating) Expenses

  • Costs that an organization must cover to perform its primary, day-to-day activities that generate revenue.
  • Administrative costs.
  • Office supplies.
  • Salaries for administrative/artistic personnel.
  • Commissions.
  • Marketing and advertising.
  • Research and development costs.
  • Rent.
  • Utilities.
  • Contract/consultant services.
  • Insurance premiums.
  • Everyday repairs to equipment.
  • Travel expenses related to normal business activities.
  • Property tax.
  • Accessibility operating expenses: expenses accrued to improve the quality of being easily reached, entered, or used by people who have a disability.

  Non-allowable (Non-operating) expenses

  • Costs that are unrelated to the core operations of the organization.
  • Interest on borrowed money.
  • One-time or unusual costs (e.g., buying/ selling real estate, fines and penalties, legal expenses).
  • Lawsuits.
  • Disposal of assets.
  • Losses due to natural disasters.
  • Decrease in inventory value or unsold inventory.
  • Any activities primarily intended for fundraising (e.g., costs of organized fundraising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions).
  • Costs of investment counsel/staff and similar expenses incurred solely to enhance income from investments.
  • New construction/facilities construction.
  • Food, beverages, alcohol, catering services.

• Additional Requirements of This Grant

  Primary Contact Requirement

  The primary contact listed in the grant application must be the main point of contact throughout the application process and, if awarded, during the grant period.

  For organizations, the primary contact must be an employee or active volunteer of the organization applying for the grant. Intermediaries, such as hired consultants or external representatives, are not permitted to serve as the primary point of contact. The primary contact will be responsible for all communications with the SCAC, including responding to inquiries, providing updates, and submitting required documentation. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in disqualification from the grant process or revocation of awarded funds.

• Priority

  Priority will be given to projects in SCAC’s Opportunity Initiative Counties:
  

  • Allendale
  • Bamberg
  • Calhoun
  • Edgefield
  • Hampton
  • Lee
  • Marlboro
  • Saluda
  • Union
  • Williamsburg

• Deadline & Grant Period

  Deadline

  February 26, 2026
  

  Applications may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the deadline date. However, staff members are not available to assist you with questions or technical difficulties after SCAC closes at 5 p.m.

  Grant Period

  July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027

• Funding & Match

  Funding

  Your organization’s maximum request amount tier is determined by the total expenses reported on your most recently completed Form 990*. Organizations can receive up to $45,000, depending on budget tiers as follows:

  FY27 Arts Industry Operating Support Grant Funding Tiers
  Tier 1	Expenses Range: $0-$74,999	Maximum Award: 10% of expenses reported on most recently completed Form 990.
  Tier 2	Expenses Range: $75,000-$149,999	Maximum Award: $15,000
  Tier 3	Expenses Range: $150,000-$299,999	Maximum Award: $20,000
  Tier 4	Expenses Range: $300,000-$499,999	Maximum Award: $25,000
  Tier 5	Expenses Range: $500,000-$699,999	Maximum Award: $30,000
  Tier 6	Expenses Range: $700,000-$999,999	Maximum Award: $35,000
  Tier 7	Expenses Range: $1,000,000-$1,999,999	Maximum Award: $40,000
  Tier 8	Expenses Range: $2,000,000 and above	Maximum Award: $45,000

  *If your organization is not required to file a Form 990, please contact the Grants Team (803.734.8695 | grants@arts.sc.gov).

  Grant awards will be based on:

  1. Reviewer’s score of the application.
  2. Expenses reported on Form 990. (See matching requirements).
  3. Availability of funds.
  4. SCAC board approval.

  Awards may vary from year to year and are contingent on appropriation of funds by the S.C. General Assembly.

  Matching Requirements

  • 1:1 (grantee:SCAC) for organizations in Tier 1.
    • A 1:1 match means that for each SCAC dollar granted, the grantee must match with $1 of their own funds.
  • 3:1 (grantee:SCAC) for all other organizations (Tiers 2-8).
    • A 3:1 match means that for each SCAC dollar granted, the grantee must match with $3 of their own funds.
  • 100% of the grantee’s match must be cash. No in-kind expenses are allowed as part of the grantee’s match.
  • Another SCAC grant and/or federal funds may not be used to match your award.

• 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.

  Applications will be reviewed with the criteria of artistic merit, artistic excellence, and public participation.

  FY27 Arts Industry Operating Support Grant Application Evaluation Rubric
  Artistic Merit (organizational health: strategy, governance, capacity, financial health) – 35% of Total Score
  Strategic Planning	0-1 points: There are no formal planning or evaluation processes in place.	2-4 points: There is evidence of methods for planning or evaluating organizational health.	5-7 points: Strategic planning informs organizational practice and includes health metrics and evaluation.	8-9 points: Planning is integrated, data-informed, and used to drive strategic growth and organizational learning with strong methods for evaluation.
  Governance (staff)	0 points: There is little or no staff structure to manage operations effectively.	1-2 points: There is evidence of governance, management, and staffing to support the work of the organization.	3-4 points: Staff roles and responsibilities are defined; governance supports staff management and development.	5-6 points: Governance and management are highly effective; staff development is well-aligned with mission and goals.
  Governance (board)	0 points: Board is inactive, unclear in its role, or not engaged.	1-2 points: There is evidence of board governance to support the work of the organization.	3-4 points: Board provides appropriate oversight and guidance; some involvement in strategic and financial decisions.	5 points: Board is fully engaged and strategic; provides strong leadership, oversight, and advocacy.
  Governance (volunteers)	0 points: Volunteer involvement is unstructured or insufficient.	1 point: Volunteer involvement is appropriate to support the work of the organization.	2 points: Volunteers are well-trained and coordinated for meaningful contributions.	3 points: Volunteers are well-trained and strategically aligned with organizational goals.
  Financial Support for Professional Learning & Accessibility	0 points: No investment in accessibility or board/staff development.	1 point: There is an investment in professional learning and/or accessibility by the organization’s board and staff.	2 points: Board and staff receive regular and appropriate support for professional development and accessibility efforts.	3 points: Professional learning and accessibility are priorities with robust, ongoing investment across the organization.
  Income	0-1 points: Organization struggles to generate income; frequent shortfalls.	2-4 points: There is sufficient income to support arts programming or access to cash to cover occasional shortfalls.	5-7 points: Income sources are stable; reserves or contingency funds are in place for emergencies.	8-9 points: Organization has diversified, sustainable income streams and strong financial reserves.
  Artistic Excellence (quality and relevance of programs and services) – 40% of Total Score
  Mission Alignment	0-1 points: Arts programs and services show little or no alignment with the mission.	2-3 points: The arts programs and services are aligned with the mission.	4-6 points: Programs and services demonstrate clear and intentional alignment with mission.	7-8 points: Intentional, explicit alignment between programs and services and the organization's mission.
  Programs Breadth and Quality: SMART Goals	0-1 points: SMART Goals are vague, missing, or not measurable; no clear planning.	2-3 points: SMART goals are present, with some measurable and time-bound elements.	4-5 points: SMART goals are fully developed, measurable, and time-bound; they guide planning, execution, and evaluation.	6-7 points: SMART goals are exemplary, fully integrated across all program stages; goals drive innovation and continuous improvement.
  Programs Breadth and Quality: Strategies	0-1 points: No clear strategies for program development or delivery are evident.	2-3 points: Some strategies are outlined, but might lack goal alignment.	4-6 points: Strategies are clearly defined and appropriate for achieving program goals.	7-8 points: Strategies are comprehensive, innovative, and directly aligned to program goals; they are reviewed and refined.
  Programs Breadth and Quality: Capacity for Execution	0-1 points: Organization lacks material and human resources, or systems to implement programs.	2-4 points: Capacity exists; there are gaps in human and material resources; some systems exist to implement programs.	5-7 points: Strong systems, as well as human and material resources, are in place to support successful implementation.	8-9 points: Skilled human resources, ample material resources, and systems that ensure sustainable implementation.
  Programs Breadth and Quality: Program Evaluation	0-1 points: Little or no evaluation methods are in place; no data is collected or reviewed.	2-3 points: Basic evaluation is present, though limited in use for improvement.	4-6 points: Evaluation is implemented regularly with relevant metrics; findings are used for improvement.	7-8 points: Evaluation is systematic, thorough, and data-driven; results are consistently used to inform and enhance programs.
  Public Participation – 25% of Total Score
  Knowledge of Participants	0 points: Little to no understanding of who participates in programs or why participation is limited.	1-2 points: Surface-level understanding of participant demographics and behaviors.	3-4 points: Data-driven understanding of participant demographics and behaviors.	5 points: Deep, data-driven understanding of participant demographics and behaviors; strategies are informed by this knowledge.
  Assessment of Participation Barriers	0 points: Little or no methods are in place to assess participation barriers.	1-2 points: The organization has methods for assessing and understands participation barriers.	3-4 points: A system for assessing participation barriers is implemented and regularly reviewed; data is used to inform programming strategies.	5-6 points: Strong, continuous assessment system identifies barriers and tracks progress on eliminating them.
  Continual Improvement	0 points: The organization rarely or never adjusts programs based on participation challenges.	1-2 points: The organization continually implements changes to overcome participation barriers.	3-4 points: Improvements are regularly made based on participation data and community feedback.	5-6 points: A culture of continuous improvement is embedded; changes are strategic, responsive, and measurable.
  Engaging with your Broader Community (e.g., partnerships, corporations, advocacy, other nonprofits, service opportunities, schools, etc.)	0 points: There is minimal or no engagement with external community groups or partners.	1-2 points: The organization occasionally engages with its broader community; some alignment with mission.	3-4 points: Active engagement with multiple sectors; partnerships are maintained and contribute to mission delivery.	5 points: Deep, reciprocal relationships with diverse community partners; engagement enhances impact and mission reach.
  Alignment with SCAC Mission (to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.)	0 points: Organization’s work does not clearly relate to the SCAC's mission.	1 point: Organization’s work shows some alignment with the SCAC's mission, but the connection may be limited in impact or intentionality.	2 points: Organization’s mission and programs intentionally and actively support the SCAC's mission.	3 points: The organization's mission and programs serve as a leader, model, or strategic partner in advancing access to the arts and fostering creativity.

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

After You Apply

• Review Process

  Applications go through a two-step review process.

  Step 1: Completion and Compliance

  The grants team reviews applications for completion and compliance with guidelines and application requirements. Incomplete or noncompliant applications will not move on to evaluation.

  Step 2: Evaluation

  Grant reviewers evaluate complete applications based on the published review criteria. Reviewer comments are available to applicants upon request.

  Awarding

  Award decisions are based on applicant scores and the availability of funds; award approvals are made by the SCAC Board of Commissioners. Award notifications are expected following the June 2026 board meeting.

• 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. Grantees in this category are eligible for up to two (2) interim payments and one final payment before receipt and approval of the grantee’s final report. An accurate pay request, listing only expenses allowable under the program guidelines and within the certified time period, must be submitted to receive payment.

  Payment Schedule

  • First interim payment request due by December 2026.
  • Second interim payment request due by March 2027.
  • Final Payment request due by the end of May 2027.

  Interim payment requests may be submitted earlier than the due date.

  Final Report Requirement

  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.

  This grant is awarded on a three-year cycle, but grantees are required to file a final report at the end of each annual grant period. Submission of your annual final report for years one and two of the three-year cycle will allow us to assess long-term progress and generate the next year’s contract.

  Delinquent Grantee Communication Policy

  Definition of Delinquency:

  A grant is considered delinquent if the grantee fails to complete any of the following tasks:

  • Submit required reports by the deadline.
  • Fulfill grant agreement terms (e.g., project deliverables, financial documentation).
  • Respond to SCAC requests for updates or corrections.

  Good Faith Outreach:

  Upon identifying delinquency, the SCAC Grants Office will:

  • First Attempt: Notify the grantee via email and phone within five (5) business days, detailing the delinquency and required actions.
  • Second Attempt: If no response after 10 business days, send a follow-up email with “FINAL NOTICE” in the subject line and attempt contact via a second phone call.
  • Third Attempt: If no response after an additional 10 business days (25 days total since initial delinquency), send an email and certified letter to the grantee’s official address on file, stating intent to cancel the grant.

  Grant Cancellation:

  • If the grantee does not respond or rectify the delinquency within 15 business days of the certified letter’s receipt, or 30 business days of sending if receipt is not confirmed, the grant will be formally canceled.
  • The grantee will be notified in writing of the cancellation and any required repayment of funds.
  • Canceled grants may impact eligibility for future SCAC funding.

  Exceptions:

  Extensions may be granted for emergencies (e.g., natural disasters, documented organizational crises) at the discretion of the SCAC Executive Director.