Art of Community: Rural SC Grants

About This Grant

This grant supports arts-based projects in rural South Carolina that use the arts to address issues and challenges in those communities. This grant can also support partnerships between libraries and artists or arts organizations and encourage communities to participate in artistic and cultural activities.

Grant-funded activities should:

1. Expand community access to the arts in rural areas
2. Provide opportunities for
   • participants to develop their own artistic skills and/or produce their own artistic work; OR
   • artistic development for artists through activities such as residencies or workshops; OR
   • using the arts in new contexts.

All projects must:

1. Serve the rural community in which the applicant is located.
2. Include a public engagement component.
3. Engage a project steering committee* to lead the project.
   *A project steering committee is the group of people who will be collaborating on and leading this project. This group should have a strong understanding of the project and the applicant organization.

• • The project steering committee is responsible for, but not limited to, providing advice and direction, setting the project timeline and budget, monitoring the quality of the project, evaluating and monitoring the success of the project, and defining project outcomes.

4. Support one or more of the following artistic disciplines:
   
   • Dance (choreography or performance).
   • Music (composition, production, songwriting, or performance).
   • Opera/musical theatre (performance, libretto/playwriting, directing).
   • Theatre (performance, playwriting, directing).
   • Visual arts (painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, or printmaking).
   • Crafts (ceramics, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, plastic, or wood).
   • Photography.
   • Design arts (architecture, fashion, graphic, industrial, or interior).
   • Media arts (screenwriting, film, animation, performance).
   • Literature (poetry, prose).
   • Spoken word/slam poetry.
   • Interdisciplinary (installation, sound, video art, computer-generated art, performance art).
   • Public art (permanent or ephemeral).
   • Folklife and Traditional Arts (visual arts, performance, or oral literature).
     • Folk and traditional artists create works that are expressions of a shared identity learned as a part of the cultural life of a particular group. This shared identity may be rooted in family, geographic, tribal, occupational, religious, or ethnic connections, among others. Folk and traditional art is handed down/taught from one generation to the next and reflects the shared experience, aesthetics, and values of a group.

Applicants may receive only one (1) Art of Community: Rural SC grant per fiscal year.

• Non-library college and university departments are eligible to apply, but may receive only one (1) Art of Community: Rural SC grant per department per fiscal year.

Please Note

• Grant guidelines are subject to change until the application opens.
• SCAC reserves the right to withdraw from consideration any application that does not comply with these guidelines or applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, executive orders, provisions, and requirements.

• Who Can Get This Grant

  1. The applicant must be
     • a college or university; OR
     • a unit of state or local government, OR
     • a public library, public library authority, network of public library authorities, or organization managing a public library authority as defined under the Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964; 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.

  2. 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.

  Who Cannot Get This Grant

  • Schools and school districts.
  • Individual artists.
  • 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.

• This Grant Can Be Used For...

  Grant funds must be used for actual project costs, defined as consumable and non-consumable items needed to complete the proposed project. Those might include, but are not limited to:

  • Artist residencies.
  • Exhibitions.
  • Digital projects.
  • Arts festivals.
  • Workshops.
  • Community murals.
  • Equipment (e.g., kilns, lighting or sound equipment, musical instruments, storage).
  • Furniture (e.g., easels, music stands).
  • Professional services (e.g., performance space rental, web designer, consultant fees).
  • Performances that have a public engagement component.
  • Artistic services (e.g., professional artists, muralists, performers, instructors, or presenters such as those listed on the S.C. Arts Directory).

  Artistic Services

  If you are hiring artists or teaching artists

  For all grant-funded activities (including group lectures, demonstrations, performances, residencies, and short-term arts teaching experiences), the use of S.C. Arts Directory members is required for school and school district grantees and encouraged for grantees that are organizations.

  Artists identified 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. For any grantee whose grant-funded activities are for K-12 student services, SCAC encourages the use of Verified Teaching Artists. Many school districts require the use of SCAC Verified Teaching Artists for classroom residencies. If working in a school environment, always check with both the individual school and the school district about policies related to hiring artists, arts organizations, and teaching artists.

  • Learn more about the S.C. Arts Directory.
  • Search for an artist.

  Indirect Cost Limitation

  No more than 10% of the total grant funds may be used for indirect costs (general overhead expenses not directly tied to the project). The remaining 90% must go toward direct costs, which are necessary to carry out the funded project.

  • Examples of direct costs: Artist fees, program supplies, travel for project activities, and venue rental.
  • Examples of indirect costs: Administrative salaries not directly working on the project, office rent, utilities, and general office supplies.

  This ensures that most of the funding directly benefits the project while allowing some flexibility for necessary overhead costs.

• This Grant Cannot Be Used For...

  Grant-Specific Restrictions

  • Any arts material or activity that is already funded by an SCAC grant may not be duplicated in, or overlap with, an Art of Community: Rural SC grant application.
  • New construction/facilities construction.
  • Any activities primarily intended for fundraising.
  • Goods for resale.
  • Lobbying.
  • Costs not directly related to the arts.
  • Capital expenses or purchases.
  • Scholarships or prizes.
  • Endowment funds.
  • Operational support.
  • Professional development.
  • Entertainment expenses, such as receptions, staff/member parties, awards, flowers, etc.
  • Food, beverages, alcohol, or catering services.

  SCAC Restrictions

  Prohibited Use of Grant Funds

  • Fundraising activities, such as capital campaigns or endowment campaigns.
  • Construction or renovation projects (with the exception of accessibility-based grant categories).
  • Debt retirement.
  • Activities that take place outside of the grant period.
  • Activities that include religious proselytization or promote any one faith over another.
  • Activities that include lobbying or attempting to influence federal, state, or local legislation.
  • Activities that endorse a political party or ideology.
  • Activities that are not in compliance with state and federal laws, including the dissemination of obscene materials (see below).

  Compliance with State and Federal Laws

  All grant applicants must ensure their applications, proposed projects, and any related materials comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), which prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials.

  Obscene content is strictly prohibited in grant applications and any proposed project activities. Applications that include materials or activities determined to be obscene will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

  No component of an SCAC-funded project, including those funded with SCAC funds and those funded with matching funds, can fall into this category. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the termination of funding and other legal consequences.

  We strongly encourage all applicants to carefully review the full legal text of SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024) to ensure their proposals are in full compliance.

• Priority

  Special consideration will be given to individuals or organizations that are located in and/or have projects in SCAC’s Opportunity Initiative Counties:

  • Allendale
  • Bamberg
  • Calhoun
  • Edgefield
  • Fairfield
  • Hampton
  • Lee
  • Marlboro
  • McCormick
  • Saluda
  • Union

  Applicants located in or serving an Opportunity County will receive bonus points added to their final scores. Applicants outside of Opportunity Counties are neither penalized nor discouraged from applying in any way.

• Deadline & Grant Period

  Deadline

  Application period: August 25, 2026 – March 25, 2027.

  Applications must be submitted at least five (5) weeks before grant-funded activities begin or purchases are made. Your project start date will be no sooner than 35 days after you submit your application.

  • Example: If you submit your application Friday, September 4, 2026, the earliest you could begin your project or make purchases would be Friday, October 9, 2026.

  Earlier applications are encouraged. You do not need to wait until five weeks before your project starts to apply. Projects can begin as early as Tuesday, September 29, 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

  All grant-supported activities must be implemented between September 29, 2026 and May 31, 2027.

  • All project activities have to be done within the project dates stated in the application.
  • If your proposed project is scheduled to end after May 31, please contact us BEFORE submitting your application.

• Funding & Match

  Funding

  Up to $5,000

  Federal funding note:

  This grant is funded using federal dollars. The SCAC will notify the grantee of the type of federal dollars used. Because the grant will be funded using federal dollars, the grantee’s match must not consist of federal funding.

  Additionally, federal funding requires special actions and auditing treatment. If you are audited, please advise your auditors of these federal receipts. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has established the following requirements for recipients of federal funds:

  • Provide a final grant report to the SCAC.
  • Adhere to the prohibition against lobbying within a federally supported grant.
  • Use U.S. air carriers for foreign travel associated with this grant.
  • Maintain records pertinent to the grant for six (6) years following submission of the final report.

  Matching Requirements (determined by location)

  Note: If your rural community spans counties in multiple tiers, please contact us BEFORE beginning your application.

  TIER 1

  No match

  Tier 1 counties:

  • Abbeville
  • Allendale
  • Bamberg
  • Barnwell
  • Calhoun
  • Cherokee
  • Chesterfield
  • Clarendon
  • Colleton
  • Dillon
  • Edgefield
  • Hampton
  • Lee
  • Marion
  • Marlboro
  • McCormick
  • Newberry
  • Oconee
  • Orangeburg
  • Saluda
  • Union
  • Williamsburg

  TIER 2

  1:3 (grantee:SCAC)

  A 1:3 match means that for each dollar granted, the grantee must match with $0.33 of their own funds.

  • For example, if the total project cost is $1,800, the applicant may request $1,350 and must provide the remaining $450 from other sources.
  • In addition to the federal funding restriction, another SCAC grant cannot be used to match these funds.

  Tier 2 counties:

  • Chester
  • Darlington
  • Fairfield
  • Georgetown
  • Greenwood
  • Jasper
  • Kershaw
  • Lancaster
  • Laurens

  Up to 50% of the grantee’s match may be in-kind donation of materials and contracted services that are essential to the project.

  • Examples of “in-kind” include: a contracted fee that is waived or discounted as a donation to your project, a facility donation to host an event, a local craft store donates supplies for a community mural.

  TIER 3

  1:2 (grantee:SCAC)

  A 1:2 match means that for each dollar granted, the grantee must match with $0.50 of their own funds.

  • For example, if the total project cost is $1,800, the applicant may request $1,200 and must provide the remaining $600 from other sources.
  • In addition to the federal funding restriction, another SCAC grant cannot be used to match these funds.

  Tier 3 counties:

  • Aiken
  • Anderson
  • Berkeley
  • Beaufort
  • Charleston
  • Dorchester
  • Florence
  • Greenville
  • Horry
  • Lexington
  • Pickens
  • Richland
  • Spartanburg
  • Sumter
  • York

  Up to 50% of the grantee’s match may be in-kind donation of materials and contracted services that are essential to the project.

  • Examples of “in-kind” include: a contracted fee that is waived or discounted as a donation to your project, a facility donation to host an event, a local craft store donates supplies for a community mural.

• Other Things to Know

  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.

• 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.

  FY27 Art of Community Grant Application Evaluation Rubric
  Community Assets and Challenges – 12% of Score
  Community Assets	0 points: The community’s biggest assets are not identified or detailed.	1 point: The community’s biggest assets are somewhat identified, with little detail.	2 points: The community’s biggest assets are clearly identified and detailed.	3 points: The community’s biggest assets are thoroughly identified and strongly detailed.
  Community Challenges	0 points: The community’s biggest challenges are not identified or detailed.	1 point: The community’s challenges are somewhat identified. Details are sparse, but relevant.	2 points: The community’s challenges are clearly identified and detailed.	3 points: The community’s challenges are thoroughly identified and strongly detailed.
  Challenge(s) Addressed	0 points: The applicant does not identify the specific challenge(s) the project will address.	1-2 points: Applicant somewhat identifies the specific challenge(s) the project will address.	3-4 points: The applicant clearly identifies the specific challenge(s) the project will address, and there is a general understanding of local impact.	5-6 points: The applicant thoroughly identifies the specific challenge(s) the project will address, and demonstrates a strong understanding of local impact.
  Use of Arts and Culture – 10 % of Total Score
  Use of Arts and Culture	0-1 points: Arts and culture are minimal or not at all a component of the project. The applicant provides fewer than three (3) examples of art and culture strategically addressing the challenge(s).	2-4 points: Arts and culture are somewhat important to the project. The applicant provides at least 3-4 examples of art and culture strategically addressing the challenge(s). The examples lack detail or specificity.	5-7 points: Arts and culture are clearly important to the project. The applicant provides five (5) examples of art and culture strategically addressing the challenge(s).	8-10 points: Arts and culture are an extremely crucial component of the project. The applicant provides five (5) or more strong examples of art and culture strategically addressing the challenge(s).
  Project Details – 28% of Total Score
  Project Description	0-1 points: The project is unclear, or it will not accomplish any specific goals.	2-3 points: The project lacks detail or specificity. The goals of the project are general and possibly achievable.	4-5 points: The project is clear and detailed. The goals of the project are clearly defined and achievable.	6 points: The project is amply described and detailed. The goals of the project are strong, specific, and achievable.
  Project Activities	0 points: The planned activities are unclear. They are irrelevant and do not align with the project goals.	1-2 points: Planned activities are somewhat detailed. They are minimally aligned with/supportive of the project goals.	3-4 points: Planned activities are clear and specified. They are mostly aligned with and in support of the project goals.	5 points: Planned activities are thoroughly detailed and planned. Activities are all strongly aligned with and in support of the project goals.
  Activity Timeline	0 points: There is no activity timeline, or the timeline is not feasible and does not accomplish the project's goals.	1-2 points: There is a limited activity timeline that is somewhat feasible and accomplishes the project's goals.	3-4 points: There is a clear activity timeline that is feasible and accomplishes the project's goals.	5 points: There is a comprehensive activity timeline that is clearly feasible and accomplishes the project's goals.
  Steering Committee	0-1 points: Steering committee members do not have the experience and expertise needed to carry out the project. The Steering Committee chair is not qualified to lead the project.	2-3 points: Some steering committee members have some experience, expertise, and community connections needed to carry out the project. The Steering Committee chair is somewhat qualified to lead the project.	4-5 points: Steering committee members have experience, expertise, and community connections needed to carry out the project. The Steering Committee chair is clearly qualified to lead the project.	6 points: Steering committee members have extensive experience, expertise, and community connections needed to carry out the project. The Steering Committee chair is highly qualified to lead the project.
  Artistic Personnel	0-1 points: Bio(s) and support material do not indicate that artistic personnel are qualified to implement the components of the project.	2-3 points: Bio(s) and support material indicate that artistic personnel are somewhat qualified to implement the project.	4-5 points: Bio(s) and support material indicate that artistic personnel are qualified to implement the project.	6 points: Bio(s) and support material strongly indicate that artistic personnel are highly qualified to implement the project.
  Importance and Engagement – 35% of Total Score
  Project Importance	0-1 points: The applicant provides little to no explanation on the project's importance to the community or the applicant.	2-4 points: The project is somewhat important to either the applicant or the community. The applicant provides some details, but they lack specificity to the project.	5-7 points: The project is clearly important to the community, the applicant, or both. The applicant provides 2-3 details supporting the project's importance and impact.	8-10 points: The project is vital to the betterment of the community, the applicant, or both. There are several strong details supporting the project's impact.
  Marketing	0-2 points: The applicant has not specified the project's audience. There is no marketing plan OR the marketing plan will not reach the intended audience.	3-5 points: The applicant has a general audience. The marketing plan is somewhat defined or not targeted toward a specific audience(s).	6-8 points: The applicant has specified the project's audience. There is a clear and well-planned marketing plan that will target the intended audience(s).	9-10 points: The applicant has clearly specified the project's audience. There is a thorough and well-planned marketing plan that will directly target the intended audience(s).
  Engagement	0-2 points: There is no public engagement component. Members of the community or local government will not engage in the project.	3-5 points: There is a public engagement component. However, it's a minor or limited aspect of the project. The local government has limited or no involvement.	6-8 points: The public engagement component is strong and important to the project. The project will clearly engage the public and the local government.	9-10 points: Public engagement is crucial to the project. There is a plan to engage the community in multiple ways. The local government will be involved and engaged throughout the planning process.
  Success Measurements	0 points: The applicant does not have a plan to collect qualitative or quantitative data to measure the success of the project. There is no plan to use data to measure project impact.	1-2 points: The applicant has a basic or limited plan to collect data. They have a plan to collect either qualitative or quantitative data, but not both.	3-4 points: The applicant has a clear plan to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The data collected will inform how they measure impact and success.	5 points: The plans to collect qualitative and quantitative data are both very strong and well detailed. The plan demonstrates a clear plan for using that data to measure impact and success.
  Budget and Support Materials – 15% of Total Score
  Budget	0-2 points: The budget is not detailed and/or does not show adequate funding needed to complete the project.	3-5 points: The budget lacks detail but shows adequate funding needed to complete the project.	6-8 points: The budget is detailed and shows adequate funding needed to complete the project.	9-10 points: The budget is clear and detailed and shows strong financial resources to complete the project.
  Support Materials	0 points: Supplemental information does not showcase the community need, applicant experience, or artistic quality to carry out the project.	1-2 points: Supplemental information somewhat showcases the community need, applicant experience, or artistic quality to carry out the project.	3-4 points: Supplemental information effectively showcases the community need, applicant experience, or artistic quality to carry out the project.	5 points: Supplemental information strongly and effectively showcases the community need, applicant experience, or artistic quality to carry out the project.

  Printer-friendly rubric.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through our grants portal, which uses Foundant.

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.

• AI and Your Application

  The SCAC recognizes that applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of their grant preparation process. The following policy outlines acceptable and prohibited uses of AI in connection with grant applications and funded projects.

  Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure and Acceptable Use Policy

  • Generative AI must not be used for the creation of the proposed artwork or for generating work samples.
  • AI may be used for editing, proofreading, or improving the clarity and quality of narrative text. However, if you use an AI tool to help write or edit your application, you do so at your own risk. When we receive a grant application, it is our understanding that it reflects the applicant’s original ideas, voice, and intent.
  • You remain fully responsible for the content, accuracy, and integrity of your application, including any material created or revised with the assistance of AI.
  • If we identify falsified, fabricated, or misleading information in a grant application—including information produced through the use of AI—the SCAC reserves the right to remove the grant from consideration, or if awarded, to cancel the grant and invoice the grantee for any funds received.
  • If AI is used inappropriately or in violation of this policy, the SCAC reserves the right to remove the grant from consideration, or if awarded, to cancel the grant and invoice the grantee for any funds received.
  • All applicants must ensure that their applications, proposed projects, and all related materials—including information produced through the use of AI— comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

  Applying for this grant indicates that you, the applicant, agree to the terms of this policy.

   

• Supplemental Information: Support Materials

  You must submit at least one (1), and may submit up to five (5), supplemental materials. Supplemental materials may consist of support materials, work samples, or both.

  Support Materials

  Support materials show you have the necessary skills, resources, and capacity needed to complete the proposed project.

  Support materials might include, but are not limited to:

  • Relevant website and/or social media handles or channels for the project.
  • A memorandum of understanding.
  • Relevant site permission, rental, contract forms, etc.
  • Proof of permits, approvals, or other forms of application.

  For each support material you must provide a description and explain its relationship to the project.

  Support materials may be uploaded, or you may provide a link to the support material(s). If providing a link, the support materials must be accessible without login credentials for that platform. Do not include websites or links for which a password is required.

• Supplemental Information: Work Samples

  Work samples demonstrate a participating artist’s skill level and expertise relevant to the project. Work samples must have been completed within the last five (5) years (after Jan. 1, 2021).

  Work samples might include, but are not limited to:

  • Video clips of performances.
  • Pictures of the artist’s work.
  • Excerpts from the artist’s work.
  • Audio clips of the artist’s work.

  For each work sample you must provide:

  • Name of artist(s) or key individuals involved; please identify all project-relevant artists or individuals.
  • Title of the piece.
  • Year completed.
  • Total runtime of the piece (for audio/video clips).
  • Start and end timestamps for the portion you want reviewed (for audio/video clips).
  • A sentence describing the work and its relationship to the project.

  To submit work samples, you must provide a URL/link where the work sample can be viewed. The work sample(s) must be accessible without login credentials, password, or account for that platform. Do not include websites or links for which a password is required.

  Audio/video Formatting Requirement

  Audio or video clips cannot exceed 20 minutes total per application.

  Document Formatting Requirements

  • Double-spacing is not required.
  • Typeface must be legible, 12-point or larger.
  • Margins must be at least 1 inch.
  • Pages must be numbered.

  You may need to create new electronic files (documents, video files, etc.) that meet the length, content, and formatting requirements.

  If you are uncertain what to submit, please contact us.

• Starting Your Application

  1. Follow 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 “FY27 Art of Community: Rural SC” 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 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 your fiscal agent, if applicable) will sign a contract with the South Carolina Arts Commission. By signing, all parties agree to follow applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as outlined in the contract.

  You’ll receive an email with instructions when your contract is ready in the grants portal. Submit your completed contract—including all required signatures and documents—by the deadline shown in the system. Complete any other assigned follow-up items by their due dates as well.

  • Open a sample contract.
  • Any changes to your project must be preapproved, in writing, by SCAC. To request a change, email grants@arts.sc.gov.
  • Additional details about managing an SCAC grant are available on our agency website.

  Grant Payments

  • 50% of the grant award will be released upon receipt and approval of the signed contract packet.
  • Up to 40% of the remaining grant award will be released upon receipt and approval of up to two interim payment requests.
  • Any remaining amount of the grant award will be released upon receipt and approval of the final report.

  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 Meet Grant Requirements

  If you fail to meet the grant requirements, SCAC may take any combination of the following actions:

  • Cancel your grant contract. If cancelled, SCAC is no longer obligated to fulfill the contract, and you must repay any grant funds already received in full.
  • Charge a 10% penalty on your current grant award.
  • Charge a 15% penalty on your next grant award.
  • Withhold future grant awards until the issue(s) is resolved.

  Before taking action, SCAC will make a good-faith effort to contact you to reach a resolution. See the “Delinquent Grantee Communication Policy” below.

  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.