To be eligible for this grant, your organization must fit all the following criteria.

1. Be described as
   • having a primary mission focused on the arts
     OR
   • serving as the primary arts provider in your community
     OR
   • providing ongoing arts programming in your community.
     Examples of “providing ongoing arts programming in your community” include, but are not limited to:
     • A concert series
     • Visual arts workshops
     • A season of theatrical productions
     • 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).
     Please note: Non-arts organizations are strongly encouraged to contact Cathy Lee (clee@arts.sc.gov | 803.734.8674) for advisement before beginning their first OSS application.

2. Be either
   • a nonprofit community-based organization
     • currently registered with the S.C. Secretary of State’s Office
     • reflecting S.C. 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.

     OR

   • a unit of local government
3. Have completed at least one fiscal year of programming
4. Had a total arts expense budget of $75,000 or less for the last completed fiscal year
5. Have a valid DUNS number
   • 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 SC 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.
6. Not be an FY20 OSS grantee.

• Organizations receiving SC Arts Commission Operating Support funding may not receive simultaneous Arts Project Support (APS) funding, except for

  1. staff development opportunities, or
  2. projects supporting a state-designated cultural district.
• Organizations with an arts expense budget of $75,000 or less may apply for either an OSS grant OR a General Operating Support (GOS) Grant.
  

  What’s the difference between a General Operating Support (GOS) Grant and an Operating Support for Small Organizations (OSS) Grant?

  OSS Grants are specifically designed for small arts organizations, with expense budgets of $75,000 or less. If your budget meets these criteria, you may apply in either operating support category (GOS or OSS), but not both.

  The main differences between OSS and GOS are:

  • OSS grants have a maximum award of $2,500 per year, with a 1:1 match. GOS grants have no maximum award, with a 3:1 match.
  • OSS grantees reapply every two years. GOS grantees reapply every three years.
  • The OSS application is shorter, and some would say, simpler than the GOS application.
• Current (FY20) OSS grantees may not submit a new OSS application for FY21.

Deadline

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 the Arts Commission closes at 5:00 p.m. that day.

Grant Period

July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021

Grants are awarded on 2-year cycle of approval. Separate contracts will be issued each year.

• Early November (before grant period begins): OSS application becomes available
• March 2020: virtual grant panel review
• Early/Mid-July: award notification
• Early/Mid-December (of grant year): First Pay Request due
• Early June (of grant year): Final Pay Request due
• Early/Mid-August (after grant period ends): Final Report due

Exact due dates for your grant will be indicated in your online record.

Funding

Up to $2500 per year.

Grant awards will be based on:

1. panel review of the applications
2. size of the applicant’s arts operating budget (see “Matching Requirements” below)
3. availability of funds, and
4. 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)

Each dollar awarded must be matched with $1 cash. No in-kind expenses are allowed as part of the applicant’s match in this category.

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

The applicant must have an active account in our online grants management system.

1. Follow the “Apply Now” 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 “Operating Support for Small Organizations” in the list of available grant applications, and click the “Apply” button to the far right.

An organization that receives funding will meet the criteria below.

Programs & Services (60%)

• Applicant offers programs and services that are closely aligned with its mission.
• Applicant has a clear understanding of how people participate (e.g., as students, member artists, performers, audience, etc.).
• Applicant offers programs and services that are appropriate for the people, organizations, and communities for whom they are intended.

Organization Health (40%)

• Applicant has governance, management, and staffing appropriate and sufficient to support the work of the organization.
• Applicant shows evidence of financial health and capacity to responsibly carry out the work of the organization.

Grants Office staff will review applications for completeness of submission and compliance with guideline and application requirements. Applications will then be evaluated by a review panel composed of arts administrators and community leaders, based on the published criteria. An applicant’s panel comments are available to them upon request.

Staff will develop funding recommendations based on the panel ratings for the Board of Commissioners, which makes final award decisions.

If your application is funded, you (and your fiscal agent/receiver, if applicable) will enter into a contractual agreement with the SC 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 the SC Arts Commission.

Additional details about managing an SCAC grant are available on our agency website.

Grant Payments

Payment will be on a reimbursement basis only. Up to two interim payments may be requested during the grant period. An accurate Pay Request, listing only expenses allowable under the program guidelines for the certified time period, must be submitted in order to receive payment for the grant award. Your first grant payment request must be submitted by the date indicated in your online account.

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 SC Arts Commission will not fund applicants who have outstanding Final Reports.

In addition, failure to file a complete OSS Final Report by the due date will result in a reduction of 15% to your next Operating Support award.

OSS grants are awarded on a two-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 year one of the two-year cycle will allow us to assess long-term progress and generate the next year’s contract.