Cultural Districts Grants

• Eligibility

  1. The applicant must be a current S.C. Cultural District in good standing.
     1. Good Standing: The Cultural District must be in good standing as determined by the SCAC. Good standing includes, but is not limited to:
        1. Completed annual reports.
        2. Full, active steering committees (steering committee must have at least five members and be composed of organizations and individuals that represent the interests of the district).
  2. The applicant must be a unit of local government.
  3. The applicant may not be the authorized nonprofit district liaison, but the liaison may serve as a collaborator on the application.
  4. The applicant must 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.

  5. 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.

  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.

• Restrictions

  Each S.C. Cultural District may submit only one (1) application per cycle.

• Use of Funds

  Grant funds must be used for actual project costs, defined as consumable and non-consumable items needed to complete the proposed project.

  Eligible expenses

  These include, but are not limited to:

  • Contractual fees paid to artists, musicians, curators, programmers, arts presenters, performers, facilitators, designers, or consultants, including travel and lodging.
  • Event production costs for equipment/venue rentals and operation; sound, lighting, stage rigging, visual/digital components, and insurance for the arts programming only.
  • Marketing, including but not limited to graphic design services, advertising space, digital or print materials, website or social media.

  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.

  Ineligible expenses

  These include, but are not limited to:

  • Salaries for city employees.
  • Non-arts activities.
  • Food and beverages, including alcohol.
  • Events organized for or by political parties.
  • Trade fairs, events of a commercial nature, and consumer shows.
  • Endowment funds or events that are produced solely as fundraisers, or that contribute to endowments.
  • Competitions and award ceremonies.
  • Cash prizes, purchases/awards, plaques.
  • Re-granting.
  • Events that are restricted to private or exclusive participation (by invitation and/or purchase requirements that exceed the cost of a typical, standard ticket to an event/performance).
  • Interest on borrowed money.
  • Lawsuits.
  • Disposal of assets.
  • Clothing (not including costumes for theatre projects).
  • Credit card processing fees.
  • Capital expenses or purchases.

  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.

• 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.

• Deadline & Grant Period

  Deadline

  April 23, 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

  August 1, 2026–May 31, 2027

• Funding & Match

  Funding

  Up to $10,000

  Funding type

  Expense reimbursement.

  Matching Requirements

  1:2 (grantee:SCAC)

  • A 1:2 match means that for each SCAC dollar granted, the grantee must match with $0.50 of their own funds.
    • For example, if the total project cost is $15,000, the applicant may request $10,000 and must provide the remaining $5,000 from other sources.
  • At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.
  • Funds may not be matched with another SCAC grant.

• 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 reviewers will score your application responses based on the criteria within this rubric.

  FY27 Cultural District Grant Application Evaluation Rubric
  Project Details – 25% of Total Score
  Arts Integration	0-2 points: Arts, culture, and/or design are not mentioned or are disconnected from the project.	3-6 points: Arts, culture, and/or design are included, but integration appears supplementary or surface-level.	7-10 points: Arts, culture, and/or design are clearly and intentionally integrated into the project.	11-13 points: Arts, culture, and/or design are deeply woven throughout the project, demonstrating innovation.
  Public Engagement	0-2 points: Project does not involve the public or does not have clear strategies for community engagement or connection.	3-5 points: Project uses arts-based activities to connect with the public passively or in non-participatory ways.	6-9 points: Project intentionally engages the public, where community members contribute ideas and benefit directly through meaningful participation in the arts.	10-12 points: Project embeds arts-based engagement as the core process for community and public engagement, fostering dialogue and deep relationships.
  Project Implementation – 25% of Total Score
  Key Administrative Personnel	0-1 points: Administrative personnel bio(s) shows minimal or indirect experience related to the project area. Necessary leadership, relevant skills, or accomplishments that demonstrate readiness to manage the proposed project are limited or nonexistent.	2-4 points: Administrative personnel bio(s) shows some relevant experience, training, or roles, but leadership and/or expertise appears unrelated to the proposed project.	5-7 points: Administrative personnel bio(s) demonstrates clear, relevant experience and skills aligned with the proposed project. Bios reflect successful leadership or management in similar or related contexts.	8-10 points: Administrative personnel bio(s) reflects significant and relevant expertise, with a strong record of leadership, innovation, and experience that positions them to lead the project with depth and vision.
  Artistic Personnel	0-1 points: Artistic personnel bio(s) shows minimal or no artistic experience. There is limited evidence of creative leadership, relevant artistic practice, or community engagement.	2-3 points: Artistic personnel bio(s) shows an active artistic practice with some relevant public experience. They demonstrate growing artistic direction, but community experience may be narrow relative to project scope.	4-6 points: Artistic personnel bio(s) demonstrates a strong artistic practice with relevant experience leading or contributing to creative projects. Bios reflect artistic excellence, and strong community engagement and collaboration experience.	7-8 points: Artistic personnel bio(s) reflects deep artistic expertise and public leadership. They demonstrate an established record of innovation, artistic vision, and community engagement.
  Non-Arts Partners	0-1 points: Non-arts personnel bio(s) does not show involvement OR show minimal relevant experience or capacity to contribute effectively to the project.	2-3 points: Non-arts personnel bio(s) reflects some relevant experience. They demonstrate growing professional skill, but scope of experience is limited relative to project needs.	4-5 points: Non-arts personnel bio(s) demonstrates relevant experience and skills aligned with project needs. Effective collaboration and/or problem-solving in similar contexts are apparent.	6-7 points: Non-arts personnel bio(s) reflects extensive and highly relevant expertise. There is demonstrated strong collaboration and strategic thinking. They are clearly positioned to support or advance the project with skill and reliability.
  Project Impact – 25% of Total Score
  Project Goals	0-1 points: There are no goals or outcomes, or they are vague or irrelevant. The goals and outcomes are lofty considering the given timeframe.	2-4 points: The goals and outcomes are general and lack specificity but are relevant and mostly achievable in the given timeframe.	5-7 points: The majority of the project goals and outcomes are specific, relevant, and achievable given the proposed timeframe.	8-10 points: Each project goal and outcome is specific, deliberate, and relevant. The time frame is highly realistic.
  Strategic Plan	0-1 points: Project goals show little to no connection to the Cultural District’s strategic plan. Alignment appears incidental or superficial, with minimal evidence of intentional planning.	2-3 points: Project goals show some relevance to the strategic plan, but connections are partial or weak. Intentionality is limited or scattered across plan objectives.	4-6 points: Project goals clearly reflect the priorities or action steps in the strategic plan. There is intentional planning, and explanation of how the project advances the strategic plan objectives is present.	7-8 points: Project goals are deeply aligned with the strategic plan, demonstrating thoughtful, intentional alignment. The project advances multiple strategic priorities, reflects insight into long-term goals, and shows potential for meaningful impact on the district’s vision.
  Success Measurements	0-1 points: Methods for evaluation, reporting, and assessing public engagement are minimal or largely absent. There is no evidence that outcomes will inform future projects or community engagement.	2-3 points: Methods for evaluation are described but are basic or provide surface-level information. The evidence of public engagement assessment is limited; connections to goals or public impact are vague.	4-5 points: Methods for evaluation are clearly defined, relevant, and aligned with project goals. The approach demonstrates thoughtful measurement of outcomes and public engagement, with plans to report and use findings to inform future projects.	6-7 points: Methods for evaluation are comprehensive, purposeful, and directly aligned with project goals. The approach demonstrates rigorous, strategic evaluation that captures meaningful outcomes and engagement, and includes mechanisms for reflection, adaptation, and long-term learning.
  Communications Plan – 5% of Total Score
  Communications Plan	0 points: Description of marketing or distribution is missing or generic. There is no evidence that outreach is purposeful or tailored to target audiences.	1-2 points: Marketing and distribution methods are described but are basic or general. Some thought has been given to purposeful public engagement.	3-4 points: Marketing and distribution are clearly planned, relevant, and intentionally designed to reach and engage diverse target audiences. Plan shows thoughtful consideration of relevant communication channels.	5 points: Marketing, distribution, and public awareness strategies are comprehensive, highly intentional, and deeply aligned with project goals. Plan demonstrates strategic, creative approaches that maximize audience engagement, reach, and impact a wide variety of community members.
  Budget – 15% of Total Score
  Project Budget	1-4 points: The budget is not detailed and/or does not show adequate funding needed to complete the project.	5-8 points: The budget lacks detail but shows adequate funding needed to complete the project.	9-12 points: The budget is detailed and shows adequate funding needed to complete the project.	13-15 points: The budget is clear and detailed and shows strong financial resources needed to complete the project.
  Support Materials – 5% of Total Score
  Support Materials	0 points: Support materials are missing, outdated, or only tangentially related to the proposed project. Materials provide limited evidence of organizational or artistic capacity.	1-2 points: Some support materials are relevant to the project and its arts components, but may not be current or in alignment with proposed project. Evidence of organizational capacity is emerging but not fully clear.	3-4 points: Support materials are clearly relevant, current, and thoughtfully selected to demonstrate organizational and artistic ability to carry out the project. Work samples illustrate past projects and their alignment with the proposed project’s goals.	5 points: Support materials are highly relevant, current, and comprehensive, clearly demonstrating organizational and artistic capacity. Work samples effectively illustrate the quality, depth, and intentionality of past projects and their alignment with the proposed project’s goals.

  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.

• 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.

   

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

• Support Materials

  Support materials are a required part of your application. Support materials show you have the necessary skills, resources, and capacity needed to complete the proposed project.

  You must submit at least two (2) and up to five (5) support materials.

  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 materials. 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 (e.g., if you link to a Facebook video, make sure it’s a public link, as reviewers may not have a Facebook account)..

• Work Samples

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

  You may submit up to five (5) work samples, in addition to the required support materials.

  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 created.
  • 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 for that platform. Do not include websites or links for which a password is required (e.g., If you link to a Facebook video, make sure it’s a public link, as reviewers may not have a Facebook account). You may need to create new electronic files (documents, video files, etc.) that meet the length, content, and formatting requirements.

  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.

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

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 and will be released upon receipt and approval of your 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 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.

  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.