Best McCormick County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

SC Historic Preservation State Grant Fund 

The purpose of the State Grant Fund is to support historic preservation projects that benefit local communities and the public through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina’s historic buildings. 

Historic buildings, for the purposes of the grant, are buildings that are listed as a contributing resource in a National Register of Historic Places district, or listed individually in the National Register, or determined by the SHPO to be individually eligible for listing in the National Register. The historic building must be located in South Carolina.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are awarded to assist applicants in the development of conditions assessments and/or “bid-ready” plans and specifications that meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Reimbursable planning grants up to $50,000 will be awarded. No cash match is required. 

Awarded funds are provided only as a reimbursement. SCDAH contributes its share and repays the grant recipient for eligible expenses through a reimbursement process. Applicants must document that they have a minimum of 50% of the Total Project Costs on hand designated specifically for the project and should be prepared to make whatever financial arrangements are necessary to ensure that project work is not delayed during the reimbursement process, which may take six (6) weeks. No work completed prior to the execution of the grant funding agreement will be eligible for reimbursement.

SC Federal Historic Preservation Grants

Historic Preservation Grants are federal funds from the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and administered by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Funds for the grant program are derived from Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts. Each year the NPS allocates funds to the SHPO to help cover the cost of its operations, salaries and grants. Ten percent of those grant funds awarded to the SHPO must be passed through to Certified Local Governments (CLGs) per federal regulations.

Amounts available

Grant awards usually range from $5,000 to $35,000. The maximum amount awarded is $40,000. The SHPO anticipates that approximately $200,000 will be available for all grants. 

Stabilization Grants are awarded for “bid-ready projects” for the stabilization and weatherization of historic buildings. Stabilization and weatherization, as a treatment, is the act or process of applying measures designed to reestablish the structural stability of an unsafe or deteriorated property and a weather resistant enclosure while maintaining the essential form as it exists at present. The stabilization and weatherization must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. 

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

SCPRT operates state parks, markets the state as a tourist destination and provides grants for parks, recreation and tourism development.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a Federal program that provides matching grants for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. This is a reimbursable grant program requiring a 50% match. Only state agencies and local governments may apply.

South Carolina has invested more than $67 million of Land & Water Conservation Funds in approximately 1,200 land acquisition and recreation facilities projects since the program began in 1965. The LWCF program has always required that any property acquired or developed with its funds be maintained in perpetuity as an active and viable outdoor recreation venue.

As in previous years, revitalizing existing LWCF properties will remain a topline priority; however, the 2026 round will also be open to new park projects, especially those that address capacity issues. For a new project to qualify for funding, the local government will have to prove, during an on-site inspection, that all of their existing LWCF properties are in good shape and are being used appropriately. If there are issues with any LWCF properties, we will request that you apply instead for LWCF to correct those problems.

LSTA Grants for Public Libraries: LSTA Impact Grants

Impact Grants are funded with Library Services and Technology Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the South Carolina State Library. Public library systems may apply for funds from $5,000 up to $50,000 for a project that must incorporate specific outcomes for the target audience.

In this funding cycle, the State Library is especially interested in projects that:

• Develop the preservation and digitization capabilities of public libraries.
• Better serve patrons with difficulties using the library through the purchase of bookmobiles, outreach vehicles, and/or book lockers.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Synergistic Idea Award supports innovative research on neurofibromatosis (NF) through collaborative efforts of two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). By leveraging their unique perspectives, these PIs will tackle significant questions in NF research. Applicants must provide relevant preliminary or published data to support their proposals, ensuring a strong foundation for impactful research outcomes.

The DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award addresses critical needs in neurofibromatosis research, aiming to enhance patient care through innovative projects. It supports various research phases, excluding clinical trials, and encourages collaboration between scientists and clinicians. The funding mechanism includes two levels based on participation in optional features, such as the Open Science Initiative and collaboration with qualified partners, promoting data sharing and collaborative research efforts.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award supports early-career independent investigators focusing on neurofibromatosis research. Scholars are required to be within 10 years of their terminal degree and must designate a Career Guide for mentorship, fostering collaboration. This initiative aims to advance impactful research and develop skilled researchers in a supportive environment, addressing critical areas of emphasis in neurofibromatosis research.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award encourages innovative, high-risk research concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF). This award aims to support groundbreaking studies that will pave the way for future scientific inquiries. Proposals should present a well-defined, testable hypothesis grounded in sound scientific rationale. While preliminary data is encouraged, it is not a prerequisite for submission, allowing researchers to explore novel paradigms and perspectives in NF research.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Building the Future Workforce Challenge

Awarding $5 million and the opportunity to test bold, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce—today and for the future.

About the Challenge

Caterpillar knows preparing the workforce for the future is urgent. Communities, employers, and industry need new ways to close advancing skill gaps. The Building the Future Workforce Challenge invites fresh perspectives from all sectors to rethink training. Up to five teams will be awarded $1 million each for sustainable, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen today’s—and tomorrow’s—advanced manufacturing and industry technician talent pipelines.

What types of solutions are you looking for?

The Building the Future Workforce Challenge aims to identify, test, and scale innovative, sustainable solutions that will address today’s and tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing and industry technician skill gaps. A core requirement of any solution is that it remains relevant amid evolving technology—ensuring that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

Strong proposals for Building the Future Workforce Challenge will meet four criteria outlined in the scoring rubric, and proposed solutions must focus on one or more of the following solution categories for Building the Future Workforce Challenge:

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act section is a Department of Justice grant-funded program created as a byproduct of the Federal Violence Against Women Act (1994). With federal aid, the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General (SCAG) established the S.T.O.P Violence Against Women program in 1996 to combat the prevalence of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking and harassment in South Carolina.

The Violence Against Women Act Program (VAWA) has two main focuses:

• Prosecuting VAWA-related crimes
• Training law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, and victim advocates on the causes, consequences, intersectionalities, and laws related to domestic violence & sexual assault crimes

To meet the goals of the program, a director, a special prosecutor, program coordinator, and program assistant collaborate to implement the statewide program.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The purpose of the STOP program is to enhance the capacity of local communities to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies and victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women. In South Carolina, the VAWA Program goal is to provide federal funding through competitive grant awards to certified private, non-profit organizations and public/governmental agencies for projects that will provide, enhance, improve, and expand prosecution, law enforcement, court, and direct services to victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are over the age of eleven. Projects are encouraged to support male victims.

VAWA projects must develop and implement victim-centered, trauma-focused strategies that encourage collaboration among units of local government; non-profit victim service programs; state, local, and tribal courts (including juvenile courts); and Indian tribal governments. Critical partnering entities include law enforcement; prosecution; the judiciary; pretrial services; probation and parole; community-based organizations, including culturally-specific organizations; and others. Further, they must continue to solicit input during implementation to ensure that proposed activities are designed to promote the safety, confidentiality, and economic independence of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence." (34 U.S.C. § 10446).

VAWA funds may not be used to support services that focus exclusively on children or to develop sexual assault or domestic violence curricula for K-12 schools. VAWA funds may be used for an adolescent program for primary victims over the age of 11.

Bridging the Gap Scholarship 

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Trey Powell and Bridget Horn, who were both Veterans that lost their battle with PTSD to suicide. The Stronger Together Foundation strives to bring awareness to the large number of Veterans who face crises and ultimately commit suicide, as well as provide support to the families left behind. 

Scholarship Total Amount: $2,000.00

• (Two) $1,000.00 Scholarships will be awarded

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program Statement invites proposals aimed at combating child trafficking through collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries. This initiative focuses on enhancing the capacity to prosecute traffickers, providing care for victims, and implementing preventive measures. Organizations interested in applying must align with the objectives of the CPC to ensure comprehensive support and effective intervention against all forms of child trafficking.

The TIP Office of the US Department of State invites applications for projects aimed at combating human trafficking, adhering to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This initiative prioritizes prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing trafficking through strategies outlined in the National Security Strategy, executive orders, and the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, while aligning with America First Foreign Policy priorities.

Nebraska Library Commission Grants Schedule

Nebraska Library Commission Grants: The Nebraska Library Commission awards grants to Nebraska libraries and library organizations according to the following schedule. These grants are financed with funding made available through the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature or through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

Continuing Education and Training Grants

This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is opening the CE grants to 1) online learning, 2) attending out-of-state conferences or workshops, and 3) larger continuing education projects.

The purpose of these continuing education grants is to assist Nebraska libraries in improving the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library's mission.

For this round of CE and training grants, applications should be for events happening before June 2026. (All reimbursement forms and receipts must be submitted by June 12, 2026.).

Secretary's Intent

The Department's Purpose

The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs exists to serve this state's Veterans, service members, and their families and to promote the value Veterans bring to their communities and their fellow citizens.

Veterans' Homelessness and Transition Grant

The Veterans’ Homelessness and Transition Grant was established on October 16, 2023, to provide funding to organizations that serve homeless Veterans or Veterans at imminent risk of being homeless with resources to obtain permanent housing. The Veterans Homelessness and Transition Grant Program is funded through an appropriation by the South Carolina General Assembly and managed by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA).

The grant aims to enhance nonprofit organizations and state agencies' housing assistance programs for Veterans. The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs will award a grant to nonprofit groups and state governmental agencies that assist eligible South Carolina Veterans with housing assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, or drug addiction treatment and transitional housing programs.

The minimum grant award is $50,000, and the maximum grant award amount is $250,000 per grant cycle. Veteran eligibility is defined by Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”

Senior Centers and Permanent Improvement Project Grant

The Older Americans Act identifies the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) as a leader in the development of multipurpose senior centers. Currently, the state has three nationally certified senior centers. Several additional centers are fully operational but have not yet achieved certification, while others operate solely as group dining sites.

Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) Grant Program

 It is the intent of the South Carolina Department on Aging for all multipurpose senior centers to be focal points in their respective communities. The Older Americans Act (OAA) defines a focal point as a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals.

A focal point is a facility established to provide local leadership on aging issues, to provide older adults access to services at a central location with customer-oriented staff, and to assist those in the community who have an interest in, or need for, information, resources, or services. All Permanent Improvement Program (PIP) funded Multipurpose Senior Centers shall be focal points of their respective communities.

In 1991, the South Carolina State Legislature established the Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) grant program and appropriated $948,000 per year from State Bingo tax ($79,000 monthly) and licensing fee revenues to fund a list of 74 specifically identified capital improvement projects. The total amount of funding required to complete these projects was reached in the year 2000.

The original legislation was amended by the General Assembly in 1997 to continue the program beyond the original list and the State Unit on Aging (hereafter called the SC Department on Aging or SCDOA), was given responsibility for developing an ongoing process to select and fund applications for senior center capital improvement projects. The resulting procedures created a competitive grant process for securing Senior Center PIP funds.

The DOW Combat Readiness – Medical Research Program's FY26 Translational Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving trauma care outcomes. This program emphasizes hypothesis-driven studies that can transition promising technologies into practical solutions for enhancing casualty survivability. Applicants must provide preliminary data and utilize validated animal models, with a focus on projects that meet a minimum technology readiness level of 4, ensuring a mature translational research effort.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is funding research to enhance drug susceptibility testing (DST) for mycobacteria. This initiative aims to improve testing for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, which are on the rise. Current methods are slow and ineffective against drug-resistant strains, making rapid DSTs essential for effective treatment and reducing transmission rates. Innovative approaches, including rapid genotypic and phenotypic methods, will be supported to address these challenges.

The Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings Clinical Research Network (CAUSE) aims to enhance asthma prevention and treatment in economically disadvantaged pediatric populations. Funded by the NIH, CAUSE supports multi-site clinical studies to identify innovative strategies and treatment targets for asthma. Utilizing systems biology, the network seeks to discover specific disease endotypes suitable for new therapeutic approaches, addressing the high burden of asthma in urban settings.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks to develop innovative tools and approaches for neuroscience research, focusing on cell-specific and circuit-specific processes within the central nervous system. This initiative encourages projects that enhance our understanding of brain architecture and function through novel technologies for characterizing neural components and advancing methods for recording and modulating neural activity. Applications are invited to address significant challenges and promote transformative breakthroughs in neuroscience.

The National Institute of Mental Health is inviting research applications for the AIDS Research Center program, which includes Developmental Centers and full Research Centers. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research through collaboration and innovative approaches across various scientific domains. The program emphasizes alignment with national strategies and encourages applications from teams skilled in fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Although applications are currently not being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants time to prepare strong proposals.