Best Grants for Museums in South Carolina

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

The Recycling Grant Funding for K-12 Schools, provided by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, supports school districts in establishing waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs. This initiative not only conserves resources and bolsters the state's recycling efforts but also instills sustainability lessons in students. Through grant funding and technical assistance, schools can enhance their recycling programs, promote awareness of solid waste issues, and encourage responsible consumer behavior among students. Annual applications are encouraged.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the leading source of federal criminal justice funding to states and units of local government. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP) has been designated as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) of the JAG Program for the state of South Carolina. The purpose of the JAG Program is to support state agencies and units of local government in carrying out specific programs, which offer a high probability of improving the criminal justice system. JAG funds may be used to provide additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice purposes. Nine authorized federal program areas define the nature and scope of eligible programs and projects. The program areas are as follows:

• Law enforcement programs
• Prosecution and court programs
• Prevention and education programs
• Corrections and community corrections programs
• Drug treatment and enforcement programs
• Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
• Crime victim and witness initiatives (other than compensation) programs
• Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams
• Implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives (i.e. mental health courts, drug courts, veteran’s courts, etc.) 

The Title I, Part C Migrant Education Program in South Carolina aims to enhance educational opportunities for migratory children and youth. This initiative supports their success in meeting state academic standards and graduating high school. The program addresses unique challenges faced by these students, including educational disruptions and cultural barriers. Approximately $250,000 is available for subgrants, with the SC Department of Education planning to award four grants based on application quality.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

The Citizenship Award, presented by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, honors individuals outside the fire service who have made remarkable contributions to community safety and education. This prestigious award recognizes those who have significantly advanced community risk reduction efforts and saved lives. Nominations are accepted year-round, with the previous year's deadline on January 31. This initiative reflects the Association's dedication to promoting safety and excellence in the fire service.

The Summer Arts Education Project Grants, provided by the South Carolina Arts Commission, aim to enhance arts education for K-12 students during summer breaks in 2022 and 2023. Grants of up to $50,000 are available, encouraging collaborations between various organizations to expand access to arts education. Priority is given to projects that serve rural or high-poverty areas and address learning loss from COVID-19. Eligible applicants include universities, government units, and registered nonprofits.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Awards

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s awards are meant to recognize instructors and firefighters from all stages of their careers for their courageous acts of valor or outstanding leadership skills.

Lifetime Achievement Award

One of the most prestigious awards offered by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, recipients of this award are exemplary role models to organizations and individuals in and beyond their community. The award was established to recognize members of the fire service who have demonstrated and exhibited a true commitment to the fire service in South Carolina through their leadership and advocacy. View the full criteria for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The recipients of this most prestigious award have demonstrated, through their actions, the qualities and characteristics as Advocate, Leader, Visionary, Mentor, and Teacher. They must have been leaders in local, county, state and national organizations; developed and facilitated changes in policy, standards, guidelines and curriculum; and promoted Public Safety through persistence and innovation for the betterment of all. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who is an outstanding member of his or her community and Fire Department. A successful candidate must possess many years of experience serving his or her community and Fire Department by taking initiative and leading by example. This individual, volunteers with various community organizations, charitable organizations, local government and hospitals, as well as other organizations. In addition to being a supportive volunteer within the community, the award-winning nominee must be active in his or her local Fire Department.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Awards

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s awards are meant to recognize instructors and firefighters from all stages of their careers for their courageous acts of valor or outstanding leadership skills.

Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor Award

The Chavis Award is one of the highest awards to be presented to an individual for their valor in the face of danger. The award is not presented yearly but is awarded in exceptional cases involving a hazardous performance of duties that risk the life of the individual. Documentation should be in-depth with more than one witness.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Awards

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s awards are meant to recognize instructors and firefighters from all stages of their careers for their courageous acts of valor or outstanding leadership skills.

Hall of Fame Award

Hall of Fame Awards are the induction of an individual to the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Hall of Fame. Criteria for the award is intentionally broad; the nominee’s contributions to the fire service must go beyond their local fire department and leave a mark on the fire service as a whole.  

There is no limit to the number of individuals who can be inducted in one year, but the individuals inducted are expected to be of the highest quality and clearly worthy of recognition at the state level.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Awards

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s awards are meant to recognize instructors and firefighters from all stages of their careers for their courageous acts of valor or outstanding leadership skills.

Clyde B. Spillers Educator of the Year Award

The Educator of the Year Award is given to a nominee who has well-rounded experience in the fire service and fire education; exemplifies leadership qualities as an educator; demonstrates dedication, dependability, and selflessness in training; uses teaching skills to educate the public in fire prevention; made significant impact on the fire service training at either the local or state level.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Subgrant Program aims to enhance the health of elementary school students by providing free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. This initiative encourages healthier eating habits, increases fruit and vegetable consumption, and fosters partnerships among schools and local organizations. With funding available for the 2025–26 school year, schools with a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals will receive $50 per student to support this vital program.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

Community Engagement Grants

Community Engagement Grants support outreach, events, trainings, workshops, celebrations and other activities that serve and engage communities experiencing poverty.

What Community Engagement Grants Support

• Activities focused in at least one of the Foundation’s focus areas:
  • economic mobility
  • housing security and/or health care
• Activities serving any of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
• One-time or occasional activities that engage communities experiencing poverty. These grants are not meant to support an organization’s core programs and activities (for example, a free medical clinic’s health care services).
• Activities that are occurring within six months of the funding date.
• Activities that benefit from a small one-time funding. Grant requests can be up to $1,500.
• Organizations cannot receive both a Community Engagement Grant and a Systems Change Grant from the Foundation in the same year. That means, if your organization has received a Systems Change Grant, you cannot apply for this grant.
• Organizations can receive one Community Engagement Grant annually.

Community Engagement Grant recipients do not need to submit reports to the Foundation.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Carolina Elite Panthers proudly support non-profit organizations in North and South Carolina through their merchandise donation program. By providing Carolina Panthers memorabilia, the team assists these agencies in their fundraising efforts, including auctions and raffles. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community support and engagement, helping local organizations thrive while promoting the team's values and commitment to the region.

The Carolina Panthers offer complimentary tickets to non-profit organizations serving youth and military troops in the Carolinas. These tickets are generously donated by PSL Owners who cannot attend games. Organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) may apply, but only one request per year is allowed. Due to limited ticket availability, flexibility with game selections is necessary. Please note, these tickets are not for resale or fundraising events.

The TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

BECU Foundation invites year-round sponsorship requests from organizations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and South Carolina. There are no limits on the funding amount, and larger requests may require additional information. The foundation supports community-focused events, including festivals and parades, aligning with its core values. Please note that requests related to fundraising events, schools, or any form of religious or political activity are ineligible for funding.

The Leon Levine Foundation, established in 1980, focuses on enhancing the human condition through investments in education, healthcare, and human services in North and South Carolina. The foundation seeks nonprofits with proven leadership and sustainable financial plans. They aim to create pathways to self-sufficiency and promote lasting change. LOIs are accepted year-round, and grant recipients must support an inclusive environment free from discrimination.

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant by South Arts supports individual artists in various disciplines by funding professional development opportunities. This grant ensures that artists can access vital experiences that enhance their careers, covering up to 2/3 of the total costs with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. By promoting artistic growth, South Arts aims to elevate the cultural landscape of the Southern United States and foster meaningful connections within communities.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.