Best Grants for Museums in South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture was established in 1879 to oversee and promote agriculture in the Palmetto State. With services as diverse as food safety inspections, entrepreneurship development, and the Certified South Carolina branding program, we help the state’s farmers and agribusinesses grow and prosper.

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is to promote and nurture the growth and development of South Carolina’s agriculture industry and its related businesses while assuring the safety and security of the buying public.

Market Development Educational Conference Cost Share Program

The SC Specialty Crop Growers Association is partnering with the SC Department of Agriculture (SCDA) to promote the specialty crop industry through a cost share program that will assist growers in attending domestic industry trade show and educational conferences. Attendance at various trade shows and conferences will equip South Carolina’s specialty crop growers with the latest and most current research based educational information on topics such as pest management, sustainability, production practices, food safety, and regulatory issues, which are essential in expanding the specialty crop industry.

Through funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, this cost share program will cover 50% of registration fees for attending a specialty crop-focused educational conference for up to 2 growers per company. The cost share will not cover costs of merchandise, travel, food, or lodging.

Reimbursements are available on a first come first serve basis until funds are depleted. A farm may submit their application and primary source receipts after each event or following the end of the conference season.

Graduation Rule

Growers cannot exceed more than two consecutive years in the program, although they can reapply after one year hiatus.

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. 

Relentless Challenge Grants

The Relentless Challenge is a statewide competitive grant program and is South Carolina’s call to action for innovative problem-solving and entrepreneurial impact. Aligned with the Launch to Legacy brand, S.C. Commerce’s vision to support businesses at every stage and position the state as the new home for American innovation, the 2026 Relentless Challenge supports two complementary tracks: traditional small business and innovation.

While distinct in focus, both tracks share a common thread: empowering South Carolina’s businesses to launch, grow and innovate for long-term success. Traditional small businesses form the backbone of local economies and play a vital role in sustained economic growth. Innovation-driven companies, whether new or well-established, contribute to future advancement through R&D and product innovation. Together, they create a balanced ecosystem where stability and disruption coexist, enabling businesses to thrive and fueling statewide prosperity.

Track One: Traditional Small Business

Every business has the potential to innovate. This track funds creative, actionable solutions to the challenges facing South Carolina’s traditional small businesses. The goal is to spark the development of new ventures, strengthen existing ones, and improve access to capital through targeted funding and financial education resources — ultimately helping traditional small businesses grow, flourish, and contribute to the state’s economic vitality.

Track Two: Innovation

Designed to advance South Carolina’s innovation economy, this track supports projects that foster a resilient ecosystem for innovation. Emphasis is specifically placed on catalyzing high-growth entrepreneurship, expanding access to risk capital, and deepening collaboration between higher education institutions and companies of all sizes — laying the foundation for next-generation industries and long-term economic impact.

The PPC Foundation Grants support charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status, distributing 10% of pre-tax profits annually. Grants range from under $500 to over $2,500, with varying documentation requirements. The foundation emphasizes community involvement and prefers charities in areas where they operate. They do not fund political, religious entities without separate social service programs, or organizations primarily funded by public tax support. This initiative reflects their commitment to compassionate service and community prosperity.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed into law on July 4, 2025, is a federal initiative led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This program is designed to help state governments strengthen healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through a focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment, the RHTP aims to create sustainable improvements in rural health systems across the United States. The Shoring Up to Sustainability initiative aims to strengthen the operational and financial resilience of rural healthcare systems in South Carolina by investing in critical facility enhancements and delivering targeted masterclass training for rural providers.

The Wellness Within Reach initiative aims to bring high-quality, face-to-face healthcare directly to rural South Carolina communities through mobile units, crisis response teams, and community-based care sites This grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible organizations to strengthen South Carolina’s mobile crisis response and expand community care sites.

The SC Arts Commission offers Accessibility Grants to assist organizations in making arts programs and facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. Funded projects may include adaptations such as Braille materials, sign language interpretation, and facility modifications. Eligible applicants include government units and charitable organizations registered in South Carolina. The program emphasizes cash matching and limits awards to one per fiscal year, prioritizing projects in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties.

The S.C. Arts Commission's Folklife & Traditional Arts Project Grants support non-profit organizations and government units in preserving and promoting South Carolina's traditional arts. This program aims to keep living cultural traditions vibrant through various projects, including workshops, festivals, and documentation efforts. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations with a valid DUNS number or government units. The grant encourages community engagement and the celebration of cultural heritage across the state.

South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.

For more than 50 years, the agency has worked to build a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.

We help artists and arts providers offer unique arts experiences to residents and visitors. From free poetry readings and gallery crawls to sweetgrass basketry workshops and ticketed dance, music, or theatre performances, they create an environment that contributes to quality of life from three “corner” counties of Oconee, Horry, and Beaufort to the 43 arranged inside.

Since 1967, the SCAC has awarded more than $132 million in grants to artists, arts organizations, school districts, schools, and teachers!

Public Art Grants

Purpose

This grant provides support for art that is created intentionally for a space in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property. Projects can be located indoors or outdoors, but must be free and accessible to everyone. Public art projects are limited to murals, sculptures, light installations, and sound installations.

Funding type: Reimbursement.

Use of Funds

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Maintenance, repair, and revitalization of existing public art pieces.
• Artist stipends and fees including design, project management, and travel.
• Art installation, fabrication, and associated costs (site preparation, artwork transportation, machinery and equipment rental).
• Consultant and contractor fees (consultants and contractors can include architects, conservators, preservationists, historians, engineers, electricians, lighting consultants, etc.).
• Documentation, marketing, and signage.
• Development of a public art tour.
• Public art focused workshops and programs.

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.

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.

Matching Requirements

1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

• Up to 50% of the grantee’s match may be through an in-kind donation of materials and/or contracted services.
• An example of “in-kind” is a contracted fee that is waived or discounted as a donation to your project.
• Another SCAC grant and/or federal funds may not be used to match your award.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grants offer three years of unrestricted funding to arts organizations in South Carolina. These grants aim to strengthen organizations that provide ongoing arts experiences and services. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations focused on producing, presenting, or education. Funding is contingent upon factors like panel review and the size of the applicant's budget, with awards varying annually based on available funds.

Crime Victim Assistance Grants

The mission of the Department of Crime Victim Assistance Grants (DCVAG) is to enhance South Carolina’s capacity to assist crime victims and to provide leadership in the promotion of justice and healing. Through grant funding, victims can receive services including:

• Victim Advocacy
• Counseling
• Residential Shelter
• Forensic Interviews and Forensic Nurse Examination
• Emergency Assistance

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

DCVAG is responsible for the administration of four grant programs including the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), a 1984-Public Law 98-473 established the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) - Federal Fines, Fees, and Assessments

The primary purpose of VOCA is to support the provision of direct services to victims of violent crime. The program goal is to provide federal funding through grant awards to certified private non-profit organizations and public/government agencies for projects that will provide, enhance, improve, and expand direct services to victims of violent crime. 

According to the 2016 VOCA Program Rule, direct services or services to victims of crime are defined as those efforts that (1) respond to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims, (2) assist victims to stabilize their lives after victimization, (3) assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, or (4) restore a measure of safety and security for the victim.

Funding cannot be used for the investigation of crimes or collection of evidence to further the prosecution of crimes.

The SCAC Individual Artist Fellowships aim to honor the artistic accomplishments of South Carolina's individual artists. With awards of $10,000, these fellowships are competitive and based on artistic merit, achievements, and dedication to the discipline. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of South Carolina, over 18 years old, and not degree-seeking students during the award period. Up to five fellowships are awarded annually, with specific artistic disciplines rotating each year.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

The Arts Project Support Grants by the South Carolina Arts Commission aim to fund quality arts projects and programs for artists and organizations. Eligible applicants include artists, nonprofit organizations, and government units, with funds supporting project costs such as technical capacity building and professional development. Priority is given to projects in specific counties within South Carolina. Applications should be submitted at least five weeks prior to project commencement, with all activities funded to occur between August 11, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

The SCAC Term Arts Education Project Grants support quality arts education for preschool and K-12 students during the 2025-2026 academic year. The grants aim to enhance access to arts education, integrate arts with school curricula, and address South Carolina’s educational standards. Eligible applicants include colleges, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Priority is given to projects serving underserved communities and addressing learning loss caused by COVID-19, ensuring a broad impact on students' educational development.

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

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. 

2026-27 Career Cluster Partnership Program

Description

The South Carolina General Assembly has provided funds to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) through a legislative proviso (H. 5126 General Appropriations Bill, Proviso 1A.27) for one year to award grants on a competitive basis to private-sector statewide trade associations that provide nationally certified programs in career and technical education representing the automotive, construction, engineering, healthcare, mechanical contracting/construction, and hospitality and tourism career clusters. The purpose of this program is to support instructor/student training and student testing in industry clusters to increase the state’s skilled workforce. The SCDE administers the program through its Office of Career Readiness (OCR).

South Carolina Housing Trust Fund (HTF)

The South Carolina Housing Trust Fund (SC HTF) is a valuable resource for developing and maintaining safe, quality affordable housing for low to very low-income households within the state. Funding and assistance for eligible home repairs and supportive housing projects are provided through three core programs—The Home Repair Program, Critical Home Repair Program, and Supportive Housing Program. SC Housing administers the HTF program in partnership with other government organizations, non-profit sponsors and affordable housing developers. The HTF program also coordinates its efforts with other federal, state, and local housing assistance programs to achieve maximum benefit for participants.

The Critical Home Repair Program provide financial assistance to help low to very low-income homeowners with essential interior and exterior home repairs to correct life, health and safety issues so that they can live safely in their homes. These programs help to repair or replace major housing systems, including roofs, water heaters and HVAC equipment. It also covers home modifications, such as ramps, to provide accessibility for persons who are disabled. A home inspection is conducted to help identify any additional repairs that may be needed to provide the homeowner with safe and decent living conditions. The Sponsor then coordinates completion of the work with qualified contractors. The homeowner benefits by staying safely in a home that they can continue to enjoy for years to come. Local communities also benefit by maintaining the supply of affordable homes in their area.

The Tourism Advertising Grant Program, administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, aims to enhance tourism across the state by offering competitive matching grants. These funds support qualified partners in executing direct advertising strategies that promote tourism, with a focus on increasing visitor interest and spending. Eligible applicants include tourism organizations and local government entities. The program features various funding caps based on the type of event or destination, ensuring broad participation and impactful marketing initiatives.

The Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment Grant aims to enhance South Carolina's tourism economy by financially assisting nonprofit organizations in recruiting new sporting events. This initiative not only generates immediate revenue through visitor spending but also promotes long-term tourism growth. With a 1:1 match up to $50,000 available for event-related costs, the grant encourages innovative sporting events that can significantly benefit local communities, creating a vibrant sports tourism landscape in the state.

The Emerging Destination Marketing Grant Program supports the growth of South Carolina's tourism by providing funding to eligible non-profit organizations. With grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, matched 2 to 1 with private funds, this program aims to enhance out-of-state marketing efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate significant tourism marketing experience, focusing on generating new visitation and improving local quality of life. This initiative is crucial for bolstering South Carolina's economy through sustainable tourism development.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program in South Carolina, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges to cultivate community forests and enhance campus greenery. By meeting five key standards, institutions can gain recognition for their commitment to sustainability. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also promotes mental health and environmental stewardship among students and staff, making it a vital part of the educational experience.

The Leveling Up initiative aims to expand and integrate proven chronic disease management programs statewide, ensuring rural communities have access to comprehensive, coordinated care for serious and chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease. Historically, these programs have been implemented in limited regions due to resource constraints, leaving rural areas underserved and often last to benefit from advancements in chronic care. This grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible organizations to expand chronic disease programs.

The Destination Specific Tourism Marketing Grant, administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, aims to promote tourism through recurring and potential nonrecurring funding. This grant supports local initiatives to enhance the state's tourism industry, which is vital to South Carolina's economy. Applications will be accepted quarterly starting December 2025, with funds typically released at the time of award or by October 31 for nonrecurring allocations.

The Connections to Care initiative aims to modernize and expand digital infrastructure across South Carolina’s rural healthcare ecosystem. This grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible organizations to implement or enhance electronic health records (EHRs) and remote patient monitoring (RPM).

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.