Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in South Carolina

The Makulinski Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit and charity organizations, emphasizing sustainable community development. With a commitment to lasting change, MFF actively matches investments to amplify their impact, ranging from 10:1 to 1:2 based on beneficiary needs. The foundation welcomes proposals from various regions, including Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, and encourages applications that align with their mission. Interested parties can access the grant request form to submit their proposals.

The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program aims to support students from specific states pursuing higher education. With awards of $5,000 for 2-year programs and $10,000 for 4-year degrees, this program emphasizes both need and merit in its selection process. Administered by Scholarship America®, it is open to high school seniors and undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Awards may be renewed for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained.

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 Undiscovered SC Grant Program aims to enhance South Carolina's tourism by supporting counties and municipalities in developing public attractions. With a focus on projects that showcase the state's unique cultural and recreational experiences, the program seeks to stimulate local economies through increased visitor spending. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability and a clear project plan to ensure effective use of funds within the specified grant period, ultimately fostering tourism growth in underrepresented areas.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Kids' Chance of South Carolina offers educational scholarships to children whose parents have been seriously injured or killed in work-related accidents. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens these children face, enabling them to pursue their educational goals. Eligible applicants must be between 16-25 years old, have completed the FAFSA, and be accepted into an accredited educational program. This scholarship is vital for supporting the educational aspirations of those affected by workplace tragedies.

The Kids’ Chance of South Carolina Scholarship provides financial assistance to children of South Carolina workers who have been killed or seriously injured in work-related incidents. Ranging from $500 to $3,000, these scholarships aim to alleviate the financial hardships faced by these families, empowering students aged 16-25 to pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be accepted or enrolled in an educational institution, ensuring support for their educational aspirations.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

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 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).

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.

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 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.

Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC)

Overview

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC), located within the South Carolina Department on Aging, was established by state legislation in 1994. The Center’s goal is to serve as a statewide focal point for coordination, service development, information, and education to assist persons with ADRD and their families. The ARCC is guided by a Governor-appointed advisory council composed of representatives from state agencies, organizations, and caregivers who have a special interest in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The advisory council aids the ARCC in meeting its goals of:  

• Initiating the development of systems which coordinate the delivery of programs and services
• Facilitating the coordination and integration of research, program development, planning, and quality assurance
• Identifying potential users of services and gaps in the service delivery system and expanding methods and resources to enhance statewide services
• Serving as a resource for education, research, and training and providing information and referral services
• Providing technical assistance for the development of support groups and other local initiatives to serve individuals, families, and caregivers
• Recommending public policy concerning Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to state policymakers
• Facilitating the coordination and integration of educational initiatives for healthcare providers on the importance and value of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment, validated cognitive assessment tools, and increasing understanding and awareness of early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The ARCC is staffed by the Dementia Coordinator whose role is to monitor the state’s service delivery system and work closely with the ARCC Advisory Council to develop a coordinated state-wide delivery system that caters to the needs of persons with ADRD, their families, caregivers, and communities. Additionally, the Dementia Coordinator is responsible for submitting an annual report to the Chairman of the Medical Affairs Committee of the Senate and the Chairman of the Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives on the activities of the ARCC.

ARCC Grants

Each year, the ARCC receives $150,000 to award dementia-specific grants to community organizations to support respite, education, and innovative programs for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families, caregivers, and communities. Grants are awarded on a 2-year cycle through a competitive selection process. 

Since its establishment in 1995, the ARCC Grants Program has awarded over 388 grants to community organizations that provide services to individuals, families, and communities affected by dementia. These services include dementia-specific respite, adult day programs, and educational programs that support the medical community, colleges and universities, first responders, and the general public. The ARCC grants have enabled more than 7,717 individuals living with ADRD to access respite care services and provided education services to over 78,117 participants. Moreover, since 2021, ARCC grants have supported the implementation of 17 innovative programs. These programs include virtual training for family caregivers, in-home activities that promote sustainability and independence in daily living for those with dementia, and technology that helps locate and safely return those with dementia who may have wandered from home.

During the FY25 grant period (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), a total of 10 ARCC grants were awarded, providing services across 14 counties. 

About Us

The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council was established in 1971 by Executive Order of the Governor and was reauthorized in 2010 and again in 2015. Not less than 60% of the total Council membership is consumers and family members. Additional members come from state agencies, DD Act partners and non-governmental organizations.

The Council is federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Act. The Council engages in activities that contribute to a coordinated, consumer and family centered and directed, comprehensive system that includes needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

DD Council Small Grants

Small Grant Funding is awarded to evidence-based,organized activities that enhance knowledge and skills in priority areas outlined in our Five-Year State Plan, specifically Community Supports, Employment, and Self-Advocacy.

Organizations are limited to one small grant per program year, from July 1 to June 30.

The State Abstinence Until Marriage—Emerging Programs funding aims to support innovative programs that promote Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE). Designed for organizations not yet validated by evidence-based data, it encourages new outreach methods and activities in priority areas. Key criteria include a focus on local service area organizations and the use of consistent curriculum for no more than three years, ensuring unique approaches to abstinence education.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Accessibility Grants 

To help South Carolina organizations make arts programs and existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities

Purpose

Accessibility grants are designed to help South Carolina organizations make arts programs and existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities by removing accessibility barriers. An accessibility barrier is anything that prevents an individual with a disability from fully accessing a service or fully participating in a program. Examples of accessibility barriers can include, but are not limited to, physical/structural barriers, communication barriers, and digital/technology barriers.

Funding

• Up to $2,500

Matching Requirement

• 1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

Folklife & Traditional Arts Project Grants

Purpose

To ensure that South Carolina's diverse living traditions remain vibrant and visible parts of community life.

Traditional arts are expressions of shared identity that are learned as a part of the cultural life of a particular group. This shared identity may be rooted in family, geographic, tribal, occupational, religious, or ethnic connections, among others. As expressions of a living culture, traditional arts have been handed down from one generation to the next and reflect the shared experience, aesthetics, and values of a group. Traditional arts are dynamic, reflecting change and individual innovation over generations of practitioners.

This grant ensures that South Carolina’s many living traditions remain vibrant, visible parts of community life by supporting nonprofit organizations and units of government seeking to promote and sustain the traditional arts practiced across the state. South Carolina’s cultural landscape encompasses diverse artistic traditions and practitioners, including indigenous, longstanding, and more recently-arrived art forms and communities.

Funding

• Up to $6,000

Matching Requirement

• 1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation Grant aims to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to promote healthier outcomes for children. With a focus on empowering families, healing behaviors, and access to healthcare, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive care and resources. Grants range from $100,000 to $250,000, totaling up to $1.945 million for project-specific initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in states where AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid markets exist.