Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in South Carolina

Delta Dental of Missouri's Community Donation Program aims to enhance community health through charitable contributions, focusing on organizations that serve Missouri and South Carolina. Preference is given to those with an oral health component. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered, address the needs of at-risk populations, and be represented by an authorized member for support requests. This initiative underlines Delta Dental's commitment to community well-being and support.

Charlie's Heart Foundation Annual Grant Program supports small nonprofits focusing on mental well-being for families in underserved communities. Grants between $5,000-$30,000 are available, prioritizing organizations based in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission, organizational need, and program sustainability. The Foundation does not fund individuals, private foundations, or religious organizations, ensuring a strong focus on impactful community programs.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

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 South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

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 Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

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.

Power:Ed offers grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for initiatives benefiting South Carolina residents and students. The program focuses on supporting low-income, underserved, and first-generation students, improving access to college, and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Applications are accepted year-round with quarterly reviews following set deadlines. Eligible organizations must be dedicated to enhancing education and career readiness for South Carolina's residents, while ineligible projects include Pre-K programs and routine operating expenses.

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 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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Cultural Sustainability, a collaborative initiative by The Wallace Foundation and U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, aims to support arts organizations rooted in communities of color with annual expenses below $500,000. This program promotes equity and inclusion while studying how these organizations define their well-being. With grants totaling over $1.14 million available, the initiative seeks to empower underrepresented communities and enhance their cultural contributions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive arts landscape.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Stephen Nicholas Smith Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Stephen Nicholas Smith's legacy by providing financial assistance to high school seniors or recent graduates from Hampton, Barnwell, or Colleton counties in South Carolina. This scholarship targets students demonstrating significant financial need who are pursuing post-secondary education in technical colleges within the South Carolina Technical College system. It aims to empower local youth and foster educational opportunities.

The Douglas K. Fletcher Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education by providing funding for essential supplies, equipment, and textbooks. Eligible applicants must be first-generation college students residing in Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, or Colleton counties, enrolled full-time at designated local institutions, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship fosters educational opportunities and community growth.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) will award Gifted and Talented (GT) Graduate Course Program grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) that offer tuition-free graduate courses for teachers who are pursuing either endorsement or certification in GT education. These courses will be designed for the following topics:

• Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
• Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students
• Advanced Curriculum for Gifted and Talented Students
• Student Identification, Current Trends, and Issues in Gifted and Talented Education
• Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
• Special Topic Seminars in Gifted and Talented Education; and
• Other topics applicable to gifted education.

The Summer Reading Camp Community Partnership Grant aims to support students struggling with reading proficiency by providing quality instructional services and engaging learning experiences. With approximately $700,000 available, the grant encourages partnerships with community organizations to enhance student achievement. Applicants are urged to ensure regular attendance and parental involvement. The South Carolina Department of Education will award 10-15 grants based on the quality of applications received, with final budgets subject to negotiation based on needs.

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Subgrant, administered by the South Carolina Department of Education, aims to enhance academic enrichment opportunities for students in low-performing schools. This initiative supports a range of activities, including tutoring, youth development, health education, and family engagement, fostering a holistic approach to education that complements the regular academic curriculum and prepares students for successful futures.

The Advanced Placement Teacher Institutes Grant Program aims to equip South Carolina public school teachers with the necessary endorsement to teach Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This program offers initial training in specific subject areas outlined by the College Board, ensuring teachers are well-prepared to implement AP classes effectively. Approximately $190,000 is available in this funding cycle, with around ten grants expected to be awarded based on application quality.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

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.

GAP Audit Reimbursement Cost Share

Through funding from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can now get reimbursed for 90% of the costs associated with a GAP audit completed while funds are available. To help growers receive reimbursements faster, they may choose to receive two separate payments. A grower may submit Part I of the application as soon as they have paid the SCDA portion of the audit without having to wait on the USDA invoice. Then, once the grower has paid the USDA portion, they may submit Part II of the application to receive 90% of that amount as well. However, a grower may choose instead to submit both parts together to receive one larger payment. See examples below:

Example 1

Smith Farm submits a paid receipt from SCDA Fruit & Vegetable Inspections for $575 with Part I of the application and receives a check for $517.50 approximately four weeks later. ($575 × 90%)

Next, the Smiths receive the USDA invoice, pay $345 to USDA, then submit the paid receipt with Part II of the application to USDA. About four weeks later the Smiths receive a second check for $310.50. ($345 × 90%)

Example 2

Jones Farm is charged the same as the Smiths above but chooses to wait until they have paid both invoices to submit the application. In this case, they may submit both Parts I and II of the application at the same time. The Jones’ will receive one check approximately four weeks later for $828.

($575 + $345 = $920 × 90%)

Applicants must submit a complete application package including all of the following:

• Completed application with correct information
• A state vendor registration number
• Complete, detailed answers to the questionnaire included in the application (Note: This information impacts our ability to seek continued funding for this program).
• Your agreement to provide follow-up information regarding the impact of GAP certification (Note: This information impacts our ability to seek continued funding for this program).
• A copy of the paid receipt or other proof of payment for the reimbursement you are requesting. We will not send checks unless we have this.

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.

Cold Storage Cost Share Program

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association are pleased to announce continued funding for the Cold Storage Cost Share Program. Through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, farmers who are members of the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association may receive reimbursement up to $750 for the purchasing and installing up to two (2) Cool Bot cooler systems. Nonmembers may receive reimbursement up to $325, for installing one (1) Cool Bot cooler system. The Cool-Bot utilizes a traditional window-unit air conditioner, multiple sensors, a heating element, and a programmed micro-controller to direct your air conditioner’s compressor to cool the room to 36° F, without ever freezing up.