Best Preservation Grants in South Carolina

Public charities focused on historic preservation and Southern history in South Carolina and the broader Southeast can receive support for operating costs, programs, research, and publications. Watson Brown Foundation prioritizes colleges, universities, scholarly societies, museums, and archives advancing knowledge of the South, including preservation projects that protect and interpret regional heritage.

Historic preservation and related 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina can seek funding for preservation programs, education, community services, medical research, arts, and housing projects. FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust focuses on U.S.-based charities, primarily along the eastern seaboard, that assist needy or disabled populations and advance their institutional missions.

Historic preservation and related cultural nonprofits in South Carolina can seek funding for programs that protect heritage while advancing education, health, and human services. With a mission to invest in strong, sustainable organizations, Leon Levine Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) public charities operating in the Carolinas with at least $500,000 in contributed revenue.

Nonprofit organizations, local governments, and recognized Native American tribes in South Carolina can apply for South Carolina Department of Archive and History planning grants, awarding up to US $50,000 for historic building assessments and bid-ready rehabilitation plans. Eligible applicants must own a National Register-listed or eligible historic building in the state and meet specific tax-exempt and registration requirements.

Certified Local Governments in South Carolina seeking support for historic preservation projects can apply for federal pass-through funding, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $40,000. With a mission to steward the state’s heritage, the South Carolina Department of Archive and History administers these National Park Service funds through the State Historic Preservation Office.

Eligible organizations in South Carolina can apply for the South Carolina Department of Archive and History’s Stabilization Grants, awarding US $40,000 - US $200,000 for bid-ready projects to stabilize and weatherize historic buildings. Funding supports work that restores structural stability and weather resistance while meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Historic preservation and community-focused charities in South Carolina can seek funding for accredited, high-quality projects that promote sustainable development and social impact. La Roche supports humanitarian, educational, environmental, and arts initiatives worldwide, so South Carolina organizations with preservation work fitting these priorities may be eligible through local affiliate giving.

The Self Family Foundation Grant aims to strengthen communities in Greenwood, South Carolina, through strategic funding in education, community development, and access to arts and culture. This grant particularly focuses on early childhood development programs and promotes health, wellness, and cultural preservation initiatives. Organizations interested in applying must ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and adhere to its conflict of interest policy, as the foundation does not fund individuals or provide loans.

North American not-for-profit institutions caring for cultural collections, including those in South Carolina, can be nominated for the Ross Merrill Award recognizing outstanding preservation and conservation programs. Offered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, this non-monetary honor highlights exemplary collections care, long-term planning, and community outreach in museums and other cultural organizations.

South Carolina congregations planning major preservation projects at historic houses of worship can access funding through Partners for Sacred Places for capital repairs, accessibility upgrades, and rehabilitation. This national program, the National Fund for Sacred Places, offers US $50,000 - US $500,000 matching grants plus training and technical assistance for community-serving, historically significant sacred sites.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations planning historic preservation projects in small South Carolina towns (population 10,000 or less) can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 for planning and education efforts. Focused on preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports consultant fees, outreach materials, and public programs that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina preserving historic interiors can apply for the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund, with awards of US $2,500 - US $15,000 for planning, education, and interior restoration projects. Eligible projects include professional consultations, interior conservation plans, furnishings plans, workshops, and bricks-and-mortar work on designated historic interiors.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina seeking funding for historic preservation planning, education, or bricks-and-mortar projects can apply for US $2,500 - US $15,000 from the Johanna Favrot Fund. With a mission to preserve historic environments, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports consultant services, conferences, materials, and related project costs requiring a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Organizations and community groups improving quality of life in Laurens County, South Carolina can seek project support for education, social services, environment, and historic or community preservation efforts. Laurens County Community Foundation supports initiatives such as literacy, homelessness remedies, natural environment enhancement, and civic character development, with a preference for projects reaching larger groups of residents; awards up to US $2,500.

Historic preservation and community beautification projects in Tryon and Landrum may be eligible for support, including work with cultural, intellectual, and educational benefits. Focused on historic preservation and related improvements, Polk County Community Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, units of government, and regional organizations serving Polk County and Landrum to apply.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in South Carolina stewarding modern buildings by Black architects can apply for US $150,000 project planning and limited capital support. Focused on preserving Black modernist architecture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s program funds studies, conservation plans, and other planning for historic preservation projects.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in the U.S. can receive up to US $15,000 for innovative research or design proposals in historic preservation through the Robert Silman Award. James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation supports projects that advance preservation practice and can be shared with the preservation community, which may benefit practitioners working in South Carolina.

Historic preservation organizations in South Carolina that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can receive up to US $10,000 for advocacy, capacity building, or climate change projects. The Moe Family Fund from the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports innovative, catalytic efforts that strengthen preservation partners and can be replicated by others.

South Carolina historic preservation organizations and entities representing historic Black churches can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation to restore, plan for, and interpret historic Black houses of worship. Grants of US $50,000 - US $500,000 support capital projects, organizational capacity, endowments, project planning, and culturally based programming tied to these sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with preservation, arts, education, or environmental projects in South Carolina and other U.S. locations can seek funding for initiatives that transform veterans’ lives. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for new or expanding veteran-focused programs within defined focus areas.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on farming, agriculture, or historic preservation of farms, barns, equipment, or natural resources can seek support through the Mishler Brown Fund. Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards annual grants nationally, so South Carolina preservation organizations may be eligible if their projects match these priorities.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Ready To Go Program

Outcome

This program is designed to stimulate the local economy by addressing urgent or compelling community needs. Funding may also be used for pilot projects which have been developed in coordination with, and have been approved by, the State CDBG Program. The goal is encouraging innovation, the timely implementation of CDBG eligible projects, and cost effectiveness. The project requires an upfront investment of local and other funds for planning, project design and permitting that is substantially equivalent to the required 10% local match.

The project must be an eligible public facility improvement under the Community Infrastructure, Community Enrichment, or Local Priorities program. All required project activities leading up to bidding must be complete prior to submission of the application including but not limited to project design, environmental review, acquisition and permits. CDBG funds may only be used for construction or demolition. 

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation