Barrier-Free Arts SC Grants

Barrier-Free Arts SC Grants is sponsored by South Carolina Arts Commission. Empowers arts organizations in South Carolina to enhance accessibility for artists and constituents with disabilities through professional development and support.

Barrier-Free Arts SC Grants | South Carolina Arts Commission Barrier-Free Arts SC Grants To empower arts organizations to prioritize accessibility for constituents and artists with disabilities. Current SCAC operating support grantees who own or can alter their rented facilities. Year 1: Up to $3,500.

Years 2 & 3: Up to $5,000. Year 1: No match. Years 2 & 3: 1:1 match (grantee:SCAC).

This grant provides knowledge, support, and resources that will empower arts organizations to prioritize accessibility for constituents and artists with disabilities. This is a three-year commitment. Year One aims to provide grantees with tailored professional development that covers accessibility topics directly related to the arts sector.

Barrier-Free Arts SC (BFASC) grantees will commit to: Attending the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference in Philadelphia from August 11-14, 2026. Engaging with professional development content throughout the grant period by attending five (5) synchronous, virtual cohort sessions led by the SCAC’s arts learning and accessibility director.

By the end of the first year, the grantees will have developed an accessibility plan to remove barriers identified within their facilities and programs. Year One will conclude with an in-person BFASC Spring Convening and Showcase, during which each organization will present its accessibility plan. Years Two and Three will focus on utilizing grant funds to meet the organization’s accessibility goals set in its accessibility plan.

Grant guidelines are subject to change until the application opens. Be a current (FY26) General Operating Support or Operating Support for Small Organizations grantee in good standing as determined by the SCAC. Own their facilities or have express permission and authority to alter the facilities they use.

In accordance with federal government policy, all organizations – including (but not limited to) private schools, public school districts, government entities, and nonprofit organizations – must provide a valid UEI number* to receive an SCAC grant award.

* Learn about the Unique Entity ID (UEI) Note: If an applicant organization is using a fiscal agent/receiver, separate UEI numbers must be provided for both the applicant organization and the fiscal agent/receiver. Exceptions to separate UEI numbers are organizations run by a local government or a school district. Commissioners and staff of the S.

C. Arts Commission and members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply for any individual SCAC programs, grants, fellowships, or services that provide financial support or career recognition. Grant funds will be utilized to send at least one staff member to the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference in Philadelphia from Aug.

11-14, 2026. Remaining grant funds will go towards compensating staff member participation in required professional development and cohort meetings throughout the fiscal year. Grant funds will be utilized in direct alignment with the accessibility plan created during Year One of the cohort.

Grant funds will be used to remove barriers and increase accessibility within the agency. 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.

Additional Requirements of This Grant Grantees participating in the BFASC grant program will have the following requirements in Year One: Send at least one (1) representative from their organization to attend the LEAD Conference in Philadelphia from Aug. 11-14, 2026. Engage with a series of professional development modules (asynchronous video content) which will be distributed throughout the fiscal year.

This will include watching the videos and engaging with the content shared with the cohort through a bimonthly newsletter. Attend these five (5) synchronous virtual meetings with the cohort, plus the in-person BFASC Spring Convening. July 30, 2026 (10-11:30 a.

m.) Sept. 3, 2026 (for those who attended LEAD, 10-11 a.

m.) Oct. 1, 2026 (10-11:30 a.

m.) Jan. 7, 2027 (10-11:30 a.

m.) March 4, 2027 (10-11:30 a. m.)

April 1, 2027 (In-Person) from 9 a. m. to 3 p.

m. (Spearman Center, 1026 Sumter St. , Columbia) Complete organizational accessibility audits provided by AbleSC and funded through SCAC.

Create an organizational accessibility plan by the final cohort meeting to be presented to fellow cohort members alongside leadership from SCAC and AbleSC at the April 1 cohort meeting. Primary Contact Requirement The primary contact listed in the grant application must be the main point of contact throughout the application process and, if awarded, during the grant period.

For organizations, the primary contact must be an employee or active volunteer of the organization applying for the grant. Intermediaries, such as hired consultants or external representatives, are not permitted to serve as the primary point of contact. The primary contact will be responsible for all communications with the SCAC, including responding to inquiries, providing updates, and submitting required documentation.

Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in disqualification from the grant process or revocation of awarded funds. Priority will be given to: Proposed activities in one or more Opportunity Initiative counties targeted for special attention by SCAC; and/or Applicant organizations located within an Opportunity Initiative county.

Current Opportunity Initiative Counties Part One: Letter of Intent – April 16, 2026 Part Two: Full Grant Application (by invitation only) – May 14, 2026 Applications may be submitted until 11:59 p. m. (Eastern Time) on the deadline date.

However, staff members are not available to assist you with questions or technical difficulties after SCAC closes at 5 p. m. Annual grant periods are: Year 1: July 1, 2026–May 15, 2027 Year 2: July 1, 2027–May 15, 2028 Year 3: July 1, 2028–May 15, 2029 Year Three: Up to $5,000.

Awards may vary from year to year and are contingent on availability of funds. Year 1: no match required. Years 2 and 3: 1:1 match (grantee:SCAC).

A 1:1 match means that for each dollar granted, the grantee must match with $1. 00 of their own funds. For example, if the total project cost is $10,000, the applicant may request $5,000 and must provide the remaining $5,000 from other sources.

In-kind expenses are not allowed as part of the applicant’s match in this category. Another SCAC grant can not be used to match these funds. Are you wondering what makes for a strong application?

The SCAC recommends using the rubric in this section as a guide when writing your application. Grant reviewers will score your application responses based on the criteria within this rubric. FY27 Barrier-Free Arts SC Grant Letter of Intent (LOI) to Apply Evaluation Rubric LOI Evaluation (50 points possible) Statment of Intent to Apply 0-2 points: The applicant does not state their intent to apply for the BFASC grant program.

3-4 points: The applicant provides a vague statement of intent to apply for the BFASC grant program. 5-7 points: The applicant clearly states their intent to apply for the BFASC Grant Program. The statement is direct and provides context regarding readiness or alignment with their organization's mission and vision.

8-10 points: The applicant clearly and explicitly states their intent to apply for the BFASC grant program. The statement reflects strong commitment and readiness, demonstrating alignment with organizational goals and capacity. Interest in Applying 0-2 points: The applicant does not explain why they are interested in participating in the BFASC grant program.

3-4 points: The applicant provides some explanation of why they are interested in applying for the BFASC grant program but lacks meaningful details. 5-7 points: The applicant provides a clear explanation of why they are interested in applying for the BFASC grant program including some insight into their desire to be more accessible as an organization.

8-10 points: The applicant provides a detailed and clear explanation of why they are interested in applying for the BFASC grant program, including details about why they want to prioritize accessibility within their organization. Organization's Current Accessibility Work 0-2 points: The applicant has not started their accessibility work. 3-4 points: The applicant is just beginning their accessibility work.

5-7 points: The applicant is established in their accessibility work. 8-10 points: The applicant is innovating/excelling in their accessibility work. Accessibility Coordinator 0 points: The applicant does not have a designated staff person who is responsible for accessibility for the disability community.

5 points: The applicant provides the name and title of the individual within their organization who is responsible for accessibility for the disability community. What You Hope to Gain 0-2 points: The applicant does not indicate what they hope to gain from participating in BFASC. 3-4 points: The applicant provides a vague or minimal statement about what they hope to gain from BFASC.

The response lacks specificity, depth, or clear connection to organizational growth or program goals. 5-7 points: The applicant provides clear insights into what they hope to gain from BFASC and how their participation will increase their accessibility work as an organization. 8-10 points: The applicant clearly and thoughtfully articulates what they hope to gain from participating in BFASC.

The response is specific, meaningful, and aligned with the program’s goals. The applicant demonstrates strong self-awareness, readiness for growth, and clear connection between participation and organizational impact. BFASC Cohort and LEAD Conference 0 points: The applicant does not provide the names and titles of the individuals who will be attending the BFASC cohort sessions and the LEAD conference.

5 points: The applicant provides the names and titles of the individuals who will be attending the BFASC cohort sessions and the LEAD conference. Printer-friendly LOI rubric . Applications are accepted through our grants portal, which uses Foundant .

New to Foundant? For frequently asked questions, registration instructions, and other helpful information, we highly recommend visiting the Grants Portal FAQ before you begin working in the system. Your Grants Portal Account Applicants must have an active account in our grants portal (Foundant).

If you have previously used Submittable to apply for other SCAC grants or programs, please note that Foundant is a different system. Your Submittable credentials will not work; you will need a Foundant account to apply for this grant. If you have used the grants portal as both an artist and for a school or organization, be sure you log on with the correct account to apply for this grant.

The SCAC recognizes that applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of their grant preparation process. The following policy outlines acceptable and prohibited uses of AI in connection with grant applications and funded projects. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure and Acceptable Use Policy Generative AI must not be used for the creation of the proposed artwork or for generating work samples.

AI may be used for editing, proofreading, or improving the clarity and quality of narrative text. However, if you use an AI tool to help write or edit your application, you do so at your own risk. When we receive a grant application, it is our understanding that it reflects the applicant’s original ideas, voice, and intent.

You remain fully responsible for the content, accuracy, and integrity of your application, including any material created or revised with the assistance of AI.

If we identify falsified, fabricated, or misleading information in a grant application—including information produced through the use of AI—the SCAC reserves the right to remove the grant from consideration, or if awarded, to cancel the grant and invoice the grantee for any funds received.

If AI is used inappropriately or in violation of this policy, the SCAC reserves the right to remove the grant from consideration, or if awarded, to cancel the grant and invoice the grantee for any funds received. All applicants must ensure that their applications, proposed projects, and all related materials—including information produced through the use of AI— comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Applying for this grant indicates that you, the applicant, agree to the terms of this policy. Starting Your Application Applying for Barrier-Free Arts SC is a two-part process. Part One: Letter of Intent to Apply The BFASC grant requires a Letter of Intent to Apply (LOI).

The LOI will be submitted through the Grants Portal. Please include the following information in your LOI: Statement of intent to apply. Why your organization is interested in participating in the Barrier-Free Arts SC grant program.

How you would rate your organization’s current work around access for people with disabilities (e.g., Haven’t Started, Emerging, Established, Excelling/Innovating). Name and title of currently designated staff person responsible for accessibility of the disability community (if this role does not currently exist, please state that). What you hope to gain from participating in the Barrier-Free Arts SC program.

The names and titles of the individuals (at least two) who will be attending the Barrier-Free Arts SC professional development and cohort meeting sessions starting in August 2026. The name(s) and title(s) of the individual(s) who will be attending the LEAD conference in Philadelphia from Aug. 11-14, 2026.

Follow the “Apply” link below. The Grants Portal will open in a new browser tab or window. Log on, then click the “Apply” link at the top of your applicant dashboard.

Find “FY27: Barrier Free Arts SC” in the list of available grant applications, and click the “Apply” button to the far right. Part Two: Full Grant Application Based on a review of the submitted letters of intent, selected applicants will be invited to develop their proposal into a full grant application and submit a letter of support from their executive director.

Only those invited to proceed to Part Two will be eligible for BFASC funding. Executive Director Letter of Support Explanation of interest in the BFASC grant program. Confirmation of commitment to allow two (2) staff members to participate in professional development hours and attend all scheduled cohort meetings throughout the fiscal year.

Agreement to use grant funds to send at least one (1) staff member to the LEAD conference in Philadelphia from Aug. 11-14, 2026 (remaining grant funds will be utilized to compensate staff time in participating in the BFASC cohort sessions). Not quite ready to apply?

You can preview the application before you create an account or start an application. Part One: Intent to Apply Step 1: Completion and Compliance The grants team reviews submitted intent to apply applications for completeness and compliance with guidelines and application requirements. Incomplete or noncompliant intent to apply applications will not move on to evaluation.

Grant reviewers will evaluate the intent to apply based on the published review criteria and recommend applications to be invited to develop a full grant application. Reviewer comments are available to applicants upon request. Part Two: Full Grant Application Applications go through a two-step review process.

Step 1: Completion and Compliance The grants team reviews applications for completion and compliance with guidelines and application requirements. Incomplete or noncompliant applications will not move on to evaluation. Grant reviewers evaluate complete applications based on the published review criteria.

Reviewer comments are available to applicants upon request. Award decisions are based on applicant scores and the availability of funds; award approvals are made by the SCAC Board of Commissioners . Award notifications are expected after the June 2026 board meeting .

If You Receive a Grant Award If your application is funded, you (and your fiscal agent, if applicable) will sign a contract with the South Carolina Arts Commission. By signing, all parties agree to follow applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as outlined in the contract. You’ll receive an email with instructions when your contract is ready in the grants portal.

Submit your completed contract—including all required signatures and documents—by the deadline shown in the system. Complete any other assigned follow-up items by their due dates as well. Any changes to your project must be preapproved, in writing, by SCAC.

To request a change, email grants@arts. sc. gov .

Additional details about managing an SCAC grant are available on our agency website. Payments are reimbursement-based. This means any expenses must be financed up front by the grantee and/or a cooperating entity.

An accurate final report, listing only expenses allowable under the program guidelines for the certified time period, must be submitted in order to receive payment for the grant award. ALL GRANTEES are required to submit a final report at the end of the grant period. The final report due date is stated in the grant contract.

Note: This grant runs on a three (3)-year cycle, with separate contracts issued each year. Grantees are required to file a final report at the end of each grant period. Submission of the application portion of your annual final report is required to be eligible for a grant award the following year.

The reporting process prepares your organization for continued eligibility and also allows the SCAC to measure the impact of its grantmaking. Delinquent Grantee Communication Policy Definition of Delinquency A grant is considered delinquent if the grantee fails to complete any of the following tasks: Submit required reports by the deadline. Fulfill grant agreement terms (e.g., project deliverables, financial documentation).

Respond to SCAC requests for updates or corrections. Upon identifying delinquency, the SCAC Grants Office will: First Attempt: Notify the grantee via email and phone within five (5) business days, detailing the delinquency and required actions. Second Attempt: If no response after 10 business days, send a follow-up email with “FINAL NOTICE” in the subject line and attempt contact via a second phone call.

Third Attempt: If no response after an additional 10 business days (25 days total since initial delinquency), send an email and certified letter to the grantee’s official address on file, stating intent to cancel the grant. If the grantee does not respond or rectify the delinquency within 15 business days of the certified letter’s receipt, or 30 business days of sending if receipt is not confirmed, the grant will be formally canceled.

The grantee will be notified in writing of the cancellation and any required repayment of funds. Canceled grants may impact eligibility for future SCAC funding. Extensions may be granted for emergencies (e.g., natural disasters, documented organizational crises) at the discretion of the SCAC Executive Director.

If you are seeking advisement, please contact Arts Learning & Accessibility Director Amanda Noyes (803. 734. 8675 | anoyes@arts.

sc. gov ) before submitting an application. If you have submitted an application, and/or you have a current grant, please contact the Grants Office (803.

734. 8695 | grants@arts. sc.

gov ). We also highly recommend a visit to our Grants Coaching webpage , for category-specific information for grant applicants, and opportunities for one-on-one assistance . Did you miss a group call or session?

Look for the video link to access a recording of that presentation.