Festivals Program Grant

Festivals Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: South Carolina Arts Commission
Amount: Up to US $7,500
Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Summary

The Festivals Program Grant, offered by the South Carolina Arts Commission, aims to support a wide range of arts activities at festivals that significantly impact local communities. By fostering public engagement and participation in arts and culture, this grant prioritizes festivals in underserved areas, enhancing access to creative experiences for all. Eligibility extends to local governments and registered nonprofits, ensuring that the arts remain integral to South Carolina's community life, especially during challenging times.

Overview

NOTE: Applications expected to reopen late winter 2025. South Carolina Arts Commission Vision We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences. Mission The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. Festivals Program Grant Purpose To provide support for a broad range of arts activities at festivals that take place in—and have an impact on—S.C. communities, increasing opportunities for public engagement and participation in arts and culture.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The applicant must bea unit of state or local government, OR a nonprofit organizationcurrently registered as a charity with the S.C. Secretary of State’s OfficeNote: Applicants who are exempt from this registration must upload their registration exemption approval.reflecting S.C. as the primary address on all current official organizational documentswith federal tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service OR applying through a tax-exempt fiscal agent/receiver organizationNote: Applicants who are applying through a fiscal agent/receiver must submit a letter outlining the working relationship and responsibilities of both parties.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.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.RequirementsThe festival must be held in South Carolina.The festival must have identifiable arts activities (visual, media, performing, literary, and/or folk and traditional arts).The festival must compensate visual, media, performing, literary, and/or folk and traditional artists.The festival must be open to the public and include some aspect of free arts programming.Allowable activities are limited to:Arts programming, temporary art installations, commissions, or licensing fees for original worksArtistic, administrative, technical, marketing salary support and/or contractual fees paid to artists, musicians, curators, programmers, and/or arts presenters/performers including travel and lodging.Event production costs for equipment/venue rentals and operation; sound, lighting, stage rigging, visual/digital components, and insurance for the arts programming only.Marketing including but not limited to graphic design services, advertising space, digital/print promotional materials, website, social media, printing, or publicationsItems or services ensuring program accessibility as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which includes captioning, translation, visual enhancements, interpreters, and listening guides.Any activities carried out within this grant must align with state guidelines regarding COVID-19.Matching Requirements1:1 (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.

Ineligibility

The applicant must be a nonprofit arts organization or unit of state or local government, not an individual artist.Unallowable activities include but are not limited to:Non-arts activitiesFood and beverages, including alcoholFestivals organized for or by political partiesTrade fairs, events of a commercial nature, and consumer showsEvents that are produced solely as fundraisers, or that contribute to endowmentsOrganization’s season or a seasonal series of presented or produced programsCompetitions and award ceremoniesCash prizes, purchase/awards, plaquesRe-grantingSports and recreation activities and related eventsScholarship programs, pageants, conferences, symposiums, or seminarsShowcases or recitals for individual schools, including fairs, bazaars, fetes, or open house eventsFestivals already receiving operating support through the S.C. Arts CommissionEvents that are restricted to private or exclusive participation (by invitation and/or purchase requirements that exceed the cost of a typical, standard ticket to an event/performance).Funds may not be matched with another SCAC grant or with any federal funds.