SC Arts Commission: Accessibility Grants

The SC Arts Commission offers Accessibility Grants to assist organizations in making arts programs and facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. Funded projects may include adaptations such as Braille materials, sign language interpretation, and facility modifications. Eligible applicants include government units and charitable organizations registered in South Carolina. The program emphasizes cash matching and limits awards to one per fiscal year, prioritizing projects in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties.

Background
Grants are one of the four ways the S.C. Arts Commission accomplishes its work in arts education and artist and community arts development. The South Carolina Arts Commission is honored to be named 2019 Public Sector Grantmaker of the Year by the 3,000-member Grant Professionals Association.
Purpose
To help South Carolina organizations make arts programs and existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities
Use of Funds
Grants awards may reimburse the applicant for any combination of qualifying expenses incurred during the grant period. Projects may include but are not limited to the following:

• Programs
• Printing large print program materials
• Printing Braille materials
• Artist/consultant fees
• Preparation for special exhibitions
• Audio description
• Sign language interpretation
• Website accessibility
• Docent training for visual or audio enhancement
• Consultant fee to develop an overall accessibility plan for your organization
• Inclusive programming
• Staff training (i.e. travel to a workshop and/or training)
• Other accommodations that make programs accessible
• Purchase of assistive listening devices
• Facilities
• Curb cuts
• Construction of accessibility ramp(s)
• Accessibility signage for exterior and/or interior space
• Modification of restroom(s)
• Modification of drinking fountain(s)
• Installation of elevator
• Installation of electronic door opener
• Installation of Braille plaques
• Architectural or engineering study to address accessibility of existing facility
• Capital improvements (“bricks and mortar”) of existing facilitiesCapital improvement projects must meet all local and state building codes.

If the existing facility is on The National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible, all work must conform with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Applicants for capital improvement project support must upload
A copy of the deed or letter from the property owner, acknowledging approval of this capital improvement project.
Photographs, drawings or plans of existing facilities, identifying project areas. All construction documents must be stamped by the architect and/or engineer.Design development and construction documents that address the proposed accessibility project
1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.

Eligibility

The applicant must be either:
a designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs board, ORa South Carolina organization thathas a primary mission focused on the arts, orserves as the primary arts provider in its community, orwill commit to a project that connects the arts to persons who have disabilities.The applicant must also be either:a unit of government, ORa charitable organization currently registered with the S.C. Secretary of State’s Officereflecting S.C. as the primary address on all current official organizational documentswith federal tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service ORapplying through a tax exempt Fiscal Agent/Receiver organizationIn accordance with federal government policy, all organizations – including (but not limited to) private schools, government entities, public school districts, and nonprofit organizations – must provide a valid DUNS number to receive an S.C. Arts Commission grant award.Applicants are limited to one grant award per fiscal year.Priority will be given to individuals or organizations that have projects in SCAC’s Opportunity Initiative Counties:Allendale
Saluda
WilliamsburgAny activities carried out within this grant must align with state guidelines regarding COVID-19.Organizations are limited to one Accessibility Grant award per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

Ineligibility

Colleges and universities are not eligible to apply for this grant category.Funds from another S.C. Arts Commission grant may not be used as matching funds.Funds May Not Be Used For:New construction (new buildings must comply with current ADA requirements)
Cosmetic work such as interior painting and furnishings
Actual building construction costs other than costs associated with accessibility