SC Bar Foundation Grant Program

SC Bar Foundation Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: South Carolina Bar Foundation
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The SC Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance justice in South Carolina by funding legal access and education initiatives. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants to provide civil legal services, law-related education, or improve justice administration. Priority is given to programs demonstrating effective client representation and innovative service delivery. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and comply with specific guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration and leveraging additional funding sources for maximum impact.

Overview

Mission Our mission at the SC Bar Foundation is to promote justice by funding legal access and education with the goal of providing grants to non-profit organizations that support those in need in South Carolina. In order to be eligible for funding, the grant request must meet at least one of the criteria listed: Civil Legal ServicesLaw Related EducationAdministration of JusticeProvide services that meet the above criteria in Horry County Guidelines General Factors: Advance the Foundation’s mission to promote justice by funding legal access and education.Priority may be given to applicants requesting funds for the direct representation of clients or client groups.Demonstrated plan to carry out the program for which funds are requested.Must provide financial statements required by the grant agreement as well as IRS 990 forms.Grant applications should be made for no more than a 12-month budget period. There is no assurance of funding in subsequent grant cycles.The Foundation may decline to grant any and all grant applications or award less than the total amount of funds requested. Civil Legal Aid Factors: Must provide free legal representation or access to free or low-cost legal representation to the poor or disadvantaged persons within a geographical area in the State of South CarolinaEmploy a needs test consistent with income eligibility requirements of 125% of the official poverty guidelines, defined annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants need not apply this needs test to all clients served by their organizations. However, delivery of legal aid supported by Foundation grant must be restricted to clients eligible under those poverty guidelines. Administration of Justice Factors: Demonstrate how legal services to the poor through innovative or cost effective means are enhanced.Provide civil legal aid either to groups of clients currently underserved such as the elderly or the disabled, or in an area of representation, whether substantive or geographical, that cannot be or is not effectively served by individual qualified legal aid providers; or, provide legal management or operational training, or legal, management, support service, or technical assistance, or direct legal assistance, informational advocacy or litigation support to qualified legal aid providers.Promote the improvement of the administration of justice. Law Related Education Factors: Demonstrate how the program provides educational opportunities for students to learn about the practice of law and develop an interest in the law.Demonstrate how law students’ legal education is enhanced and how legal non-profits benefit through the program. Other Factors: Multiple Funding Sources: The Foundation recommends that all applicants have income in addition to Foundation funds requested. Priority will be given to requests from applicants who leverage Foundation funds with multiple other funding sources.Cooperative Efforts: Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other service providers. Joint proposals from multiple, qualified applicants area will be accepted as well. Rent and Equipment: Requests for equipment purchases may be eligible for funding. If seeking funds for equipment, applicants should demonstrate that the new equipment will result in significant productivity enhancements and increased services, and other avenues of funding for equipment purchase have been pursued without success. Rent is an eligible funding category.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must qualify as a tax-exempt non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) or related section of the Internal Revenue Code.Provide civil legal service to indigents in South Carolina.Provide law related education to the public in South Carolina.Improve the administration of justice in South Carolina.Eligible applicants will be assessed pursuant to the factors set forth in the guidelines.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not award funds for grants to:IndividualsPolitical campaignsCapital or endowment campaignsBuilding/renovation projects