Accessibility Grants to support South Carolina Organizations (US)

Accessibility barriers are anything that prevent an individual with a disability from fully accessing a service or fully participating in a program. Examples of accessibility barriers can include, but are not limited to, physical/structural barriers, communication barriers, and digital/technology barriers.

Funding Information 

• Grant amount: up to $2,500

Eligible Activities

• 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 facilities
    • Design development and construction documents that address the proposed accessibility project
    • Adaptive equipment
    • Other accommodations that make facilities accessible

Ineligible Activities

• 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
  • Consultant fees for facilities fundraising

Geographical Focus

• Priority will be given to individuals or organizations that have projects in SCAC’s Opportunity Initiative Counties: Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clarendon, Dillon, Edgefield, Hampton, Jasper, Laurens, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Saluda, Williamsburg.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be either:
  • a designated South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs board, or
  • a South Carolina organization that:
    • has a primary mission focused on the arts, or
    • serves as the primary arts provider in its community, or
    • will commit to a project that connects the arts to persons who have disabilities.
• The applicant must also be either:
  • a unit of government, or
  • a nonprofit organization:
    • currently registered as a charity with the S.C. Secretary of State’s Office
    • reflecting S.C. as the primary address on all current official organizational documents
    • with federal tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service or applying through a tax-exempt fiscal agent/receiver organization
• 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.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Colleges and universities are not eligible to apply for this grant category.
• 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.

For more information, visit SCAC.