Grants

County officials and employees may find the following resources helpful when searching for grant funding and low-interest loans. Any specific questions concerning these resources should be directed to the specific agency.

Information on upcoming grant writing workshops can be found on the events of interest page.

NACo Funding Opportunities for Counties Matrix

SC250 Launches Grant Programs for FY25 (July 2024-June 2025)

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) is now accepting grant applications for FY25 (July 2024 - June 2025). SC250’s goals are to inspire education and set up cultural tourism sites that will have an impact on the future.

SC250 offers one $3,000 Non-Competitive Organizing Grant to each official County 250 Committee.

SC250 also offers Competitive Grants in the following levels:

Monthly Grants (up to $15,000),
Major Grants ($15,001 to $125,000), and
Premier Project Grants ($125,001+).

Learn more about the FY25 Grant Programs.

SC Rural Infrastructure Authority Announces FY25 Competitive Grants and Webinar

The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) announces the availability of more than $51 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2024. This is a significant increase over the state funding made available for grants in previous years. RIA has developed an FY25 Program Strategy which details the funding available, eligible applicants, program criteria and due dates for application. The Program Strategy is available for review on their website.

Application due dates:

Round 1: Oct. 28, 2024
Round 2: Mar. 17, 2025

RIA will host a FY25 Application and Program Updates webinar on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. to review the key program updates and allow time for questions.

Energy Grant and Funding Opportunities

US Department of Energy announces $18 million for Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) program

US Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

Formula EECBG Funding

Ten South Carolina counties are initially eligible for EECBG formula funding. For more information contact SC Department of Energy office at rtolton@ors.sc.gov.

EECBG for SC Formula Eligible Entities Webinar

ConserFund Loan

ConserFund is a revolving loan program administered by the South Carolina Energy Office for energy-efficiency improvements in state agencies, public colleges or universities, school districts, local governments, and 501 (c)(3) organizations. The loan program is focused on supporting the implementation of energy-efficient improvements that provide long-term cost reductions and energy savings. Loans range from $25,000 to $500,000 per fiscal year with a maximum 10-year term. More information is available on the SC Energy Office's page.

SCDOT Publishes List of On-Call Consultants for Local Government Project Management Services

All local governments are asked to contact Roxanne Ancheta, SCDOT’s Director of Grants, at least a month in advance if you are planning to apply for a federal or state grant or earmark for a project on the State Highway System. Ms. Ancheta can be reached at (803) 737-1232 or via email at AnchetaRM@scdot.org

White House Guidebook on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

FEMA announced a significant investment in climate resiliency by authorizing $3.46 billion for the 59 major disaster declarations issued due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

With the growing climate change crisis facing the nation, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will provide funding for states, tribes and territories to maximize their investment in mitigation measures that result in safer and more resilient communities. This new funding will allow communities across the nation to further develop capacity and take mitigation actions that will foster greater resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

Across the country, Americans have witnessed the enormous and devastating effects of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other events. The increasing duration, intensity and severity of such disasters, which are exacerbated by changes in population, land use and weather patterns, are alarming and highlight one of the most important emergency management challenges facing the United States. The impacts of natural hazards on communities, families, individuals and our economy make it imperative to invest in creating infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards.

FEMA encourages state, local, tribal and territorial governments with significant vulnerabilities that lack the resources to invest in mitigation to leverage the funds being authorized through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

For more information, visit FEMA.gov.

The USDA - Rural Development

The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area. Learn more & apply on the USDA - Rural Development website.