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. 

News

SCDOT Notification and Letter of Support Request When Submitting Federal or State Grant Applications or Earmark Requests

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) owns and maintains approximately 97% of the federal-aid eligible highway system in South Carolina. SCDOT also coordinates a comprehensive regional planning process with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Councils of Governments to identify transportation projects to benefit the unique requirements of South Carolina’s communities. Maintaining integrity of the State Highway System and existing transportation planning process is essential to effectively apply for and administer awarded competitive grants and/or earmarked funds. 

To that end, political subdivisions must coordinate with SCDOT at least 45 calendar days before submitting a state or federal grant application or earmark request if any of the following apply: 

  • The project impacts the State Highway System;
  • The project impacts the coordinated statewide transportation planning process;
  • The project impacts SCDOT operations;
  • Project impacts to SCDOT, the State Highway System, or coordinated statewide transportation planning process are unknown; or
  • A Letter of Support is being requested.

The Grant/Earmark Synopsis form must be completed in its entirety and provided to SCDOT at least 45 calendar days before submitting a grant application or earmark request. 

Failure to adhere to the 45 calendar day requirement may result in a lack of grant or earmark support from SCDOT. 

Please return the fully completed form and reach out to Roxanne Ancheta, Director of Grants, at AnchetaRM@scdot.gov or (803) 737-1232 with any questions. 

Applications

S.C. Commerce RDI Annual Grant Program - Application Deadline Oct. 30, 2026

S.C. Commerce recently announced the opening of the Rural Development Initiative (RDI) annual grant program. This new initiative will support implementation-ready projects that strengthen South Carolina's rural communities and help position these regions for long-term prosperity. 

Eligible county governments are invited to submit implementation-ready projects through a competitive application process designed to strengthen rural communities through strategic public investment.

The application window for the inaugural RDI funding round opens Sept. 1, 2026. 

Read the full announcement.

Historic Preservation State Grant Fund Now Accepting Applications for FY 2026-27 - Application Deadline Sept. 2, 2026

The Historic Preservation State Grant Fund supports historic preservation projects that benefit local communities and the public through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina’s historic buildings with Planning Grants and Stabilization Grants.

We are pleased to announce that the application for FY 2026-2027 grants is now open. The application, and supporting guidance is available on the State Grant Fund website.

The deadline to submit applications is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

RIA Announces More Than $34 Million Available for Grants in FY 2026-27 - Application Deadlines Sept. 14, 2026 and March 22, 2027

SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) announced that three state-funded grant programs will continue in the fiscal year that began on July 1. Although the state's budget is not yet finalized, RIA estimates that $34 million - $44 million will be available in two competitive funding rounds.

  • Economic Infrastructure $7M+
  • Basic Infrastructure $26M+
  • Regional Planning $1M

The pilot Viability Improvement Program for small systems will also continue this year.

Review the FY 2026-27 Program Strategy, which details eligible applicants and activities, program criteria, and application requirements.

Resources

National

U.S. Department of Agriculture

State