The Project Support Grant for Artists – FY25, offered by the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC) in Greenville County, South Carolina, provides financial support to individual artists seeking to advance their artistic careers through specific projects. MAC is a nonprofit arts service agency that has supported the local creative community for over 50 years. Through its Quarterly Grants Program, the Council promotes participation in and access to the arts, fosters collaboration among creatives and organizations, and enhances the community's cultural vitality.

The primary purpose of this grant is to fund specific, well-planned artistic projects that contribute to the professional development of artists residing in Greenville County. Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, marketing and promotional initiatives, professional development opportunities, and other artistic endeavors that demonstrate feasibility, community relevance, and a strong artistic foundation. The grant is not intended for ordinary living or studio expenses and cannot support conceptual projects lacking a detailed plan, timeline, and confirmed venues.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, practicing in one of the core artistic disciplines (dance, music, literature, media, theater, or visual arts), and permanent residents of Greenville County for at least six months prior to applying. They must also be able to match grant funds at a 1:1 ratio, and the maximum award per project is $1,500. Only two grants may be awarded to a single applicant within a calendar year, and no single project may receive funding from more than one quarterly grant cycle.

Applications are accepted quarterly and must be received by 5:00 PM on the designated deadlines. For FY25, those deadlines are:

February 14, 2025 (for projects starting May–July 2025)

May 15, 2025 (for projects starting August–October 2025)

August 15, 2025 (for projects starting November 2025–January 2026)

November 14, 2025 (for projects starting February–April 2026)

Submissions must be completed through MAC’s online application system, accessible at www.greenvillearts.com/grants/artist. Applications must include general contact information, a project narrative, a budget using MAC’s template, and optional but encouraged supporting materials such as resumes, media samples, or publicity from past work.

Grant proposals are reviewed by a community panel based on the following weighted criteria: Artistry and Feasibility (60%), Public Impact (15%), Project Management (20%), and Compliance (5%). Applicants are invited to meet briefly with the panel to discuss their project before final scoring. Awards are determined based on final panel scores and available funding.

If selected for funding, grantees receive 50% of the award upon contract execution, with the remaining 50% disbursed after successful project completion and submission of a final report within six months of the grant start date. The final report must include a narrative, actual budget, promotional materials acknowledging MAC, and documentation of project outcomes.

Questions and technical assistance are available by contacting MAC at 864-467-3132 or mac@greenvilleARTS.com.