The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) is offering the FY26 Festivals Program Grant to support community-based festivals that increase public participation and engagement in the arts across South Carolina. This grant program funds a broad range of artistic activities at festivals, including visual, media, performing, literary, folk, and traditional arts, and aims to strengthen cultural experiences at the local level. The grant period runs from August 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, with applications accepted until April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Eligible applicants include most nonprofit organizations (arts and non-arts) and units of government located in South Carolina. Colleges and universities, as well as individual artists, are ineligible. Applicants must be registered as a charity with the S.C. Secretary of State or possess an approved exemption and must provide a federal tax-exempt status or apply through a fiscal agent. A Unique Entity ID (UEI) is also required for both the applicant and any fiscal sponsor involved. Organizations receiving general operating support from SCAC within the same fiscal year may not apply for this grant.

Grant awards are available up to $7,500, with a mandatory 1:1 match requirement. Up to 50% of the match can be provided as in-kind contributions, such as donated services or materials. Other SCAC grants or federal funds cannot be used as match. Grant funds may be used for artist compensation, temporary installations, program-related equipment rentals, marketing, accessibility services, and other direct costs. Indirect costs may not exceed 10% of the total award.

The funded festival must take place within South Carolina, last no longer than two consecutive weekends, and include at least one free component of arts programming that is open to the public. Events primarily centered around food, fundraising, politics, commercial trade, or sports are ineligible. Also ineligible are seasonal programs, award ceremonies, and events restricted to exclusive participation.

Special consideration will be given to festivals held in SCAC’s Opportunity Initiative Counties and in underserved communities where access to arts programs and resources is limited due to factors such as geography, economics, or cultural barriers.

Applications will be reviewed using a rubric based on four main criteria: Project Details (30%), Project Implementation (35%), Festival Impact (15%), and Budget/Support Materials (20%). Each category assesses the strength, planning, qualifications, accessibility, and overall impact of the proposed festival.

Applicants must use the SCAC grants portal, hosted on the Foundant platform, to submit their applications. A Grants Portal FAQ is available to assist with the process. For guidance or to discuss a project prior to applying, applicants are encouraged to contact Public Art Coordinator Harvee L. White at hlwhite@arts.sc.gov or the SCAC Grants Team at grants@arts.sc.gov.