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

Counties and Councils of Governments Eligible to Participate in the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund

SC Housing announced that municipalities, municipal associations, counties, and councils of governments are now eligible to participate as sponsors in the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund (SC HTF). The SC HTF is a valuable resource for maintaining safe, quality affordable housing via two core programs: Critical Home Repair and Home Repair Program. SC HTFs may be leveraged with other sources for housing development and repairs.

The Critical Home Repair and Home Repair Programs are targeted to homeowners who fall at or below 80% of area median income. The Critical Home Repair Program can fund essential home repairs up to $30,000. The Home Repair Program can address more significant repairs up to $75,000. Eligible repairs include replacement of major housing systems (roofs, water heaters, HVAC systems), as well as home modifications to provide accessibility for persons who are disabled. Additionally, sponsors are eligible for development fees up to 15% of the project costs.

To become a participating sponsor, first review the Participation Manual, Participation Checklist for Governmental Entities, and the HTF Participation Application. Access these on the SC Housing website.

In addition, the S.C. Housing Trust Fund in October announced the Disaster Assistance Program (DAP), a block grant program created to address housing recovery needs resulting from recent natural disasters in South Carolina. DAP will be available to local governments--including counties, cities and councils of governments) providing up to $30,000 per home for disaster related repairs. Eligible homeowners must be at 80% area median income or below.

An abbreviated grant application will be available by Oct. 31, with applications to be submitted by December 16, 2024. In preparation, those interested in applying should initiate an assessment process to determine immediate need and advise SC Housing of interest in the program.

Contact Jack Suber, Manager, S.C. Housing Trust Fund at (803) 896-0808 or jack.suber@schousing.com.

More on how counties can participate in the SC Housing Trust Fund.

EPA Announces $58 Million Available for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants

On September 16, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $58 million in available funding under the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program. The SWIFR program supports projects that enhance local government infrastructure for managing post-consumer materials. EPA plans to make 20 to 30 awards, ranging from $500,000 to $5 million per award.

Counties can apply for SWIFR grants through December 20, 2024. Counties may also submit an informal Notice of Intent to Apply to the EPA by November 15, 2024, to streamline the process.

For more information on applying, visit the EPA's SWIFR for Communities Program page or grants.gov.

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. This grant is non-competitive so applications are accepted ongoing until May 7, 2025 at 3 p.m. Eastern

SC250 also offers Competitive Grants in the following levels:

Monthly Grants up to $15,000 (Apply by the first business day of each month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern through June 2, 2025),
Major Grants from $15,001 to $125,000 (Application deadlines are Dec. 13, 2024, Mar. 26, 2025, and June 26, 2025), and
Premier Project Grants starting at and above $125,001 (Application deadlines are Dec. 13, 2024, Mar. 26, 2025, and June 26, 2025)

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

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

The deadline for local governments to apply is Oct. 31, 2024.

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.