Available Grant Programs
Richland County has several grant programs available to help small businesses (50 or fewer employees), organizations, and neighborhoods thrive and contribute to the overall quality of life in our County. Here’s a brief rundown of available grant programs, with links to additional information. Don’t delay, because most of these grant programs are now open for applications!
FOR NEIGHBORHOODS
Neighborhood Enrichment Grants – These grants are made to neighborhood organizations in Richland County for the purpose of promoting leadership, independence, and overall improvement within individuals and their community through enrichment projects in one or more of these categories: Neighborhood Beautification, Community Engagement, Safety & Health, and Leisure. To help neighborhood representatives apply for the grant, workshops are being held in December and January. The grant application period runs from December 1, 2021 through February 6, 2022. For more information about the grant workshops and application process, refer to the County’s Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program webpage.
FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Community Conservation and Historic Preservation Grants – Community Conservation grants of up to $20,000 are available for building trails, water quality improvement projects, green infrastructure, and environmental education programs. Historic Preservation grants of up to $50,000 are available for preservation or restoration costs for historic buildings and cemeteries, or for educational and research projects promotion Richland County’s history. Nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, governmental agencies, commercial entities, and other institutions can apply for funding to support various projects. These grants, offered through the Richland County Conservation Commission, require a 20 percent match. The application period runs from December 1, 2021 through February 1, 2022. For more information, refer to the grant criteria and guidelines or this news release. For more information on these grant opportunities, contact John McKenzie of Richland County Conservation at 803-576-2083.
Accommodations Tax Grants – These grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations to fund tourism and tourism-related projects and events. Before requesting funding, organizations must have been in existence at least one year and provide proof of nonprofit status. The grant application period runs from December 1, 2021 through February 5, 2022. For more information, refer to the County’s Accommodations Tax Grant webpage.
Hospitality Tax Grants – These grants support organizations and projects whose primary mission is attracting tourists; these grants promote dining and overnight accommodations in unincorporated areas of Richland County. Before requesting funding, organizations must have been in existence at least one year and provide proof of nonprofit status. The grant application period runs from December 1, 2021 through February 5, 2022. For more information, refer to the County’s Hospitality Tax Grant webpage.
Discretionary Grants – The Discretionary Grant program provides financial support to organizations and agencies that carry out community-based programs and/or services throughout Richland County. In keeping with the mission of Richland County Government, this program attempts to encourage organizations to continue to offer innovative and much-needed services that enhance the quality of life for all County residents. Before requesting funding, organizations must have been in existence at least one year and provide proof of nonprofit status. The grant application period runs from December 1, 2021 through February 5, 2022. For more information, refer to the County’s Discretionary Grant webpage.
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants – Offered by the County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity and the Community Development division, this grant program reimburses small businesses for certain pandemic-related expenses, up to a total of $15,000. The grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The application period opened December 1 and will remain open until all available funds are expended. To learn more about this grant program, watch this webinar.
Seeds to Engage Small Business Grant – This grant program, which will open in January 2022, provides $10,000 in seed funding to existing small businesses to retain or create low-to-middle income jobs in Richland County. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must submit an online application along with a pitch video and business plan. To learn more about grant program, watch this webinar. To help businesses prepare their pitches, Richland County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity and Richland Library are offering “How to Pitch Your Business” workshops in December and January. To learn more about this program, contact the Office of Small Business Opportunity at 803-576-1540.
