Spotlight State: South Carolina

The state of South Carolina, with its rich history and cultural heritage, is in the GrantWatch spotlight this week. Known for its southern charm, it is also the only place in America where tea is grown. One of the many highlights of South Carolina is the city of Charleston. Exploring Charleston feels like taking a journey back in time. The unique architecture and cobblestone streets lend an especially old-time, refined ambiance. The historic district captivates with its meticulously preserved buildings, which tell stories of bygone eras through their elegant facades and intricate designs. What’s more, the spirit of invitation, grace, hospitality are what South Carolina is all about. From the scenic views of Myrtle Beach to the artistic heart of Greenville, the state offers a lifetime of experiences. Festivals, music, and culinary delights abound, making South Carolina a vibrant and compelling destination for all.

GrantWatch wants to acknowledge the uniqueness of South Carolina. We have a list of grant opportunities for projects that can be of great economic help to many local communities throughout the state. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of over 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. Be sure to also review some of the national and international grant listings available to choose from.

Fun Facts About South Carolina

• South Carolina is famous for its ancient Angel Oak tree – it’s at least 300 to 400 years old…the tree is 65 feet tall and 25.5 feet in circumference – and its ‘haunted’ Old City Jail near Charleston.
• It produces the country’s second-most peaches. The only state that grows more is California. There are over 30 varieties in the state, and they have been commercially grown in South Carolina since the 1860s.
• The peach is also the official state fruit of South Carolina, adopted in 1984.
• There are many famous South Carolinians. Baseball player ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson was born in South Carolina. Actors born in the state include Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. Also, many high-profile musicians, including James Brown, Eartha Kitt, Chubby Checker, and Dizzy Gillespie.

destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About South Carolina State to Know“

Interesting Facts About South Carolina

• The official state hospitality beverage is sweet tea.
• The first South Carolina state motto is “dum spiro spero.” “While I breathe, I hope.” It expresses the sentiment that as long as one is alive, there is always room for hope and the possibility of a better future.
• It derives its name from King Charles I of England.
• It was formerly nicknamed The Iodine State.
• The Blue Ridge Mountains make up the western third of the state.

destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About South Carolina State to Know“

Some Odd Facts About South Carolina

• Morgan Island, South Carolina, is known as “Monkey Island” due to its colony of free-ranging rhesus monkeys established in 1979.
• The UFO Welcome Center is in South Carolina.
• The South Carolina state snack is a boiled peanut.
• The Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp is a mysterious resident of South Carolina. The first sighting of him occurred in 1988… Today, there are lots of rumors and other supposed sightings of the lizard man. Real or not, he is a popular figure in the area.

destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About South Carolina State to Know“

Below is a current list of community and economic development grants for the state.

Grants for the State’s Community and Economic Development

1. South Carolina Conservation Projects – Funding is intended to support and promote conservation in eligible rural and urban areas throughout Charleston County.
2. Community Development Programs – Areas of focus include strengthening small businesses, building career pathways, economic mobility, education, and disaster relief.
3. South Carolina Nonprofits to Enhance Local Communities – Funding supports activities in the following focus areas: community development, education and youth, economic mobility, and financial wellness.
4. South Carolina Community Arts Projects – Up to $3,000 to increase access to the arts in local communities and involve new audiences/first-time visitors.
5. Critical Needs of Underprivileged Residents – Funding is for programs focusing on education and skills training, life and health, and access and participation. The goal is to break the perpetual cycle of poverty.
6. Tree and Plant Installation – Up to $5,000 to eligible South Carolina nonprofits, neighborhood associations, garden clubs and schools. Grants are for tree and plant installation.
7. In-Kind Grants to South Carolina Nonprofits – Donations are for beautification of public-areas and provides trees to be planted in parks, churches, schools, and neighborhood entryways.
8. Foster Community Engagement – Activities align with one of the following focus areas: safety, workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities.
9. Advance Social Progress – Funding is for projects, equipment, and capital campaigns focused on community development, food insecurity, and education.
10. In-Kind Support to Benefit Local Communities – Supports programs for safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities.

Broadening the Scope with Additional Grants

1. Participate in a Business Accelerator Program – Opportunity for entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds to participate in a business accelerator program.
2. Promote Growth and Success in the Digital Economy – The purpose of the grant program is to provide small businesses with a wide range of resources and support to help them thrive.
3. Small Business Owners and Growing Businesses – A $10,000 cash prize and several months of coaching sessions to address challenges marketing and bookkeeping.
4. Business Development Program – Opportunity to participate in a business development program, with grant funding, courses and workshops, networking opportunities, coaching, and sales support. 
5. Enhance Community Impact – $5,000 to small businesses to enhance their impact in communities and promote growth and development.
6. Opportunity to Participate in Competition – The competition is intended for technology companies that are founded by and/or mainly benefit women.
7. Women Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs of Color to Participate – The program includes pitching and networking opportunities with industry investors and experts. Additionally, there are perks and deals from well-known vendors.
8. Black-Founded Startups – This opportunity is intended for companies founded by Black entrepreneurs.
9. Business Development Program – The opportunity is intended to provide participants with mentorship, networking, and a cash investment. 
10. Business and Organizational Development – Funding supports the improvement, expansion, and strengthening of organizations and businesses that impact families, girls, and women.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, we hope you will have the opportunity to let South Carolina ‘win you over’ with its unique combination of sophistication and charm!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.