Charleston County to host mandatory forums for nonprofits seeking community investment, accommodations tax funding

With applications opening soon, Charleston County will host two public information forums for nonprofit, 501(c) organizations interested in applying for funding through the County Contributions Program, which includes Community Investment, Local Accommodations Tax, and State Accommodations Tax funding.

Attending one of these two forums is mandatory to apply for funding.

The sessions will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, April 15 in County Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building at 4045 Bridge View Drive in North Charleston.

The events will provide an opportunity for potential applicants to gain a broader understanding of each program and to learn more about application requirements, timing, contracts, and other necessary conditions.

Community Investment Funding

• $250,000 is available to non-profit 501(c) organizations that provide community-based programs in Charleston County. (Maximum award of $10,000).
• All applications will be reviewed and ranked by county staff according to criteria established by County Council.

Local Accommodations Tax

• $400,000 is available to non-profit, 501(c) organizations that increase tourism in the Charleston County area through advertising and promotion. (Estimated maximum award of $40,000).
• All applications will be reviewed by Explore Charleston and the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, which work to determine Charleston’s tourism impact via review of economic, media, marketing, and community metrics.

State Accommodations Tax

• $525,000 is available to non-profit, 501(c) organizations that own or entirely maintain tourism-related facilities in Charleston County. Eligible projects include renovations, maintenance, and operation of said facilities.
• All applications will be reviewed and ranked by the State Accommodations Tax Committee according to criteria approved by County Council.

Overall funding and allocation amounts are subject to approval by County Council.

For more information, please email [email protected].