Richland County accepting applications for several grant programs

Beginning Jan. 1, the funding cycle will open for Richland County Accommodations Tax, Hospitality Tax and Discretionary Grant programs.

This year marks the first that applications for these three types of grants will be accepted electronically only, using the online application management system ZoomGrants. A direct link to ZoomGrants will be available on the Richland County Grants website starting Jan. 1. Users should click the link to create a profile and begin the grant application.

ZoomGrants replaces the traditional paper application process.

“ZoomGrants is a very user-friendly program that will make applying for these three grants easier for everyone,” said Richland County Grants Manager Natashia Dozier.

Applicants who don’t have access to a computer can make arrangements to use one at the County Administration Building by contacting Dozier at [email protected] or 803-576-2069.

Nonprofit organizations with activities in Richland County may access guidelines to apply for Accommodations Tax, Hospitality Tax and Discretionary grants by clicking here or visiting www.richlandonline.com/Government/Departments/Grants.aspx.

This grant cycle is for projects and programs that occur between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. For each program, Richland County offers a grant workshop where attendees will learn the funding priorities and application requirements. These grant workshops are not mandatory but are recommended as they may cover program changes from previous years.

• Accommodations Tax Grants provide financial support to fund tourism and tourism-related projects that occur in Richland County.  These events should promote overnight accommodations in unincorporated areas of Richland County. Applications are due before 5 p.m. Thursday, March 2.  A grant workshop will be held 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 in Council Chambers.

• Hospitality Tax Grants provide financial support to organizations and projects whose primary mission is to attract tourists by promoting dining in unincorporated areas of Richland County. Please read all guidelines carefully as this program and grant criteria have changed.  Applications are due before 5 p.m. Thursday, March 2. A grant workshop will be held 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 in Council Chambers.

• Discretionary Grants provide financial support to nonprofit or charitable organizations within Richland County for programs and projects for underserved citizens.  Applications are due before 5 p.m. Thursday, March 2. Please read all guidelines carefully.  If your organization received a Discretionary Grant in FY15 (July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017), you are not eligible to apply for funding for FY17. Discretionary Grant recipients must wait one fiscal year before applying for new funding. A grant workshop will be held 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 in Council Chambers.

Residents should note that the grant cycle is already open for Historic Preservation Grants and Community Conservation Grants with the deadline to apply 5 p.m. Feb. 27. For more information about those grants, click here, email [email protected] or call 803-576-2083.