Undiscovered SC Grant

The Undiscovered SC Grant is administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT), specifically through its Office of Recreation, Grants and Policy. This program is designed to support the development and enhancement of publicly owned tourism attractions across South Carolina. It targets communities that possess valuable but underutilized tourism assets, particularly those lacking sufficient financial resources to fully realize their potential as travel destinations. The program reflects SCPRT’s broader mission to increase visitation, tourism spending, and economic development through strategic investment in tourism infrastructure. The primary objective of the Undiscovered SC Grant is to assist counties and municipalities in creating, expanding, or improving tourism products that attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius. Eligible projects include the development of new tourism attractions, expansion of existing facilities, and rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of structures with cultural, historical, or recreational significance. However, projects that primarily serve local residents, such as neighborhood parks or community centers, are not competitive. Additionally, several activities are explicitly ineligible, including land acquisition, landscaping, operational expenses, and development of private or for-profit ventures. Funding is provided as a reimbursement grant, meaning recipients must initially finance 100 percent of project costs and then seek reimbursement for eligible expenses. Awards typically range from 50,000 to 200,000 dollars, with reimbursement covering up to 50 percent of project costs, subject to a maximum cap. A strict 1:1 cash match is required, and in-kind contributions or other state appropriations cannot be used toward this match. The total project cost must be at least 100,000 dollars. Projects must be completed and open to the public within 24 months, and all supported facilities must remain publicly accessible for a minimum of 20 years following completion. Eligibility is limited to county and municipal governments within South Carolina that have accommodations tax distributions of 1,250,000 dollars or less, based on the most recent state data. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, provide a comprehensive project development plan, and confirm ownership of the project site in fee simple title. Additional requirements include proof of matching funds, letters of commitment, and documentation supporting long-term maintenance and operations. Entities with unresolved issues from previous SCPRT grants or currently active Undiscovered SC grants are not eligible to apply. The application process involves multiple stages. Applicants must first submit a pre-application, also known as a Letter of Intent, through the Webgrants online system. Only those deemed eligible at this stage are invited to submit a full application. The full application must include detailed project narratives, budgets, supporting documentation, and required attachments such as engineering reports or maps. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including project need, scope of work, strategic impact, readiness, and alignment with tourism development goals. A minimum score threshold must be met for funding consideration. For the 2026 cycle, the program opened on May 20, 2026. Pre-applications are due by June 26, 2026, followed by the release of full applications on June 29, 2026, and a final application deadline of August 21, 2026. Applications are reviewed through September, with award notifications expected in October 2026. Grant agreements must be signed shortly thereafter, and projects must begin within six months of award and conclude within two years. The program operates on an annual cycle, providing recurring opportunities for eligible applicants. SCPRT provides direct support throughout the application process, encouraging potential applicants to consult with program staff prior to submission. The primary contact is Debbie Jordan, Grants Coordinator, who can be reached via email or phone for guidance on eligibility, project scope, and application preparation. This proactive engagement is intended to improve application quality and ensure alignment with program priorities, ultimately increasing the likelihood of funding success.

Prioritize project readiness and completed planning documents; demonstrate ability to attract visitors beyond 50 miles; ensure matching funds are secured and documented; align project with tourism development goals