Emerging Destination Marketing Grant Program

The Emerging Destination Marketing Grant Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) to support the advancement of tourism in emerging but already well-developed destinations within the state. The program is specifically designed to provide financial assistance that can be leveraged with private sector funding to expand tourism marketing efforts and generate new visitation. By focusing on out-of-state promotional activities, the program seeks to increase tourism-driven economic activity and strengthen South Carolina’s overall destination competitiveness. This grant offers funding awards ranging from 100000 to 200000 dollars and operates on a reimbursement basis. Awardees must first incur eligible expenses and then request reimbursement from SCPRT. A mandatory cash match requirement of 2 to 1 applies, meaning that for every dollar of state funding requested, applicants must provide two dollars in private funds. These matching funds must be verifiable, liquid, and specifically designated for the project at the time of application. In-kind contributions are explicitly prohibited, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on direct financial investment and measurable economic impact. Eligible uses of grant funds are strictly limited to out-of-state tourism marketing and advertising activities. These include paid media placements across digital, print, radio, television, and out-of-home channels, as well as search engine marketing and certain public relations expenses such as media familiarization tours. Conversely, the program excludes a wide range of costs including advertising design and production, website development, in-state marketing, administrative overhead, salaries, and research activities. These restrictions ensure that funds are directed toward measurable audience reach and visitation outcomes rather than internal organizational expenses. To qualify, applicants must be federally recognized nonprofit organizations under section 501(c) that are specifically responsible for marketing tourism for a defined city or unincorporated county area within South Carolina. Additionally, the destination must have generated more than 700000 dollars annually in State Accommodations Tax revenue in the previous fiscal year. Applicants are also required to demonstrate financial capacity to meet the match requirement through documentation such as bank statements, audited financial reports, and formal certification from organizational leadership confirming the availability and designation of matching funds. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive packet that includes a signed cover letter, proof of nonprofit status, federal identification documentation, a detailed marketing plan, a budget with funding sources, and a media flow chart. Applications are reviewed by a committee appointed by SCPRT, which evaluates proposals based on their alignment with program objectives and the appropriateness of proposed expenditures. SCPRT retains discretion to adjust funding levels or disallow certain budget items. Applicants are notified of award decisions within approximately 60 working days following the application deadline. For the fiscal year 2026–2027 grant cycle, the application deadline is June 5, 2026. All funded activities must occur within the state fiscal year, running from July 1 through June 30, and reimbursement requests must be submitted by June 15 of the applicable fiscal year. The program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities expected each fiscal year. Grant recipients are required to adhere to strict reporting, documentation, and branding requirements, including use of the SCPRT logo and submission of proof of performance for all funded activities. Projects are subject to audit, and recipients must retain records for a minimum of three years following project completion.

Ensure strong documentation of private match funds and a detailed out-of-state marketing strategy aligned with eligible expenses; avoid including ineligible costs such as production or overhead