For Immediate Release
October 12, 2020
Media Contact: Megan Moore, megan.moore@admin.sc.gov, 803-737-2164
Columbia, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Administration (Admin) announces two new SC CARES Act grant programs - the Minority and Small Business Relief Grant Program and the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program. These programs will award grant funds to small and minority businesses and nonprofit organizations to reimburse qualifying expenditures for providing services or for revenue loss due to COVID-19. Admin, working with Guidehouse, a professional grant management services provider, has been authorized to provide these grants from the Coronavirus Relief Fund pursuant to Act 154 of 2020.
Grant awards for the Minority and Small Business Grant Program will range from $2,500 to $25,000. To qualify for a grant from the Minority and Small Business Grant Program, a business must employ 25 or fewer employees, be physically located in South Carolina, be in operation from Oct. 13, 2019, to present, and have experienced a business impact due to COVID-19. To view more information on the Minority and Small Business Relief Grant Program, visit: https://accelerate.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/SmallandMinorityBusinessGrantProgramOverview.pdf.
Grant awards for the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program will range from $2,500 to $50,000. To qualify for the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program, an organization must be designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the IRS and registered as a public charity in S.C., be physically located in South Carolina, be in operation from Oct. 13, 2019, to present, and have experienced a business impact due to COVID-19. To view more information on the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program, visit: https://accelerate.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/NonprofitGrantProgramOverview.pdf.
The online application process for both programs begins on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Applications must be received no later than Nov. 1, 2020. To access the online application, visit: https://accelerate.sc.gov/cares-act/applying-sc-cares-act-funds.
During the application process, if a business or nonprofit organization needs assistance or has questions, please contact the SC CARES Call Center (803) 670-5170 or SCCares@admin.sc.gov. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Oct. 13.
The South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement Board of Commissioners October meeting has been rescheduled for December 10, 2026. The meeting was originally scheduled for October 16th and has been moved to the board's next regularly scheduled meeting date.
The Board of Commissioners meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the Commission’s Board Room located at 246 Stoneridge Dr., Ste. 250, Columbia, SC 29210.
The South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement will hold a Native American Indian Advisory Committee meeting and a Board of Commissioners meeting in October.
The Native American Indian Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, via Zoom. The meeting will be held to discuss the election of nominees for the State Recognition Committee.
The Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Commission’s Board Room located at 246 Stoneridge Dr., Ste. 250, Columbia, SC 29210.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Governor Henry McMaster recognized Dacosta during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the South Carolina State House.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), will receive the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the office of Governor Henry McMaster (South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1971, it recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions with statewide or national impact.