Sources of Federal and Private Funding

Sources of Federal and Private Funding for

Community Relations Projects
A Project created by the Community Relations Division of the South Carolina Human
Affairs Commission

Darris M. Thomas, Intern for the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission 1026 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201
T: 1-800-521-0725 DD: (803) 737-7800 E: saundra@schac.sc.gov

INTRODUCTION
The Mission of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission is to eliminate and prevent
unlawful discrimination in: employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age
and disability; housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and
disability; and public accommodations on the basis of race, color, national origin and religion. The
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission has five divisions: the Legal Division, the Compliance
Division, the Administrative Division, the Technical Services Division, and the Community Relations
Division. Community Relations serves as a resource for South Carolinians to seek solutions to problems
encountered due to social or institutionalized practices that have a divisive impact. The division
investigates complaints rising from alleged violations of the Equal Enjoyment and Privileges to Public
Accommodations Act and any other allegations of discrimination occurring in sectors other than
employment or housing. The Community Relations department was created to encourage local
resolution of local problems and to foster better community relations throughout the State. This division
uses conference, conciliation and persuasion to bring together cross-sections of people to resolve
disputes involving discrimination in police relations, unit education, business practices and other nonemployment issues. The department is responsible for eight program areas: (1) establishing and
consulting with local Community Relations Councils; (2) processing of non-employment complaints; (3)
coordination of activities with the U. S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights; (4) South
Carolina Emergency Preparedness programs; (5) technical assistance and referrals; and, (6) enforcement
of the South Carolina Human Affairs Law, and the Equal Enjoyment and Privileges to Public
Accommodations Act. Since its inception, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission has worked
to link state government to community groups by assisting in the establishment and continuance of local

Community Relations Councils. The Community Relations unit will send members of its staff to any
Community Relations Council meeting upon request. If a community has an existing council or
committee, the division offers its support and resources. The divisions staff also advises councils on
identifying problems, setting priorities in program planning and development, and planning funding
processes for community projects. Community Relations unit is comprised of the following subunits:
Public Accommodations Investigations and 1-13-90(e) Non Employment Investigations. (S.C. Human
Affairs Commission, Community Relations, 2014)
As an intern for the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, I learn about the prevention and
awareness of the mistreatment and discrimination of individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, sex,
age, national origin, or disability in the areas of labor and employment, housing, and public
accommodations. I also learn about the various laws such as the South Carolina Human Affairs Law, the
South Carolina Fair Housing Law and the South Carolina Equal Enjoyment and Privileges to Public
Accommodations Law, and how the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission enforces these laws to
eliminate discrimination in each of the forty-six counties of South Carolina. I also learn about how the
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission evaluates the performance of state entities based on their
employment of available workers separated by gender and race. Specifically, as an intern in the
Community Relations Division of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, I am able to use my
research and writing skills to assist in connecting state government to community groups by assisting in
the establishment and continuance of local Community Relations Councils, and assist the divisions staff
on advising councils on identifying problems, setting priorities in program planning and development,

and planning funding processes for community projects. (S.C. Human Affairs Commission,
Community Relations, 2014)
This report is one of the projects that I am working on as an intern with the Community
Relations Division of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. It contains information about
sources of funding for the creation of community projects within the state of South Carolina. This
project, to a more specific extent, has Saluda County, South Carolina, as its primary aim. The county
councilmen and the residents of Saluda County, South Carolina want to transform an old funeral home
known as Cumbee Place into a community center for residents of the area. This report also includes
links to various agencies at the federal and state levels as well as non-profit organizations to assist in the
creation and implementation of partnership agreements that will connect state government to community
groups and councils to assist in the improvement of their communities.

FEDERAL LOANS AND GRANTS (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

1. Community Facilities Loans and Grants: Community Facilities Programs provide loans, grant
and loan guarantees for essential community facilities in rural areas. Priority is given to health
care, education and public safety projects. Typical projects are hospitals, health clinics, schools,
fire houses, community centers and many other community based initiatives.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)
a. Community Facilities Direct and Guaranteed Loans:
i. Who May Apply: Community Programs can make and guarantee loans to
develop essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in
population. Loans and guarantees are available to public entities such as
municipalities, counties, and special-purpose districts, as well as to non-profit
corporations and tribal governments. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADCF_Loans.html)
1. Community Programs can guarantee loans made and serviced by lenders
such as banks, savings and loans, mortgage companies which are part of
bank holding companies, banks of the Farm Credit System, or insurance
companies regulated by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners. Community Programs may guarantee up to 90% of any
loss of interest or principal on the loan. Community Programs can also
make direct loans to applicants who are unable to obtain commercial
credit. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)

2. Applicants must have the legal authority to borrow and repay loans, to
pledge security for loans, and to construct, operate, and maintain the
facilities. They must also be financially sound and able to organize and
manage the facility effectively. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADCF_Loans.html)
ii. Fund Uses: Loan funds may be used to construct, enlarge, or improve community
facilities for health care, public safety, and public services. This can include costs
to acquire land needed for a facility, pay necessary professional fees, and
purchase equipment required for its operation.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)
iii. Rates and Terms:
1. For the direct loan program there are three levels of interest rates
available (poverty, intermediate, and market) each on a fixed basis. The
poverty rate is set at 4.5%. The market rate is indexed to the eleventh bond
buyers rate as determined by the U. S. Treasury Department. The
intermediate rate is set halfway between the market and the poverty rates.
Eligibility for these different interest rates is determined by the median
household income (MHI) of the area being served and the type of project.
The intermediate and market interest rates are adjusted quarterly. Contact
your Rural Development State Office to determine the eligible interest rate
for your area. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)

2. For the guaranteed loan program, the interest rate is the lenders
customary interest rate for similar projects. The interest rates for
guaranteed loans may be fixed or variable and are determined by the
lender and borrower, subject to HCFP review and approval.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)
iv. Security Requirements: Bonds or notes pledging taxes, assessments, or revenues
will be accepted as security if they meet statutory requirements. Where State laws
permit, a mortgage may be taken on real and personal property. Tax-exempt notes
or bonds may be issued to secure direct loans, but cannot be used for guaranteed
loans. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)
v. Application Processing: Applications are handled by USDA Rural Development
field offices. Rural Development staff will be glad to discuss a community's needs
and the services available from HCFP and other agencies within USDA. Field
staff can provide application materials and current program information, and
assist in the preparation of an application. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADCF_Loans.html)
1. The CF application process is a two-stage procedure (pre-application and
application). Approximately 45 days is required to determine applicant
eligibility, project priority status, and funding availability. After an
application is submitted, time to process the application depends upon the
scope of the project, environmental review, and legal issues.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html)

2. The address for the local office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
near Saluda County, South Carolina is:
RD AREA OFFICE: AIKEN SERVICE CENTER, 1555 RICHLAND
AVE E, AIKEN, SC, 29801-6731
(803) 649-4221
(855) 551-0105 Fax
Patti Walker
Area Specialist
(803) 649-4221 ext. 105
(855) 551-0105 fax
patti.walker@sc.usda.gov
b. Community Facility Grants: Community Programs provides grants to assist in the
development of essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in
population. Grants are authorized on a graduated scale. Applicants located in small
communities with low populations and low incomes will receive a higher percentage of
grants. Grants are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, and
special-purpose districts, as well as non-profit corporations and tribal governments. In
addition, applicants must have the legal authority necessary for construction, operation,
and maintenance of the proposed facility and also be unable to obtain needed funds from
commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADCF_Grants.html)

i. Fund Uses: Grant funds may be used to assist in the development of essential
community facilities. Grant funds can be used to construct, enlarge, or improve
community facilities for health care, public safety, and community and public
services. This can include the purchase of equipment required for a facility's
operation. A grant may be made in combination with other CF financial assistance
such as a direct or guaranteed loan, applicant contributions, or loans and grants
from other sources. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html) The
Community Facilities Grant Program is typically used to fund projects under
special initiatives, such as Native American community development efforts;
child care centers linked with the Federal government's Welfare-to-Work
initiative; Federally-designated Enterprise and Champion Communities, and the
Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative area.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)
ii. Maximum Grant: The amount of grant assistance for project costs depends
upon the median household income and the population in the community where
the project is located and the availability of grant funds. In most instances,
projects which receive grant assistance have a high priority and are highly
leveraged with other loan and grant awards. Grant assistance may be available for
up to 75% of project costs. Grant funding limitations are based on population and
income, economic feasibility, and availability of funds.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)

1. Projects will be selected based on a priority point system. Projects

that will receive priority are those that:
a. Serve small communities - with the highest priority going to
projects located in a community with a population of 5,000 or less.
b. Serve low-income communities with the highest priority going to
projects serving communities with median household incomes
below the higher of the poverty line or 60% of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)
c. Provide healthcare, public safety, or public and community
services. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)
iii. Limitations: Grant funds cannot be used to do any or all of the following:
1. Pay any annual recurring costs, including purchases or rentals that are
generally considered to be operating and maintenance expenses.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)
2. Construct or repair electric generating plants, electric transmission lines,
or gas distribution lines to provide services for commercial sale.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)
3. Pay costs to construct facilities to be used for commercial rental where the
applicant has no control over tenants and services offered.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)

4. Construct facilities primarily for the purpose of housing State, Federal or

quasi-Federal agencies. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADCF_Grants.html)
5. Finance recreational facilities or community antenna television services or
facilities. (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Grants.html)
iv. For more information about this program, or to file an application, contact
the local Rural Development office in your area.
c. Rural Community Development Initiative Grants:
i. Objective: To develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit communitybased housing and community development organizations, and low income rural
communities to improve housing, community facilities, community and economic
development projects in rural areas.
ii. Uses and Restrictions: Rural Community Development Initiative grants may be
used for but are not limited to:
1. training sub-grantees to conduct a program on home-ownership education
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html);
2. training sub- grantees to conduct a program for minority business
entrepreneurs (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html);
3. providing technical assistance to sub-grantees on how to effectively
prepare a strategic plan (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADRCDI_Grants.html) ;

4. provide technical assistance to sub-grantees on how to access alternative

funding sources (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html) ;
5. building organizational capacity through board training
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html) ;
6. developing training tools, such as videos, workbooks, and reference guides
to be used by the sub-grantee http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADRCDI_Grants.html);
7. providing technical assistance and training on how to develop successful
child care facilities (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HADRCDI_Grants.html) ; and
8. Providing training on effective fundraising techniques.
(http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html)
iii. Forms for Application: Application package can be downloaded from
www.Grants.gov .

FEDERAL LOANS AND GRANTS (U.S. Small Business Administration)

Grants from the federal government are only available to non-commercial organizations, such as nonprofits and educational institutions in areas such as, medicine, education, scientific research and
technology development. The federal government also provides grants to state and local governments to
assist them with economic development. (http://www.sba.gov/content/grants-0)
Some business grants are available through state and local programs, non-profit organizations and other
groups. For example, some states provide grants for expanding child care centers; creating energy
efficient technology; and developing marketing campaigns for tourism. These grants are not necessarily
free money, and usually require the recipient to match funds or combine the grant with other forms of
financing such as a loan. The amount of the grant money available varies with each business and each
grantor. (http://www.sba.gov/content/grants-0)
If you are not one of these specialized businesses, both federal and state government agencies provide
financial assistance programs that helps small business owners obtain low-interest loans and venture
capital financing from commercial lenders. (http://www.sba.gov/content/grants-0)
Low-Interest Loan Programs Offered by the U. S. Small Business Administration
If youre planning to start a business or expand an existing business, you might need financing help.
SBA participates in a number of loan programs designed for business owners who may have trouble
qualifying for a traditional bank loan. (http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-loans)
To start the process, you should visit a local bank or lending institution that participates in SBA
programs. SBA loan applications are structured to meet SBA requirements, so that the loan is eligible

for an SBA guarantee. This guarantee represents the portion of the loan that SBA will repay to the
lender if you default on your loan payments. (http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-loans)
1. Microloan Program: The Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small
businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average
microloan is about $13,000. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides funds to
specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based
organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance.
These intermediaries administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers.
(http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-loans)
a. Eligibility Requirements
i. Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements.
Generally, intermediaries require some type of collateral as well as the
personal guarantee of the business owner. (http://www.sba.gov/content/sbaloans)
b. Use of Microloan Proceeds
i.

Working capital

ii.

Inventory or supplies

iii.

Furniture or fixtures

iv.

Machinery or equipment

c. Application Process

i. Microloans are available through certain nonprofit, community-based

organizations that are experienced in lending and business management
assistance. If you apply for SBA microloan financing, you may be required to
fulfill training or planning requirements before your loan application is
considered. This business training is designed to help you launch or expand
your business. (http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-loans)
d. Find a Microloan Provider
i. To apply for a Microloan, you must work with an SBA approved intermediary
in your area. Approved intermediaries make all credit decisions on SBA
microloans. For more information, you can contact your local SBA District
Office or view the list of Participating Microloan Intermediary Lenders.
(http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-loans)
ii. LIST OF PARTICIPATING MICROLOAN INTERMEDIARY
LENDERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
1. Appalachian Development Corporation
3531 Pelham Road, Suite 100
Greenville, S.C., 29615
Executive Director: Brad Schneider
Phone: 864-382-2351
Email: scheider@appalachiandevelopmentcorp.com
URL: www.appalachiandevelopmentcorp.com

Service Area: Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens,

Spartanburg
2. Charleston Citywide Local Development
75 Calhoun Street, 3rd Floor
Charleston, S.C., 29401
Executive Director: Sharon Brennan
Microlending: Cindi Rourk
Phone: 843-965-4089
Fax: 843-724-7353
Email: cindi@charlestonldc.com
URL: www.charlestonldc.com
Service Area: Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton, Berkeley
3. CommunityWorks
107 W. Antrim Dr.
Greenville, S.C., 29607
Microlending: Deborah McKetty
Phone: 864-235-6331
Email: dmcketty@cwcarolina.org
Service Area: Greenville, York, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester,
Edgefield, Greenwood, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee,
Pickens, Spartanburg, Union, Abbeville
4. Small Business Assistance Corporation

111 E. Liberty Street, Suite 100

Savannah, G.A., 31401
Executive Director: Tony OReilly
Microlending: Debra Simmons
Microlending: Tony OReilly
Phone: 912-232-4700
Fax: 912-232-0385
Email: Dsimmons@sbacsav.com
Service Area: Jasper, Hampton, Beaufort
See AlsoGeorgia
iii. The address and location for the South Carolina District office of the U.S.
Small Business Administration is:
1. Address: 1835 Assembly Street Suite 1425, Columbia, S.C., 29201
2. Phone: 803-765-5377
3. Fax: 803-765-5962
4. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30
P.M.
5. District Director: Elliot OCooper

PRIVATE LOANS AND GRANTS (SOUTH CAROLINA)

1. Nonprofit Training Resource Fund: Grants to organizations for employees to attend approved
classes and courses that will enhance their job performance.
a. Geographic coverage: Available in 16 states (Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington-D.C.)
b. Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
c. Sponsor: TD Charitable Foundation (T.D. Bank)
d. Grant program: $200,000 in grants shall be awarded in 2014
e. Individual grant amounts: Organizations shall be eligible to receive no more than
$1,000 per calendar year. Grant amounts are to cover tuition only.
f. Eligible organizations:
i. Must be tax-exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3) and not be classified as a private
foundation
ii. Must have a mission/focus that promotes one of the following:
1. Affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals
2. Increased economic (small business) development
3. Financial literacy for low- and moderate-income youth, individuals or
families
4. After-school or extracurricular programming for low- and moderateincome children.

iii. Must be located within a TD Bank, N.A. market area.

iv. Must comply with the TD Charitable Foundation's anti-discrimination policy
g. More information can be found at:
http://www.tdbank.com/community/training_resource_fund_guidelines.html?&state=SC
&city=
2. Sponsor: Fund for Southern Communities
a. Deadlines: Sep 6, 2013
b. Contact:
i. Phone: 707.371.8404
ii. Email: grants@fundforsouth.org
c. Purpose: The Fund for Southern Communities Grants supports organizations that
promote social and community justice and work for inclusion of all people. Priority
funding areas include:
i. Fighting discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, economic status, sexual
orientation, ethnic background, or physical and mental disabilities
ii. Struggling for the rights of workers
iii. Promoting self-determination in low-income and disenfranchised communities
iv. Protecting the environment
v. Promoting and/or creating non-traditional arts and media
vi. Promoting peace

d. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are
eligible. Priority is given to applicants that are unlikely to be funded by more traditional
funding sources, including those whose geographic location limits funding opportunities.
e. Geographic Coverage: Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
f. Amount of Funding: Award Ceiling is $5,000. Award Floor is $1,000.
g. Address: The Fund for Southern Communities, 4153 - C Flat Shoals Parkway, Suite 316,
Decatur, GA 30034.
h. Website: http://www.fundforsouth.org/fsc/
3. Sustainable Community Innovation Grant (SCIG) Program: Funds projects that promote
both sustainable agriculture and community development strategies in the south.
a. Geographic coverage: Available in 13 southern states. (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
b. Application Deadline: Oct 1, 2012
c. Sponsor: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, Room 203 Stuckey
Building, 1109 Experiment St., Griffin, GA 30223-1797. FAX: (770) 412-4789
d. Website: http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant

REFERENCES
Human Affairs Commission. (Community Relations Division).
http://www.schac.sc.gov/aboutus/Pages/CommunityRelationsDivision.aspx
Human Affairs Commission. (Home). http://www.schac.sc.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Federal Grant Opportunities. (2014). Retrieved October 9, 2014 from:
http://reconnectingamerica.org/resource-center/federal-grant-opportunities/
The United States Small Business Administration. (2014). Retrieved October 13, 2014 from:
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants
The United States Department of Agriculture. (2014). Retrieved October 13, 2014 from:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=GRANTS_LOANS