Local governments in rural areas of South Carolina can compete for grant funds to help bring transformative projects to life. The Rural Development Initiative annual competitive grant program, administered by S.C. Commerce, will open soon. Eligible county and municipal governments are invited to submit implementation-ready projects as part of a competitive application process designed to strengthen the state’s rural communities through strategic public investment. Applications will be accepted Sept. 1-Oct. 30, and awards will be announced in January 2027. The Rural Development team at S.C. Commerce works directly with local government officials and key stakeholders throughout the state on planning, funding and other initiatives to fulfill the agency’s mission to increase opportunities for all South Carolinians. S.C. Commerce is currently wrapping up the first phase of its Rural Development Strategic Planning Initiative, coordinating with 24 Tier III and Tier IV county seats to provide funding, craft strategic plans and implement projects. The first of those projects is nearing completion, with partners working to transform a vacant Main Street alleyway in Bishopville into a pocket park with seating, fresh landscaping and a mural as part of a greater plan to connect downtown. Conway, Marion, McCormick and Walterboro are among the communities that have also completed plans and are moving toward implementation. For information and a program timeline, visit S.C. Commerce's Rural Development webpage. Those with questions may contact Rural Program Manager Gilleon Frieson at gfrieson@sccommerce.com. |
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here