City of Charleston Community Assistance and State Accommodations Tax Grant Programs Workshop

The City of Charleston held a workshop on June 12, 2026, to provide guidance on its Community Assistance and State Accommodations Tax Grant Programs for the 2027 fiscal year. The meeting focused on eligibility criteria, application processes, documentation requirements, and scoring methodologies for nonprofit organizations seeking funding. The Community Assistance Program awards grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofits providing public-benefit services that complement city efforts, funded through the city's general fund. The State Accommodations Tax Grant Program supports nonprofits hosting events that attract tourists, funded by a 2% state lodging tax remitted to the city, with awards varying widely based on available revenue. The workshop emphasized compliance with documentation and reporting, the importance of realistic and well-supported applications, and the timeline for application submission, review, award notifications, and contract execution. Questions from attendees addressed topics such as eligibility of fiscally sponsored projects, advertising metrics for tourism impact, and the handling of partial awards. The city also highlighted the audit process and the consequences of non-compliance, including potential repayment and future funding denial. Overall, the meeting provided detailed procurement-related information to assist nonprofits in successfully applying for and managing city grant funds.