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.

Please find attached the press release and program overview, released October 12, 2020, regarding the Minority & Small Business Relief Grant Program.  In addition, the SC CARES website has been updated with information on the program.   

For tips of “What you need to know before you apply” click here.

For more information, you may reach out to the SC CARES Call Center Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ 803-670-5170 or sccares@admin.sc.gov.

  If you are facing eviction or cannot pay your rent due to COVID setbacks, there are services available for you.  The South Carolina Legal Services’ attorneys have provided information to help during these tough times. You may give them a call to discuss your options or simply go online and apply.

Under the CARES Act, you can qualify for rental assistance from a number of organizations across the state.  Click here to view a list of groups that can help.

In Darlington County, the Eastern Carolina Housing Organization offers assistance.  You may contact them at 843-213-1798 or visit www.echousing.org/get-help.

In Florence County, Lighthouse Ministries is a helpful resource.  You may reach them at 843-629-0830 or by visiting their website www.lighthouseflorence.org.