The Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC) provides natural resource grants to protect or improve water quality and natural areas; build or enhance trails and develop plans for greenways; plan and implement green infrastructure practices; and develop and implement environmental education programs. Grants are available up to $20,000.
Eligible Applicants
The following applicants are eligible for RCCC’s Natural Resources grants:
- Community and neighborhood organizations
- Governmental agencies
- Educational institutions
- Non-profit organizations
- Commercial entities
Applicant organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year to be eligible.
Grant Process and Timeline
Timeline Snapshot
- December 1, 2025: Application portal opens
- February 1, 2026: Application portal closes
- February 2026: Applicants present to the Conservation Committee
- July 2026: Grants are awarded
Process
Applications open on December 1, 2025. The deadline for receipt of applications is February 1, 2026. Applications must be received by the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. The Conservation Committee will review and rate each application based on the evaluation measures described below.
Short presentations will be scheduled for February. Committee recommendations are presented to the Richland County Conservation Commission for approval and then submitted to Richland County Council for final approval in the County budget.
Recipients will be notified of grant awards in July. Project activities may not begin until grant agreements have been signed in July.
Criteria
Eligible Activities or Expenses
- Build or enhance trails
- Design greenway segments
- Develop and implement environmental education programs
- Protect or improve water quality
- Plan and implement green infrastructure practices
- Restore and protect natural resource corridors
Ineligible Activities or Expenses
- Recreational equipment
- Routine maintenance
- Debris removal
- Storm water practices required by state or local laws
- Projects on private property with no public access
- Overhead or indirect costs
- Food, travel, or event expenses
For historic buildings, applicant and contractors must adhere to RCCC Historic Preservation Standards and Guidelines.
Budget
Natural Resource Grants are an 80% / 20% matching program. Applicants must demonstrate a 20% match for funds received. In-kind services may count toward matching funds; however, rate of pay (i.e. $/hour) must be specified and reasonable for any in-kind personnel costs. Costs incurred will be reimbursed through invoice to RCCC as work is completed and approved. Reimbursements will not be allowed for work completed prior to the signed grant agreement.
The budget should reflect the actual costs of achieving the objectives of the project proposed in the application narrative. Be specific about expenditures. Budget items should be based on three (3) or more quotes.
Application Evaluation
Complete, on-time applications will be rated according to the following criteria.
- Project as Catalyst: How will this project create more preservation and/or economic development activity in the community?
- Public Benefit: How will the public benefit from the project? Will there be public access or usage?
- Budget: Detail and reasonableness of budget; proof of match; amount (%) of in-kind vs. cash match; other funding organizations.
- Educational Component: How does the project increase public awareness and involvement in historic preservation?
- Qualifications of Personnel: What are the relevant experiences, knowledge, and skills of the people involved in the tasks cited that ensure the tasks can be completed?
- Partnerships: What other entities are involved with and support this project?
- Quality of Proposal: Organization, feasibility of project activities, and timeline for implementing and conducting major activities.
- Grant History: If applicable, explain previous RCCC grant performance.
- Ongoing Effort: How will the practices/programs be sustained?
Reporting Requirements and Project Deadline
Quarterly reports are due in October, January, and April. A final report is due upon completion of the project. The deadline for completion of projects is June 15, 2027. No extensions beyond June 30, 2027 will be granted.
Acknowledgement
Property projects – structures, trails, or water quality projects – must have a visible sign acknowledging RCCC funding. Educational projects must acknowledge RCCC funding on written materials, websites, videos, etc.
Freedom of Information Act Notice
Please be advised that all materials submitted for RCCC grant funding are subject to disclosure consistent with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Applicants who are not a governmental agency, church, or commercial entity must submit a current Secretary of State Charitable Organization Registration letter. Call the Secretary of State’s Public Charities Division at 803-734-1790 to determine eligibility. This is NOT the IRS 501(c)(3) letter NOR the Secretary of State Certificate of Incorporation.
Application Submission
RCCC grant applications must be submitted online using Zoom Grants. The application is available at RCCC - Historic & Natural Resources Grants. Photos must be sent electronically in .jpg format and can be used by RCCC. Late, incomplete, paper, or faxed applications will not be accepted. Materials and photos will not be returned.
Additional Resources
For assistance in completing an application, please refer to the RCCC Grant Applicant Training Handout(PDF, 222KB) and the Applicant Training Slideshow.
Questions
For technical questions, check Zoom Grants University. Contact Technical Support at 866-323-5404 extension 2 or email questions@zoomgrants.com.
For all other questions, contact John McKenzie at mckenzie.john@richlandcountysc.gov or 803-576-2082.