Grants

One of the core services which Catawba Regional COG provides to its local governments is in the area of state and federal grants.  The COG assists by providing notices of grant availability, helping local governments prepare applications, and providing administrative assistance in the implementation of grant projects.  Most grant programs operate on yearly cycles.  This section provides an overview of a number of grant programs which are used commonly by local governments.  For specific projects, the COG will assist in researching additional sources of funding which might be available.

Listed below are a number of grant programs which may be available to local governments in the region.

  • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are available for housing, neighborhood improvements, and economic development projects.  Projects must benefit low and moderate income persons.  Local match for most projects is 10 percent.  Contact:  Grazier Rhea or Jason Vance.
  • Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) are available for creating and implementing projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions.  Cost sharing is not required, but leveraging of funds is encouraged to maximize the Return on Investment (ROI).  Contact: Wendy Bell.
  • Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants are available for major projects which will help create or retain jobs.  Local match in most cases is 40 percent.  Contact: Mike Vead.
  • Highway Safety/Public Safety grants from SC DOT.  Local match is 25 percent and up.  Contact:  Mike Vead.
  • Recreation grants from SC Parks Recreation & Tourism include Land and Water Conservation (LWCF), Recreation Lands Trust Fund (RELT), PARD grants, and National Trails grants.  Local match is 50 percent (20 percent for trails grants).  Contact:  Robby Moody.
  • Historic Preservation grants are available from the SC Department of Archives and History.  They include Survey and Planning Grants for historic preservation planning and Development Grants for building restoration.  Match is 50 percent.  Contact:  Robert Moody.
  • Urban Community Forestry grants are available from the SC Forestry Commission for tree surveys, planting plans, public education, and limited tree planting.  Local match is 50 percent.  Contact:  Robert Moody.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ) grants include COPS grants and Bureau of Justice Assistance grants.  Local match is 25 percent and up.  Contact:  Mike Vead.
  • Transportation Enhancement grants from SC DOT can be used for sidewalks, trails, landscaping, and downtown streetscape projects.  Local match is 20 percent.  Contact:  Wendy Bell.
  • Solid Waste grants from SC DHEC include solid waste management, used oil, waste tire, and recycled tire products grants.  Contact: Wendy Bell.
  • FIRE grants are available from Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for fire department equipment and training. Match depends on the size of the local government.  Contact:  Wendy Bell.

Contact number for all grants is 803-327-9041.