Subject Guides: Facilities Construction and Renovation: Funding

Funding Your Construction Project

Funding sources may include: a bond referendum, capital improvement grants, donors, bequests, impact fees, federal, state, or local funding, and more.

The links below contain more information about potential sources of funding.

Grants for Capital Improvements

USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in South Carolina
Grant guidelines to develop essential community facilities, which includes libraries. Areas with no more than 20,000 residents are eligible as of 03/2023.
SC Community Development Block Grants
Funding for units of local government. Public neighborhood facilities, including libraries, are eligible projects.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
This Federal program will be administered by the South Carolina Broadband Office. The BEAD Initial Proposal is due to NTIA on December 27, 2023 and the public comment period has closed. The initial approval is expected by March 31, 2024, so public libraries should expect more information in 2024.
Historic Preservation Grants - SC Department of Archives and History
State and federal grant funding for repairs to historic buildings.
Hometown Grants - T Mobile
Awards 25 competitive grants of up to $50,000 each quarter. Towns with populations under 50,000 are eligible.

Referendums

Planning a Referendum (ALA)
Guidance from ALA on a library referendum campaign, including a recorded training series.

Fundraising by Friends / Foundations

United for Libraries contains on-demand virtual training for Friends and Trustees, including topics related to fundraising and advocacy.

Create a Free United for Libraries Account
Create a free account to access the South Carolina subscription to United for Libraries training modules.