Description

Notice: For the current fiscal year, Proviso 1A.56 requires that the Innovation Grant application be posted by May 30, 2026. The funding proviso for the 2026–27 fiscal year is yet to be finalized. Differences between the House and Senate versions of the proviso may result in this application package being withdrawn and reannounced at a later date, depending on the version of the proviso adopted. To be notified if this application package is withdrawn, please email phcease@ed.sc.gov.
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The purpose of the Innovation Grant Program is to support innovative pilot initiatives in public school districts and schools that include the criteria listed in Proviso 1A.55 of H. 5126, the General Appropriations Bill of 2026. 

Program Office

Office of Governmental Affairs

Eligible Applicants

All South Carolina school districts, South Carolina schools, nonprofit, and for-profit entities are eligible to apply. Public school districts and schools that have high poverty and low achievement will receive priority for grants.

Total Funding Available

Approximately $9,000,000

Funding Detail

Criteria the Innovation Grants Committee will consider includes:
(1) identification of key measurable benchmarks to raise student achievement and ensure all students are prepared to graduate college, career and civic ready;
(2) innovative strategies to close student achievement gaps in reading and mathematics, with a focus on schools with an academic achievement rating of below average and unsatisfactory;
(3) a demonstrated ability to implement the initiative or model as outlined in the application; and
(4) a demonstrated ability to be both replicable and scalable with priority given to projects grounded in evidence-based practices that have significantly impacted student achievement outcomes.

Additionally, public school districts and schools that have high poverty and low achievement will receive priority for grants when their applications are judged to meet the criteria established for the grant program.

Project Term

The maximum grant period is one year, ending on June 30, 2027.

Application Due Date

June 30, 2026

Technical Assistance Session

Contact Phillip Cease at phcease@ed.sc.gov for technical assistance.

Documents

Request for Proposals (DOCX, 1.00mb – 5/29/2026)
Online Application
Budget Narrative Template (XLSX, 28.0kb - 5/29/2026)

Program Web Page

Innovation Grants Committee