SATAX Tourism Related Expenditure Grants
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The Town of Seabrook Island invites applications from eligible organizations for funding from the Town’s State Accommodations Tax (SATAX) Tourism Related Expenditure Grant Program.
PurposeSATAX Tourism Related Expenditure Grants may be awarded by the Town to provide financial support to eligible programs, projects, and activities that are designed to attract or provide for tourists within the Town. The program is funded by revenues received from the two percent (2%) SATAX charged on the gross proceeds from overnight lodging within the town limits of Seabrook Island.
Applicant EligibilitySATAX Tourism Related Expenditure Grants may be awarded to any organization which:
Religious organizations may be eligible for grant funding, provided the project advances a secular (i.e. non-religions) purpose. Individuals and organizations formally associated with a national, state, or local political party or candidate will not be eligible for grant funding. Eligible organizations (other than political subdivisions of the state) must open their membership to all interested persons. Pursuant to the South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act (S.C. Code of Laws Title 33, Chapter 56), all charitable organizations that solicit contributions or have contributions solicited on their behalf must register with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office on an annual basis unless they fall under one of the statutory exemptions. Applicants must provide a copy of their current registration or exemption with their application. Project EligibilityPursuant to South Carolina law, counties and municipalities are required to use proceeds from the SATAX to promote tourism and provide for tourists primarily within the geographical areas of the county or municipality from which the taxes are collected. The expenditure of SATAX funds must be used to attract or provide for tourists. Expenditures may not be used for items normally provided by the county or municipality unless the county or municipality has a high concentration of tourism activity. Eligible types of “tourism related expenditures” include:
For detailed information regarding the expenditure of SATAX funds, please refer to the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s official advisory opinion contained in “SC Revenue Ruling #98-22” Eligible projects must take place between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Grant AwardsThere is no minimum or maximum grant amount. Organizations may submit applications for more than one eligible project. The total amount of grant funds available each calendar year will be determined by, and shall not exceed, the amount appropriated by Town Council in the annual budget ordinance.
ApplicationOrganizations wishing to apply for a SATAX Tourism Related Expenditure Grant must complete and submit an application form to the Town Clerk.
For consideration during the FY 2026 grant cycle, applications must be received by 12:00 p.m. August 15, 2025. ReviewGrant applications will first be reviewed by the Town’s SATAX Advisory Committee. The committee shall have the authority to establish rules for reviewing applications, including asking for additional information and/or suggesting changes or conditions to ensure the application conforms with all grant criteria.
The SATAX Advisory Committee will meet on August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to consider funding applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The meeting will be held at Town Hall, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. To be considered for funding, you or another responsible person from your organization must attend the SATAX Advisory Committee meeting, either in person or via Zoom. Failure to attend the meeting may result in a recommendation for denial of the grant request. A copy of the meeting agenda will be sent to the email address listed on your application form at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. During the meeting, applicants will be provided an opportunity to present their funding requests (no more than five minutes per request) and to answer questions from committee members. Upon reviewing each grant application, the committee shall make a recommendation to the Town Council as to whether the application should be approved (in whole or in part) or denied. The Town Council shall have final authority in approving or denying grant applications. Delivery of Grant FundsOrganizations receiving funding from the Tourism Related Expenditure Grant Program shall submit to the Town Clerk all necessary documentation, including invoices and/or paid receipts, documenting the organization’s commitment or expenditure of awarded grant funds. All disbursement requests must be reviewed and approved by the Town Administrator. Upon approval, a disbursement check will be issued to the organization. Disbursement requests must be received no later than December 15, 2026. Grant funds that are uncommitted or unspent at the end of the calendar year will be returned to the Town’s SATAX Fund.
More InformationFor more information about the SATAX Tourism Related Expenditure Grant program, please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected].
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