The Richland County Conservation Commission is making grants worth up to $50,000 available for projects that aim to protect and preserve the county’s rich land and historic places.
Nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, governmental agencies, commercial entities and other institutions can apply for the Historic Preservation and Community Conservation grants, which require a 20 percent match by the organization.
The deadline to submit a grant application for either type of grant is 5 pm February 5. Access grant criteria and applications online at www.richlandlegacy.com.
Historic Preservation Grants
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to defray costs of preserving or restoring historic buildings and cemeteries, and for educational and research projects that promote Richland County’s history. Previous projects receiving Historic Preservation Grants include:
• A restored pressed-metal ceiling at Ebenezer Lutheran Chapel in Columbia
• Historic home plaques in the Hollywood and Rose Hill communities
• Interpretive signs for Olympia Mill Common
• Oral histories in Waverly and Lower Richland
• A new roof for J.A. Byrd Mercantile Store in Eastover
Community Conservation Grants
Grants of up to $20,000 are available to fund building trails, water quality improvement projects, green infrastructure and environmental education programs in Richland County. Projects that were previously awarded Community Conservation Grants include:
• Boardwalk construction at Wateree Retreat Center in Hopkins
• Rerouting of a mountain bike trail at Harbison State Forest
• Vegetable and pollinator gardens
4. • Construction of the Kinsler Creek Greenway in downtown Columbia’s Vista
Applicants to the grants program should expect delays as well as other potential changes, as County staff is limited because of COVID-19.
For more information on the County’s historic and conservation grant opportunities, contact Quinton Epps with Richland County Conservation at [email protected] or 803-576-2082.
Photo: An environmental education program at Congaree National Park received support from a Community Conservation Grant from the Richland County Conservation Commission.
