<h3>By Ali Titus</h3>
The Expansion Arts Fund of Coastal Community Foundation seeks applications from individual artists and arts groups from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties engaged in “expansion arts.” Expansion Arts are defined as the works of new and emerging arts groups and artists – especially those from minority, rural or disadvantaged communities – that expand the definition of traditional art.

The goals of the Expansion Arts Fund are to improve the climate for expansion arts, and to encourage initiative and change in expansion arts organizations and artists. For the 2015 grant cycle, individual artists may apply for up to $2,500, and arts groups may apply for up to $5,000. Grants are intended to support the work of professional artists and arts companies, so projects that focus on arts as a social service or educational program are not eligible for funding.

Examples of eligible organizational projects are performances of original works of art or preservation of art forms unique to the Lowcountry from 501(c)3 organizations. Past grantees include Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (visual arts sponsor) and Hampton County Arts Council (visual and performing arts). For individuals, eligible projects may include professional development or the production of new work. Local artists Kim Keats (fabric sculptor), Dede Ondishko (composer), and J. W. Rone (theatre) received past support from the Expansion Arts Fund.

The Expansion Arts Fund was created in 1988 when the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) presented local donors with a $60,000 matching challenge. Funding is available every other year for alternating regions of Coastal Community Foundation’s service area: the Southern Lowcountry – Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties – and the Northern Lowcountry – Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester and Georgetown Counties.

Applications are available online at http://coastalcommunityfoundation.org/grants/list-of-grants/ and provide additional details about guidelines and qualifications. Applications are due by October 8th to Grants@CoastalCommunityFoundation.org, or by mail/hand delivery to 635 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29403, by 5:00 p.m. Mailed applications must be postmarked by October 7th. Additional questions about the Fund may be directed to Program Officer Ali Titus at Ali@CoastalCommunityFoundation.org.

<em>Each week, Coastal Community Foundation highlights organizations, donors and other charitable news in The Philanthropy Corner. For more information about the Expansion Arts Fund, contact Program Officer Ali Titus at Ali@CoastalCommunityFoundation.org. If you’re interested in learning more about philanthropy in the Lowcountry, reach out to our regional Stewardship Officer, Gloria Duryea, at Gloria@CoastalCommunityFoundation.org or (843) 379-3400.</em>

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