The Seminole Cultural Arts Council (SCAC) has been funded in part by Seminole County Government for 31 years. That funding remained largely unchanged until 2023, when the Seminole County Commission directed SCAC to assume responsibility for Seminole County’s grant program previously administered in-house. This increase in funding was neither requested nor solicited by SCAC. However, consistent with our mission to promote arts and culture in Seminole County, we agreed to undertake the administration of this program. As a result, in 2025, SCAC awarded nearly $28,000 to ten local nonprofit organizations following a rigorous application and review process.

SCAC adheres to the highest standards of accountability. This is one reason a Seminole County Government representative—appointed by Seminole County staff at the direction of the County Manager’s Office—serves as an ex-officio board member of SCAC. That representative attends board meetings and receives agendas, minutes, and all other documentation relevant to SCAC’s operations. Additionally, SCAC submits detailed quarterly reports to all County Commissioners, the County Manager, and the County Attorney’s Office to ensure full transparency and demonstrate responsible stewardship of Seminole County taxpayers’ dollars.

Each year, SCAC works closely with County staff to prepare our budget and annual contract. The 2025 cycle was no different. We submitted no request for additional funding for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The proposed contract for this year mirrors prior years, and SCAC collaborated fully with County staff to provide all required documentation and respond to any inquiries regarding our budget and operations during the spring and summer months of this year. Throughout the months of budget workshops and public hearings preceding the adoption of Seminole County's 2025–2026 budget, no concerns or objections were raised by the public, County staff, or any of the County Commissioners.

SCAC remains committed to transparency and open communication. We welcome any questions and value dialogue that allows us to provide accurate information, address concerns, and remain focused on our core mission—enriching the lives of all Seminole County residents by ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone.

To view the article, please click on the URL below:
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https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/12/12/parents-supporters-urge-seminole-commissioners-not-to-cut-arts-funding/

Longwood Life Magazine recently covered our 30th Taste of the Arts Gala in their magazines.  Thank you for this amazing coverage!

SCAC Grant Program Overview

Formed in 1994, the Seminole Cultural Arts Council (SCAC) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a member of the Florida Association of Local Arts Agencies, and Americans for the Arts. SCAC is a catalyst for the preservation of local cultural and historic heritage, including performing, literary, and visual arts and sciences, and serves to sustain, develop, and advance the cultural life of Seminole County.

In 1995, the Seminole County Board of Commissioners designated SCAC as the official recipient of the Florida ARTS license plate funds. Through the Division of Cultural Affairs, State of Florida, and Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles, $20 from each special State of the Arts license tag purchased by Seminole County residents goes toward a grant fund that supports the arts in Seminole County. Since SCAC was formed, more than $380,000 in grants has been awarded. 

Our Mission is to advocate in Central Florida for Seminole County’s art-rich community and our Vision is to inspire the cultural livability of the community through the arts.

2024-2025 SCAC GRANT GUIDELINES
Grant Period October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025

• Workshop Attendance: 

Workshop attendance on Friday, June 7, 2024 is mandatory for all first-time applicants, and failure to attend this first workshop will disqualify your application. 
NOTE:  Repeat applicants are strongly encouraged to attend as there have been multiple changes to the application and in the grant process for FY 2024-2025. Repeat applicants who cannot attend the workshop on Friday, June 7, 2024 are required to call or email SCAC before June 5th to set up an appointment to discuss the program. 

• Narrative:

Applicants are required to use this template to a maximum of eight (8) typed pages using Times New Roman 12 point or Arial 11-point font.

• Final Grant Reports:

The Final Grant Report Form may be found at the end of the Grant Application. It must be submitted to SCAC no later than sixty (60) days after the end date of the project. If your organization received SCAC grant funding for 2023-2024, you must include copies of that Final Grant Report.

• Seminole Cultural Arts Council (SCAC) Membership Required:

All grant recipients must be current members or become members of SCAC prior to the application deadline of Thursday, August 1, 2024. Applicants must also attach a copy of their cancelled check or method of payment for membership to their grant application in order for it to be considered.

Important Dates:
Friday, June 7, 2024,      SCAC Grant Writing Workshop 3:00-4:30 PM 
                RSVP by 6/5/24 to 407-562-2810 or [email protected]
                Location – Sanford Information Center, 230 E 1st Street, Sanford 32771       
Thursday, August 1, 2024,      Application Deadline and deadline for payment of membership
Completed applications must either be hand-delivered by 12:00 NOON on 8/1/24 to the SCAC office, 230 E 1st Street, Sanford or postmarked by USPS on 8/1/24 and mailed to 230 E 1st Street, Sanford 32771.

Friday, August 16, 2024     Grant Review Panel open meeting to review applications 3:00–4:30 PM
Inform SCAC if you are unable to attend, 407-562-2810, or [email protected]
                Location – Sanford Information Center, 230 E 1st Street, Sanford 32771 
Monday, August 26, 2024    Award/denial notices are sent to applicants. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024    Checks are mailed to grant recipients.