How to Apply Online

How to Apply Online

There are two parts to our online application process—

  1. the Application Phase and
  2. the Due Diligence Phase.


Please refer to these quarterly deadlines for the first part, the Application Phase:

  • January 31
  • April 30
  • July 31
  • October 31


When the application due date falls on a weekend or a holiday the application may be filed on the next business day. The Board reserves the right to change these dates upon notification and to make specific exemptions, as it deems necessary. The Board will meet quarterly to consider funding of the grant requests for the respective application periods. The Board may change the meeting dates upon notification.


Should the information provided by the below items be in substantial conflict with the information provided in the application the SC Conservation Bank has the right to cancel the grant request and re-prioritize other proposals.


We appreciate your interest and commitment to conservation and look forward to working with you to keep South Carolina a special place. If we can be of any help in this process or if you need additional information, please feel free to contact us.


Note: Eligibility Verification Requirement prior to Online Application Portal access
Before initiating a grant application, all applicants must meet statutory eligibility requirements. The Bank has established an internal procedure to verify applicant eligibility and, if applicable, to collect necessary documentation prior to creating a “New Organization” on the Bank’s online application portal. View the Internal Procedure for Verifying Applicant Eligibility for Conservation Bank Funding.

Instructions

Download step-by-step instructions demonstrating use of our online portal.

DOWNLOAD

  • Application Phase

    In an effort to reduce costs and time in filling out the application for funding, the Bank has worked to make the initial phase of the application as simple as possible. 


    If properly filled out, the application form should give the Bank enough information to decide whether to proceed further with your proposal. Applications must be submitted through the Online Application Portal and include the following documents: 

    1. A copy of the letter of intent or purchase contract that reflects the transaction contemplated in this application. Otherwise, please describe the anticipated legal instrument to be used to memorialize the terms of the subject real estate transaction, and when such a document will be executed. - For conservation easements, an example of a letter of intent is provided here.
    2. A commitment to insure title to the real estate interests subject to this application. Note: Prior to the release of funds, the applicant must purchase a title insurance policy acceptable to SCCB in an amount not less than the Grant Award.  Furthermore, the applicant must agree to reimburse the Bank its grant award on a pro-rata basis if a successful claim against title is perfected.
    3. A Preliminary Appraisal, which should include a brief description of comparable sales, if applicable, and analysis used to arrive at the value of the property interest subject to this application.
    4. Baseline Report Documentation or Land Management Plan, if available
    5. Photographs (two minimum) 
    6. Maps and/or GIS Shapefiles
    7. Landowner Acknowledgement, signed 
    8. Match Agreement, signed, if applicable

    Please note:

    The South Carolina Conservation Bank Act requires that any conservation easement funded by the Bank must be held by an eligible trust fund recipient. For a complete list of qualified entities and contact information, please use our Find a Trust feature, found on the Land Owners page.

  • Due Diligence Phase

    Per the statutory requirements of the Conservation Bank Act, before Grant funds may be released, the Grantee must provide the Bank with the items listed below to the Bank’s satisfaction.


    1. A cover letter listing the final project details, a proposed closing date, and escrow agent information (vendor name, vendor number, and preferred mailing address);
    2. A formal appraisal of the property completed by an appraiser approved by the Bank, that lists the Bank as an intended user, and was prepared within 1 year prior to the submission of said document; 
    3. Approved Appraiser List: Please choose an appraiser from this list, or contact the Conservation Bank with a request to add a new appraiser to the list. The Criteria for Appraisers are listed here: Criteria for appraisers (Adobe PDF)
    4. A Phase One Environmental hazard assessment;
    5. A signed and executed contract;
    6. Title Insurance Commitment Letter;
    7. A management/financial resources plan or baseline documentation report (BDR) (including a description of how the property will be managed to protect the conservation values of the property);
    8. A signed copy of the Grant Agreement by the Grantee and, for conservation easements, also by the landowner;
    9. If applicable, a signed copy of a subordination agreement by a lender; and
    10. Any other data, acknowledgment, or documentation requested by the Board of Directors of the Bank.

Application Phase


In an effort to reduce costs and time in filling out the application for funding, the Bank has worked to make the initial phase of the application as simple as possible. If properly filled out, the application form should give the Bank enough information to decide whether to proceed further with your proposal. Applications must be submitted through the Online Application Portal and include the following documents: 


  1. A copy of the letter of intent or purchase contract that reflects the transaction contemplated in this application. Otherwise, please describe the anticipated legal instrument to be used to memorialize the terms of the subject real estate transaction, and when such a document will be executed.
  2. For conservation easements, an example of a letter of intent is provided here.
  3. A commitment to insure title to the real estate interests subject to this application. Note: Prior to the release of funds, the applicant must purchase a title insurance policy acceptable to SCCB in an amount not less than the Grant Award. Furthermore, the applicant must agree to reimburse the Bank its grant award on a pro-rata basis if a successful claim against title is perfected.
  4. A Preliminary Appraisal, which should include a brief description of comparable sales, if applicable, and analysis used to arrive at the value of the property interest subject to this application.
  5. Baseline Report Documentation or Land Management Plan, if available
  6. Photographs (two minimum) 
  7. Maps and/or GIS Shapefiles
  8. Landowner Acknowledgement, signed 
  9. Match Agreement, signed, if applicable
  10. Income Attestation, signed, if applicable


Please note:
The South Carolina Conservation Bank Act requires that any conservation easement funded by the Bank must be held by an eligible trust fund recipient. For a complete list of qualified entities and contact information, please visit the Qualified Entities page.

due diligence PHASE


Per the statutory requirements of the Conservation Bank Act, before Grant funds may be released, the Grantee must provide the Bank with the items listed below to the Bank’s satisfaction.


  1. A cover letter listing the final project details, a proposed closing date, and escrow agent information (vendor name, vendor number, and preferred mailing address);
  2. A formal appraisal of the property completed by an appraiser approved by the Bank, that lists the Bank as an intended user, and was prepared within 1 year prior to the submission of said document; 
  3. Approved Appraiser List: Please choose an appraiser from this list, or contact the Conservation Bank with a request to add a new appraiser to the list. The Criteria for Appraisers are listed here: Criteria for appraisers (Adobe PDF)
  4. A Phase One Environmental hazard assessment;
  5. A signed and executed contract;
  6. Title Insurance Commitment Letter;
  7. A management/financial resources plan or baseline documentation report (BDR) (including a description of how the property will be managed to protect the conservation values of the property);
  8. A signed copy of the Grant Agreement by the Grantee and, for conservation easements, also by the landowner;
  9. If applicable, a signed copy of a subordination agreement by a lender; and
  10. Any other data, acknowledgment, or documentation requested by the Board of Directors of the Bank.