SCRA Federal Matching Grant

About this programme

The SCRA Federal Matching Grant is run by the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), a public, non-profit organization chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina, and is managed by SCRA's Academic Innovations Team. It matches federal funds already won by small businesses in South Carolina to advance translational research toward commercialization milestones.

Preference goes to SBIR/STTR awardees with initial datasets who have identified gaps in their commercialization activities that would help build a compelling case for follow-on funding, though other federal matches are considered case by case. It is funded in part by Industry Partnership Fund (IPF) contributions, which give contributors a dollar-for-dollar South Carolina income tax credit.

How it works

The grant matches up to 50% of a qualifying federal award, not to exceed $50,000. A company can receive up to two Federal Matching Grants in its lifetime, each tied to a separate federal award.

Funds must demonstrate commercialization of the technology and position the company for follow-on funding; ideal uses include developing a viable product, navigating the regulatory pathway, demonstrating market need, or building a commercialization plan. Funds cannot be used for debt repayment, rent, licensing fees, legal fees, reimbursement of past expenses, or salaries.

SCRA favors applications where project activities and partners or materials are sourced within South Carolina.

Who can apply

The company must be registered as a for-profit business with the SC Secretary of State, with its principal place of business in South Carolina or at least 51% of its full-time equivalent employees located in the state.

The company must be an active SCRA Member Company to receive the grant. Academic startups need a recommendation letter for SCRA membership verifying a secured option or license from their Technology Transfer Office.

You must present official notice of award from the federal awarding agency at the time of application, along with initial data developed from the currently awarded project.

How to apply

1. Have your official federal award notice and initial project data ready.
2. Contact your assigned Relationship Manager to discuss the Federal Matching Grant.
3. Submit the required documentation for your Relationship Manager to present to the Academic Innovations Team.
4. You'll receive notification of SCRA's decision and next steps.

Frequently asked

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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.