Barnwell County A-TAX 

Welcome to the Barnwell County A-TAX Program

The Barnwell County Accommodations Tax (A-TAX) Program is an initiative funded through the State of South Carolina Accommodations Tax revenues, as outlined by the South Carolina Legislature Section 6-4-5. These funds are specifically allocated for tourism-related events and programs aimed at promoting and enhancing tourism in our community.

The A-TAX Program is designed to support eligible organizations that contribute to the growth of tourism in Barnwell County. We invite you to carefully review the grant guidelines, which provide detailed information on organization and program eligibility, as well as funding priorities.

Purpose and Goals of the A-TAX Program

The primary goal of the Barnwell County A-TAX Program is to utilize tax proceeds to foster tourism. This competitive grants program is dedicated to distributing A-TAX funds to qualifying organizations to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Maximize the Use of County Funds

    • Reimbursement-Based Funding: A-tax funds will be distributed after your program or event has taken place. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis.
    • No Cash Match Required: Applicants are not required to provide a cash match for their projects.
    • Tourism-Related Expenditures: Eligible expenditures must be directly related to attracting tourists to your event, program, or tourist attraction. See the list of qualifying tourism expenditures linked here.

  2. Enhance Accountability for A-Tax Funds

    • Statement of Assurances: To ensure responsible spending, a statement of assurances is included within the grant guidelines, holding organizations accountable for the appropriate use of A-Tax funds.

Key Points to Remember

  • Eligible Organizations: Non-profit organizations, government entities, and other groups involved in tourism-related activities are encouraged to apply.
  • Funding Priorities: The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear potential to attract tourists and enhance the overall tourism experience in Barnwell County.
  • Application Process: Detailed application instructions and requirements are provided in the grant guidelines. Please ensure all necessary documentation and information are included when submitting your application.

We are excited to partner with local organizations to promote tourism and drive economic growth in Barnwell County. For more information on how to apply, please refer to our grant guidelines or contact our office.

Thank you for your interest in the Barnwell County A-TAX Program. Together, we can make Barnwell County a top destination for tourists and visitors alike!

2025 Barnwell County A-TAX Application HERE.