SCBA Grant Opportunities

Investing in the Future of Beekeeping in South Carolina

The South Carolina Beekeepers Association is committed to strengthening beekeeping throughout our state through research, education, innovation, and community outreach.

One of the ways SCBA puts that commitment into action is through our grant programs. Each year, SCBA provides funding to support projects that advance honey bee research, introduce young people to beekeeping, educate the public about honey bees and pollinators, and encourage new ideas that can improve beekeeping practices.

Your Support Makes These Grants Possible

SCBA’s grant programs are made possible through the support of our beekeeping community.

Funding comes from SCBA membership dollars, income generated through SCBA conferences and events, and the generous support of our sponsors and industry partners.

When you become an SCBA member, attend an SCBA event, or support the Association as a sponsor, a portion of those resources helps SCBA invest back into beekeeping in South Carolina.

Your participation doesn’t just support SCBA — it helps fund research, education, innovation, and the next generation of South Carolina beekeepers.

🔬 Honey Bee Research Grant

Advancing knowledge for South Carolina beekeepers.

The Honey Bee Research Grant provides funding to individuals, organizations, and educational institutions conducting apicultural research that can benefit South Carolina beekeepers through improved knowledge, techniques, and management practices.

Grant funding may fully support a research project or supplement an existing project. SCBA seeks well-designed projects with clear objectives, meaningful potential benefits to beekeepers, and strong financial accountability.

Priority is given to SCBA members and affiliated associations.

Best suited for:
Apicultural research, scientific studies, data-driven projects, and other research intended to expand our understanding of honey bees and improve beekeeping practices.

Research Grant Info & Application Page

🌱 Steve Taber Youth Education Grant

Inspiring South Carolina’s next generation of beekeepers.

The Steve Taber Youth Education Grant supports programs that increase honey bee awareness and provide beekeeping education to young people under age 18 in South Carolina.

This grant is available to SCBA Affiliated Associations. Associations may develop their own youth programs or partner with organizations such as 4-H programs, Scout groups, schools, and other youth or community organizations.

Projects can range from introductory honey bee programs and classroom activities to hands-on beekeeping education and other creative efforts that help young people discover the importance of honey bees, pollinators, and beekeeping.

Best suited for:
SCBA affiliated associations planning educational programs or experiences specifically for youth under age 18.

Steve Taber Youth Education Grant Info & Application Page

 

 

💡 Innovation & Community Education Grant

Turning good ideas into stronger communities and better beekeeping.

The Innovation & Community Education Grant supports projects that expand public education about honey bees and pollinators or encourage innovative approaches to beekeeping and pollinator health.

The program is designed to complement SCBA’s youth education efforts by focusing primarily on adult learners, community groups, beekeepers, and the broader public.

Community education projects might include workshops, public exhibits, pollinator habitat initiatives, educational materials, programs for gardeners, farmers or landowners, beginner beekeeper education, or outreach through civic and environmental organizations.

Innovation projects may include pilot programs, equipment development or testing, hive-health data collection, technology applications, colony sustainability initiatives, or new approaches to beekeeping management.

Individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups may apply.

Best suited for:
Public education, community outreach, demonstration projects, pilot programs, and innovative ideas that could improve beekeeping practices or pollinator health.

Innovation & Public Education Grant Info & Application Page

Which Grant Is Right for Your Project?

Have a research question?
Explore the Honey Bee Research Grant.

Want to introduce young people to honey bees and beekeeping?
Explore the Steve Taber Youth Education Grant.

Want to educate the broader community or test an innovative beekeeping idea?
Explore the Innovation & Community Education Grant.

Research. Educate. Innovate.

Every SCBA grant represents an investment in the future of beekeeping in South Carolina — made possible by the members, conference attendees, vendors, sponsors, and partners who support our Association.

Together, we’re turning that support into better knowledge, stronger beekeepers, informed communities, and new opportunities for the next generation.