Community Spotlight Project Grant

The Community Spotlight Project Grants, administered by United Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wake County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Arts Council, are designed to elevate arts programs that engage underrepresented communities within Wake County, North Carolina. These grants serve to highlight the value of cultural inclusivity and community-driven artistic expression, reflecting United Arts’ commitment to advancing equity in the arts sector. This grant opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that have a demonstrated history of working with historically marginalized or underserved populations. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status, have at least three years of programmatic experience, and uphold essential governance policies including nondiscrimination and accessibility. For those who do not meet these criteria directly, applying through a qualified fiscal agent is permitted. Fiscal agents must provide documentation such as a signed agreement and financial records, and they retain legal responsibility for the funds. Funding is intended to support arts festivals, productions, or classes that are either led by underrepresented communities or that use the arts to address significant local issues. All funded projects must take place in Wake County between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, align with the applicant’s mission, and offer a public engagement component. Programs that feature artists who are Black American, Indigenous, or from other racially marginalized groups, or who have disabilities, are especially encouraged. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, and while there is no matching requirement, projects must adhere to strict allowable use guidelines. Funds may be used for project-specific costs including artist fees, materials, advertising, and space rentals, with up to 25% permitted for administrative expenses. Ineligible uses include fundraising, lobbying, capital improvements, and religious activities without a secular theme. Applications are reviewed through a structured process involving both United Arts staff and independent grant panels made up of artists and community members with diverse expertise. The evaluation criteria weigh community value (45%), artistic quality (40%), and the organization’s capacity to complete the project (15%). Final award decisions are made by the United Arts Board of Directors, based on panel recommendations and available funding. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the application deadline was April 4, 2025. The next application round, covering projects for July 2026 through June 2027, is expected to open in early 2026. Questions may be directed to Ragen Carlile at rcarlile@unitedarts.org or (919) 839-1498 x209. Award notifications for the current cycle will be sent in June 2025, with project activity starting July 1, 2025 and concluding by June 30, 2026. This is a recurring program, with annual cycles expected to continue.

Reviewers prioritize community impact, representation of marginalized communities, and project feasibility. Applicants should clearly connect their project to a community need and articulate a realistic implementation plan.