In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants

The In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants program is administered by South Arts, a regional nonprofit arts organization that supports cultural development across the southeastern United States. This funding opportunity is part of the broader In These Mountains initiative, which focuses on preserving and advancing the folk arts and traditional cultural practices of Central Appalachia. The program is specifically designed to strengthen the operational capacity of nonprofit organizations working within Appalachian Regional Commission counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. By investing in infrastructure rather than programming, South Arts aims to address funding gaps that commonly prevent organizations from improving their internal systems and long-term sustainability. The primary purpose of this grant is to support non-programmatic expenses that are typically underfunded or ineligible under traditional arts grants. These expenses include staff and volunteer professional development, emergency preparedness planning, equipment purchases, software upgrades, marketing efforts, and strategic planning activities. The funding may also be used for travel and registration associated with conferences or research that enhances organizational effectiveness. However, certain expenditures are explicitly prohibited, including capital improvement fundraising events, alcohol, entertainment costs, and major building renovations. Up to ten percent of the award may be allocated to overhead expenses such as staff salaries, providing some flexibility for administrative support. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, or organizations working with a qualified fiscal agent, that are located within and serve at least one eligible Appalachian Regional Commission county in the specified states. The program is open to a wide range of nonprofit entities, including community cultural organizations, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, and faith-based organizations. However, colleges and universities, as well as organizations that have previously participated in the In These Mountains initiative between fiscal years 2019 and 2026, are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with prior South Arts grant requirements, including timely reporting and appropriate acknowledgment of funding support. The application process is conducted through South Arts Salesforce Grants Management System. Applicants are required to complete and submit their application online, including any required documentation and optional support materials such as organizational brochures, work samples, or facility photographs. While support materials are not mandatory, they are strongly encouraged to strengthen the application. Applicants are also advised to contact South Arts staff prior to submission to discuss project ideas and eligibility, with a recommendation to initiate inquiries at least 48 hours before the application deadline due to limited staff response capacity close to the deadline. Applications are evaluated by a panel of folklorists, community scholars, and other experts who assess submissions based on established review criteria. While specific scoring metrics are not detailed, applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate their organizational capacity, the relevance of proposed infrastructure improvements, and their alignment with the program’s goals of preserving and promoting folk arts traditions. Accessibility considerations are also required, including both physical and communication accessibility for individuals with disabilities, which must be demonstrated in the application. The timeline for the FY27 grant cycle begins with the application opening on July 15, 2026, and closes on September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Award notifications are scheduled for December 1, 2026, with funds to be utilized by June 15, 2027. A final report is due by June 30, 2027, and no extensions are permitted. Each selected organization will receive a fixed grant award of 30000 dollars, with two organizations selected per eligible state for a total of six recipients. This funding cycle does not require a matching contribution, making it accessible to organizations with limited financial resources. This grant program reflects South Arts’ commitment to supporting rural communities, particularly those with populations under 50000, and to sustaining the diverse cultural traditions of Central Appalachia. By focusing on infrastructure needs, the program enables organizations to build stronger operational foundations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve artists and communities engaged in traditional practices such as handcrafts, foodways, and music. The program is expected to recur annually, continuing to provide critical support for cultural preservation and organizational resilience in the region.

Contact program staff early; clearly describe infrastructure needs; demonstrate alignment with folk arts preservation; include strong supporting materials