North Carolina Arts Grants

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) is offering a Cultural Resources Grant specifically for Craft organizations. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting the cultural vitality of Western North Carolina (WNC) through targeted funding for arts and cultural organizations. The program aims to provide general operating support, recognizing the fundamental need for stable funding to allow these organizations to continue their valuable work in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or public agencies that are established in and serving Western North Carolina. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations, though public agencies may be considered if few nonprofits serve a geographic area and funds are available. The grant specifically targets craft organizations working in ceramics, glass, textile, metal, or wood. The impact goal is to strengthen the operational capacity of these craft organizations, thereby preserving and promoting cultural resources and contributing to the economic and social well-being of the region. The grant prioritizes organizations located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, or Yancey. A key focus is on general operating support, implying a belief that empowering organizations with flexible funding will lead to the most effective outcomes. The grant does not fund private primary and secondary schools (unless projects address community needs outside the school's direct student/staff focus), private clubs, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, or state/national organizations unless local leadership and WNC benefit are clearly demonstrated. Expected outcomes include enhanced sustainability and operational effectiveness for craft organizations in WNC. Measurable results, though not explicitly detailed in the provided information, would likely include the continued operation and programming of recipient organizations, the reach of their cultural offerings, and their overall contribution to the craft sector in the region. The foundation's strategic priority appears to be direct, accessible support for grassroots cultural initiatives, and its theory of change suggests that by providing small, flexible grants for general operations, it can empower local organizations to achieve their missions and positively impact their communities.

This funding opportunity supports professional artists in Wilkes County, North Carolina, by providing financial assistance for projects that foster their artistic and professional growth.

The Warren County Community Foundation Grant Program is currently accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations that serve the local community. The program aims to address local needs through a broad range of purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation’s mission aligns with supporting community well-being by funding initiatives that create positive impact across various sectors. Preference will be given to proposals specifically focusing on education or food insecurity, indicating these as key priorities for the WCCF. The community grantmaking funds are designed to meet diverse local needs, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for Warren County residents. While the text doesn't explicitly state the foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, the emphasis on local needs and specific focus areas suggests a strategy centered on direct community support and addressing pressing social issues. Target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily residents of Warren County, North Carolina, served by eligible organizations. These include 501(c)(3) public charities, organizations with fiscal agents, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach. The impact goals are to support and strengthen the community by funding programs that provide essential services and opportunities, particularly in areas like education and food security. Expected outcomes include improved access to educational resources, reduced food insecurity, enhanced human services, and increased youth development activities within the community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the foundation's focus areas imply that successful proposals would demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for positive, tangible impacts on the community they serve. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500, with an overall grant size between $1,000 to $10,000.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

The Arts in Bloom Educator Grant, funded by the Union County Community Arts Council in North Carolina, offers less than $1000 to public and charter school teachers in Union County for the development of new, innovative arts education projects for students, with applications evaluated on creativity, artistic need, student engagement, cultural appreciation, and budget clarity.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

The Wyoming Arts Council’s Performing Arts Fellowships program is designed to honor and support excellence in the fields of Music and Theatre/Dance. These fellowships are unrestricted awards of merit, providing $5,000 to artists. The program's core mission aligns with fostering artistic excellence within Wyoming by recognizing exceptional talent and providing financial support that allows artists to further their craft and impact the cultural landscape of the state. The selection process involves a jury of noted professionals who evaluate applicants based on appropriate media samples and artist statements, ensuring that the awards are granted to artists who demonstrate significant achievement and potential in their respective disciplines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individual performing artists residing in Wyoming, specifically those engaged in music or theatre/dance. The program targets artists who are at least 18 years of age, not full-time students, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and have maintained domicile in Wyoming for a specified period. The impact goal is to enhance the artistic vitality of Wyoming by empowering its most talented performing artists. By providing unrestricted funds, the fellowship aims to give artists the freedom to pursue projects, training, or creative endeavors that will elevate their work and, in turn, enrich the artistic offerings within the state and potentially beyond. The program prioritizes artistic excellence and the advancement of individual artists' careers in music and theatre/dance. A key focus is on supporting artists who have a strong connection to Wyoming, as evidenced by residency requirements. The emphasis on merit, assessed through artistic samples and statements, ensures that the fellowships are awarded to those who have demonstrated a high level of accomplishment and commitment to their art form. The program’s strategic priorities include nurturing a vibrant arts community and ensuring that Wyoming artists have opportunities for professional recognition and growth. The theory of change posits that by investing directly in exceptional individual artists, the program will contribute to a stronger, more dynamic arts ecosystem in Wyoming. Expected outcomes of the Performing Arts Fellowships include an increase in the quality and quantity of artistic output by award recipients, enhanced professional development opportunities for Wyoming artists, and a heightened profile for Wyoming's performing arts scene. Measurable results could include tracking the artistic achievements and career advancements of past fellows, such as new performances, compositions, choreographic works, national or international recognition, and the overall impact of their work on local communities. While the grant duration is not specified, the ongoing nature of the fellowship program, with a maximum of two awards per artist lifetime and a four-year waiting period between fellowships, suggests a sustained commitment to long-term artistic development within the state.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

This grant provides opportunities and funding for visual artists residing in Greensboro to showcase their work in public spaces and contribute to the city's cultural landscape.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations that serve the local Haywood County community in North Carolina. This grant program is designed to address a broad range of local needs, encompassing human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts, among others. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to support community-based initiatives that enhance the well-being and development of its residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Haywood County, with a particular focus on those served by 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable service programs. The impact goal is to strengthen the community by funding programs that directly meet local needs and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The grantmaking prioritizes a wide array of community needs. While specific strategic priorities or a theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting "local needs," the broad categories indicate a holistic approach to community development. The foundation aims to fund projects that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, supporting organizations that offer programs and services without prejudice based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller, impactful projects or providing seed funding for broader initiatives. While specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the expectation is that funded programs will contribute to positive outcomes in the community, aligned with the stated areas of focus such as improved human services, enhanced educational opportunities, better health outcomes, and increased access to food and nutrition. The emphasis on local needs implies a theory of change where targeted, community-level funding leads to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Haywood County residents.

The Edgecombe Charitable Foundation offers community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Edgecombe County, North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs, supporting initiatives in human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and other community-benefiting areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster the well-being and development of the local community by providing crucial funding for diverse programs. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of community members served by eligible organizations. The impact goals are to support and enhance essential services and programs that improve the quality of life within Edgecombe County. The foundation focuses on tangible community benefits, aiming for outcomes such as improved access to education, better health outcomes, enhanced youth development opportunities, and increased access to food and nutritional resources. The priorities for funding include 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities can also apply for social outreach and charitable service programs, but not for general operating support. Organizations must serve the counties within the affiliate network and offer programs without discrimination. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000, with a maximum of $10,000 for an "Impact Grant" for a single organization. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of programs that meet identified community needs and contribute to the overall betterment of Edgecombe County. Measurable results would be tied to the specific objectives of each funded project, such as the number of individuals served, improvements in specific health indicators, educational attainment, or participation in arts and cultural programs. The foundation's theory of change is that by strategically investing in diverse community-serving organizations, it can create a lasting positive impact on the lives of residents and the overall health of the community.

The Avery Community Foundation (ACF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Avery County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The ACF seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community across various sectors, demonstrating a strategic commitment to comprehensive local development. The grant program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries within Avery County, including those in need of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The impact goal is to meet these local needs through funding programs that deliver direct benefits to the community-at-large. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community-at-large, but not for general operating support. This focus ensures that funding reaches a wide array of entities capable of implementing effective community programs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting local needs, the foundation expects outcomes that demonstrably improve the quality of life and address the identified challenges within Avery County. The typical grant range of $500 to $1,000 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to support numerous local initiatives. The ACF's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations to directly address community needs, thereby fostering a more resilient and thriving local environment.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that promote innovation and development in North Carolina's agricultural economy, targeting universities, non-profits, and businesses involved in agriculture.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving tribal members in Swain, Jackson, Cherokee, Graham, and Haywood counties of North Carolina. These grants are designed to address a broad range of local needs, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated as a separate entity from the grant program, aligns with fostering community well-being and supporting essential services within the tribal member communities it serves. The grantmaking strategy focuses on empowering local organizations to deliver impactful programs that directly benefit the identified counties. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are tribal members residing in the specified counties. The overarching impact goal is to meet local needs across a variety of sectors, thereby improving the quality of life and strengthening the communities served. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the broad range of purposes suggests a desire for tangible improvements in areas such as access to education, enhanced health outcomes, youth engagement, and cultural enrichment. The funding information, which indicates grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, implies that these grants are intended to support smaller-scale, community-led initiatives that can have a direct and immediate impact. The program prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, those with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding, but only for social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community at large, not for general operating support. This focus ensures that the grants are directed towards organizations with a proven commitment to public service and community benefit, while also establishing clear boundaries for religious organizations to maintain a charitable rather than proselytizing focus. A key strategic priority for the foundation is to ensure that funding directly benefits the communities within its affiliate network. Organizations serving multiple counties within the network are even encouraged to submit separate applications for each affiliate, underscoring a commitment to localized impact. Furthermore, a crucial element of the foundation's theory of change is the requirement that organizations offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. This commitment to inclusivity and equitable access ensures that the grant funds serve all eligible tribal members, fostering a more just and supportive community environment.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake counties in North Carolina to address unexpected crises that disrupt their ability to deliver essential services.

The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) is currently accepting applications for its 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program. This grant program is designed to fund quality arts programs and support the operations of arts organizations within Orange County, North Carolina. The OCAC's mission, though not explicitly stated in detail, is clearly aligned with fostering and sustaining a vibrant arts community through financial support. The Grassroots Arts Program serves as a direct mechanism to achieve this by providing essential funding that might otherwise be unavailable to smaller arts initiatives and organizations. The target beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit arts organizations or organizations with a nonprofit sponsor that have been in operation for at least one year and are physically located in Orange County. Individual artists are not eligible. The program aims to impact the arts landscape of Orange County by enabling organizations to conduct diverse arts programs and maintain their operational capacity. This includes supporting both program-related expenses, such as artist fees, marketing, and equipment rental, and operating expenses like salaries, rent, and utilities for qualifying organizations. The program prioritizes both the direct delivery of arts programs and the sustainable operation of arts and cultural organizations. For program-related requests, a maximum limit of $5,000 is set, emphasizing support for specific artistic endeavors. Similarly, operating expense requests also have a maximum limit of $5,000 and are specifically for organizations with an arts-based mission and an annual operating budget of less than $2 million, and who are not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council or N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This focus ensures that the grant effectively reaches smaller, local organizations that may have limited access to other significant funding sources. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts programs available to the residents of Orange County, as well as the strengthened operational stability of local arts organizations. Measurable results would be evidenced by the successful execution of funded projects between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and the continued operation of arts organizations that receive support for their operational costs. While a formal "theory of change" is not detailed, the underlying strategy is to provide accessible, targeted financial aid to nurture the arts at a local, grassroots level, thereby enhancing the cultural richness and accessibility of the arts within the community. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a duration of one year, suggests a focus on impactful, yet often smaller-scale, initiatives and operational needs.

The City of Salisbury in North Carolina is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service, offering $1,000 to $10,000 to support work benefiting low-moderate income individuals and families in Salisbury, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.