Community Spotlight Project Grant

The Community Spotlight Project Grant is administered by United Arts, an arts-focused organization that seeks to uplift historically marginalized and underrepresented communities in Wake County through creative and cultural expression. This grant program is designed to fund projects for the fiscal year 2026–2027 that use the arts as a tool for community engagement, education, celebration, or commemoration. The grant supports programs such as arts festivals, productions, or classes that are led by underrepresented groups, as well as initiatives that address pressing community issues through artistic expression. A special funding emphasis also exists for projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, commonly referred to as “America250.” Grants awarded under this program are intended to help nonprofits amplify the voices and experiences of underserved populations through the arts. Eligible projects must occur within Wake County and must include an element of public engagement. The project timeline must fall between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $10,000, and there is no matching requirement. However, organizations that apply must either meet specific eligibility criteria—including nonprofit status with at least three years of programming experience and a history of engaging underrepresented groups—or they must apply with a fiscal agent that does meet those requirements. Organizations with budgets exceeding $2 million or those that have applied for United Arts’ Mission Support Grant are not eligible. Funds may be used for various project-related expenses, including artist and contractor fees, marketing, advertising, supplies, materials, and space rental. Up to 25% of the funds may be allocated to administrative costs such as salaries directly tied to the project. However, a list of ineligible expenses includes food and beverages, fundraising events, lobbying, loan repayments, competition prizes, and religious programming without a secular basis. Grant reviewers will evaluate applications based on three weighted criteria: Community Value (45%), Artistic Quality (40%), and Ability to Complete the Project (15%). Preference will be given to new applicants, projects highlighting diverse communities or art forms, and America250-themed submissions reflecting a wide spectrum of histories and identities in Wake County. The application process includes several steps. An information session will be hosted via Zoom on February 19, 2026, to explain the application and address any questions. Additionally, applicants may schedule one-on-one review appointments with United Arts staff for feedback. Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform no later than Friday, April 3, 2026, before midnight. Applicants using a fiscal agent must provide supplementary documentation including tax exemption proof, financial statements, a board list, and a signed agreement outlining the fiscal responsibilities. Once submitted, applications are first reviewed by United Arts staff for completeness. They are then evaluated by a diverse panel of community members, artists, and nonprofit professionals who assign scores based on the established criteria. These panel recommendations are submitted to the United Arts Board of Directors, who make the final funding decisions. Award notifications are expected in June 2026, following the board’s approval. The grant funds will be disbursed to the fiscal agent, if applicable, and both the agent and applicant will be responsible for fulfilling award obligations, including submitting final reports and returning funds if the project is not completed. The Community Spotlight Project Grant provides not only financial resources but also institutional support to help emerging and existing community-based arts organizations succeed. By focusing on historically underserved populations and encouraging cultural programming with meaningful community participation, the grant serves as a vital tool in promoting equity, creativity, and historical reflection throughout Wake County.

Priority given to new applicants, diverse communities/art forms, and America250-related proposals.