Grassroots Arts Program Grants 2025-2026

The Grassroots Arts Project Grants are administered by the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council. This program, initiated in 1977, ensures access to quality arts experiences for North Carolina citizens in all 100 counties. The Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge is responsible for awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts projects within Pitt County. These grants are intended to support non-profit organizations that carry out arts-related programming or operations locally. The funding scope includes program expenses such as artists’ fees and travel, venue rentals, marketing and publicity, electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, and equipment. For the current cycle, operating expenses like salaries, office supplies, rent, utilities, and insurance are also allowable. However, funds may not be used for activities like therapy, fundraising events, school equipment, artwork purchases, capital expenses, or lobbying. All projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, with award amounts ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations that have been in operation for at least one year, with 501(c)(3) status preferred. All applicants must be based in and implement their projects within Pitt County. Individuals are not eligible. Applications must be submitted online and received by the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 5, 2025. A key condition for receiving funds is the dollar-for-dollar matching requirement, which must come from other public or private sources, excluding other North Carolina Arts Council funds or state funds. However, the Pitt County Arts Council may assist applicants in meeting this requirement. There is also a mandate for cultural diversity: each county must spend a percentage of its annual allotment on programming that reflects African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American cultures. For Pitt County, this percentage is 51%. Applications are reviewed by a panel including community members, artists, and public officials, based on artistic quality, community impact, multicultural and educational value, project planning, and organizational stability. Final decisions are approved by the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge's board of directors. Applicants are required to acknowledge the NC Arts Council in their promotional materials and submit a final report by June 7, 2026, detailing the project's outcomes and including sample materials, statistics, and legislative letters if applicable. For assistance, applicants may contact Holly Garriott at 252-551-6947 or via email at holly@pittcountyarts.org. Past grant recipients include a diverse group of organizations such as the City of Greenville Recreation and Parks Department, Greenville Museum of Art, and East Carolina University’s LGBTQ Center.

Ensure project reflects multicultural diversity (especially African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American). Include accurate budget, artist qualifications, and plan for community impact. Secure matching funds early.