Sustaining Support for Arts Organizations

The Sustaining Support for Arts Organizations grant program, administered by the North Carolina Arts Council, offers recurring operational funding for eligible arts organizations across the state. This grant supports institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to producing arts programming that actively engages diverse audiences and reflects the communities they serve. Designed for nonprofits with a focused arts mission, the program aims to bolster the sustainability of organizations that contribute to North Carolina’s creative economy while upholding high standards in management, equity, and public benefit. In the FY2026-27 cycle, the program accepts new applications from organizations working in the disciplines of literature, visual arts, film, and dance. Grants are awarded on a three-year rotating basis by discipline, meaning successful applicants will receive support not just for FY2026-27 but also for FY2027-28 and FY2028-29, contingent upon submission of mid-cycle update applications. Applications for this cycle open on January 5, 2026, and are due by March 2, 2026. Update applications for organizations funded in FY2025-26 under certain other disciplines (music, folklife, arts in education, theater, or multi-arts) are also due by this date to maintain eligibility. Grant awards range from $7,500 to $65,000 and are intended to cover a range of operational expenses including salaries, artist fees, production costs, travel, marketing, office costs, and facilities. However, grant awards cannot exceed 10 percent of an applicant’s average cash operating expenses over the past three fiscal years. These funds are to be used within the grant period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. This flexibility in allowable uses underscores the funder's goal of supporting both artistic and administrative needs that contribute to long-term organizational health and public impact. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) arts organizations based in North Carolina that dedicate at least 80 percent of their programming budget to arts activities and have maintained an average expense budget of $75,000 or more over the past three fiscal years. Organizations must employ at least one half-time equivalent staff member who is compensated at or above minimum wage. Notably, colleges, universities, municipal departments, or organizations using fiscal agents are not eligible. Organizations that receive funding through certain other state arts funding channels are also ineligible. The evaluation process is conducted through a panel review that considers multiple criteria: the artistic merit of programs, equitable compensation of artists, community engagement and audience outreach strategies, and sound financial and governance practices. Applicants are required to submit a detailed application narrative, financial documentation, and discipline-specific work samples to support the artistic value of their proposed programming. The program also includes a rigorous profile system and application process through the Council’s grant system portal, requiring a user profile, organizational profile, and supporting documentation of nonprofit status. For further assistance, applicants can contact the North Carolina Arts Council staff based on their discipline. Key staff include Dara Silver for visual arts, film, and literature; Jamie Katz Court for music and dance; Lizz Wells for arts in education; and Zoe van Buren for folklife. The grant program is designed to be cyclical, with new disciplines opening each year for new applicants, thereby maintaining consistent and structured operational funding opportunities across North Carolina’s rich arts landscape.

Submit strong work samples relevant to programming; detail audience outreach; show evidence of leadership and financial stability