Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) Grants

Established in 1972 by the North Carolina General Assembly, the Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) Grants are administered by the North Carolina Arts Council with the aim of expanding access to the arts throughout all 100 counties in North Carolina. This initiative channels state-level funding to designated county-level partners, known as Grassroots County Partners, ensuring that diverse and high-quality arts experiences are equitably distributed across the state’s rural, suburban, and urban areas. The program functions through strategic partnerships with one designated arts organization per county. These partners are typically local arts agencies but may also include arts centers or arts schools in some cases. If no suitable arts organization is available, the North Carolina Arts Council may collaborate temporarily with county governments or school systems to manage and distribute funds. In such cases, the goal remains to elevate a local arts organization to serve as the future partner. County governments and school systems face additional restrictions and cannot use funds for general operating support. Grassroots County Partners may allocate up to 50% of their awarded grant for general operating support, with the remainder directed toward arts programming or subgrants to local organizations. The breakdown of required usage depends on county population. In counties with populations over 50,000, at least 50% of the grant must be subgranted. In counties under 50,000, partners may either implement their own programming or issue subgrants. The program mandates adherence to comprehensive grant guidelines, including community representation, standardized subgranting practices, and a one-to-one cash match requirement. To apply, partners must submit either a full application or an update application, depending on their status in the annual cycle. County governments and school systems must submit update applications. Applicants are required to maintain or create an organization profile in the grant system, which includes authorized representative details, EIN and UEI numbers, and documentation of nonprofit status. Financial reporting on operating income and expenses for three fiscal years and itemized local government support for the previous year is also required. The application window opens on January 5, 2026, and closes on March 2, 2026. Evaluations focus on compliance with eligibility and operational standards as outlined in the Grassroots County Partner Guidebook. Janelle Wienke, the Western Regional Director for Arts in Communities, is the primary staff contact for this opportunity and can assist applicants with questions or guidance related to submission.