North Carolina Arts Grants

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County offers Mini Grants to support independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals within Cumberland County, North Carolina. This grant program aims to build capacity for local artists by funding one-time cultural arts events. The council's mission, as reflected in this program, is to foster the local arts economy, encourage new or innovative programming, and provide support to diverse artistic mediums within the county. The primary beneficiaries of these Mini Grants are artists and cultural/historical professionals residing in Cumberland County, NC. The impact goals are centered on growing the local arts economy, engaging the community through novel artistic expressions, and supporting a variety of artistic disciplines. The program prioritizes projects that take place in Cumberland County, are led by participating artists or cultural professionals, and can be completed within six months of the award. It also supports the creation of new works with a public display within the same timeframe. Funding requests can range from $500 to $10,000, with specific guidelines for allowable expenses. For requests between $500 and $2,000, allowable expenses include contract artist fees, other contracted services, project supplies/materials, space/equipment rental, marketing/outreach expenses (up to 25% of the budget), and applicant artist fees (up to 25% of the budget). For awards exceeding $2,000, restrictions apply, prohibiting expenses for food and drink, capital expenses, subgranting or awards/scholarships, and educational/curriculum requirements. Expected outcomes include an increase in cultural arts events, the development of new artistic works, and enhanced engagement within the local arts community. Measurable results would likely include the number of projects funded, the reach of public displays, and the economic impact on local artists and the arts economy. The Arts Council's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with empowering local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of Cumberland County through accessible and impactful grants. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and guidance to local artists, they can stimulate artistic production, community involvement, and economic growth within the arts sector.

The Bernalillo County Neighborhood Grant Program aims to strengthen neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life within Bernalillo County by supporting neighborhood associations and other community groups. This program is rooted in the belief that strong neighborhoods and active residents are vital to the county's uniqueness and well-being. The grant is designed to assist these groups in their ongoing participation and outreach efforts to their members and all residents of Bernalillo County. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual, recognized Neighborhood Associations within Bernalillo County or the City of Albuquerque. The program seeks to empower these associations to initiate, plan, and implement projects that directly impact their neighbors and community members. The overarching impact goal is to foster self-help initiatives that provide positive, public benefits to all residents, thereby strengthening community bonds and enhancing local quality of life. Key priorities and focuses for this grant include projects performed within Bernalillo County, including areas within city limits, and initiatives that offer a positive, public benefit to all residents. Projects must be free and open to all residents within neighborhood association boundaries. A strong emphasis is placed on self-help, encouraging projects that are conceived, planned, and executed by the community members who will ultimately benefit. Furthermore, successful applications are expected to include community match resources, demonstrating a commitment from the neighborhood itself. Expected outcomes include a more engaged and active citizenry, an increase in community-led projects that address local needs, and a general enhancement of the quality of life across Bernalillo County. While specific measurable results like the number of participants or projects are implied by the nature of the grant (up to $5,000 per association per grant period), the program fundamentally seeks to foster community resilience and collective action. The grant’s theory of change posits that by investing in neighborhood-led initiatives, Bernalillo County can cultivate a more vibrant, connected, and self-reliant community.

The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, offered by Orange County Animal Services in North Carolina, provides up to $500 for individuals, groups, or organizations to fund animal welfare initiatives in Orange County, honoring the legacy of former Animal Protection Society Executive Director, Pat Sanford.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, recycling businesses, nonprofits, multifamily property owners, public housing authorities, and colleges for developing or improving recycling programs in multifamily residences across North Carolina.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Raleigh for improving the exteriors of their commercial buildings, enhancing the visual appeal of the community.

This funding opportunity supports North Carolina nonprofit organizations in addressing community-defined oral health needs and reducing disparities through advocacy and educational outreach.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to enhance their operations through equipment upgrades, physical space improvements, and e-commerce development.

This grant provides funding to recycling businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to enhance their capacity and efficiency in diverting materials from the waste stream and creating jobs.

This competition provides financial support to young artists in Catawba County, North Carolina, to help them further their education and development in visual and literary arts.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.

The Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association have partnered to bring the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to Colorado newsrooms. This program is designed to provide in-depth training and coaching to help local news organizations develop journalism projects that address community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. The initiative aligns with a broader goal of strengthening local journalism and supporting news organizations in their fundraising efforts, building on the success of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding which has helped over 100 U.S. news organizations raise more than $22 million since 2020. This collaborative effort, supported by the Google News Initiative, underscores a strategic priority to foster sustainable local news ecosystems through philanthropic support. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations that produce original, local news at least weekly. Priority is given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs less than five years old, or those with new staff who could benefit from this training. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, especially if they have a joint initiative seeking philanthropic funding. The impact goal is to equip these newsrooms with the skills and resources to secure philanthropic funding for local journalism projects that are responsive to community needs, thereby enhancing the quality and sustainability of local news in Colorado. The program's priorities and focuses include setting fundraising goals aligned with market size, developing prospect lists, creating pitch decks and campaign materials, and facilitating meetings with funders. Participants will also engage in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign. Preference will be given to organizations with strong local leadership and community ties, a focus on high-quality local journalism, leadership-level buy-in, an organizational commitment of staff time and resources, and a value for staff and leadership diversity. These criteria highlight a strategic focus on building capacity within newsrooms that are deeply embedded in their communities and committed to journalistic excellence. Expected outcomes include newsrooms setting and working towards specific fundraising goals, developing robust fundraising strategies and materials, and actively engaging with funders. Measurable results will likely include the amount of philanthropic funding raised by participating newsrooms, the number of new donor relationships established, and the successful execution of fundraising campaigns. The program also aims to contribute best practices and lessons learned through case studies and an industry playbook, fostering a collective learning environment and promoting a theory of change where targeted training and support lead to increased philanthropic investment in local journalism, ultimately strengthening civic engagement and informed communities.

The Harnett County Community Foundation (HCCF) is actively seeking grant applications from qualified charitable organizations dedicated to serving the local community. This grant program is designed to address a broad spectrum of local needs, aligning with the HCCF's mission to foster community well-being and development. By supporting a diverse range of purposes, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and improve the quality of life within Harnett County. The grantmaking funds are primarily directed towards areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The target beneficiaries are individuals and groups within Harnett County who benefit from these essential services and programs. The impact goal is to create a healthier, more educated, and enriched community, addressing critical needs and fostering sustainable growth in various sectors. The HCCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on empowering local organizations that can deliver tangible benefits to the community. The foundation believes that by investing in these diverse areas, it can create a ripple effect of positive change. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the general intent is to support programs that demonstrate a clear capacity to meet local needs and contribute to the overall welfare of Harnett County residents. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with a broader size of $1,000 to $10,000 possible, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the scope and impact of proposed projects. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofits, organizations with a fiscal agent, local governments, fire and rescue departments, and religious entities focusing on social outreach. This inclusive eligibility criteria ensures that a wide array of community-serving bodies can apply, further broadening the potential impact of the grants.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation's 2024 Legacy Grant program is designed to honor Mrs. Sewall's enduring interests and philanthropic legacy. The foundation's mission alignment is rooted in supporting a select group of organizations with whom Mrs. Sewall had personal relationships and affinity, and who continue to advance the work she funded during her lifetime. This reflects a strategic priority to sustain and perpetuate the impact of her personal philanthropy, acting as a direct extension of her lifelong commitment. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are organizations that align with Mrs. Sewall's historical funding priorities. These include 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, and Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. The impact goal is to ensure the continued vitality and effectiveness of these established partnerships, allowing them to further their work in areas important to Mrs. Sewall. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on maintaining the integrity of Mrs. Sewall's philanthropic vision. The grant specifically seeks to support organizations that demonstrate a continued commitment to the types of initiatives she championed. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the continuation of existing work, the expected outcomes revolve around sustaining the impact of these organizations over the grant duration, which can be 12, 24, or 36 months. The theory of change implicit in this program is that by providing consistent, multi-year funding to trusted partners, the foundation can ensure the long-term success and stability of programs that align with its founder's values. The foundation's strategic priorities are to honor its founder's legacy by supporting organizations that were meaningful to her, ensuring that her lifetime of philanthropy continues to resonate within the community. The Legacy Grant embodies this by providing stable support, allowing these organizations to focus on their core missions. This approach emphasizes continuity and relationship-building as key drivers for achieving sustained impact and honoring the philanthropic vision of Elmina B. Sewall.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

The Cashiers Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Cashiers, North Carolina. This grant program directly aligns with CFWNC's mission to support projects that benefit local communities. The fund provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for a variety of charitable purposes, including programmatic needs, capital campaigns, and operating expenses, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive community development. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental, educational, and religious organizations with a documented history of substantial work in Cashiers. The impact goal is to support initiatives that yield significant community benefits, fostering a stronger and more vibrant Cashiers. Organizations that can demonstrate the greatest community impact through their proposed projects are given the highest consideration. The fund prioritizes projects that address direct community needs and offer sustainable benefits. While the grant details don't explicitly outline CFWNC's overarching strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on community benefit and supporting established local organizations suggests a strategy of empowering existing infrastructure and initiatives to achieve local impact. The grants generally do not support annual giving campaigns, scholarships, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, endowment funds, deficit funding, debt retirement, one-time events, or private primary and secondary schools (unless the project directly addresses community needs outside the school's students or staff). Expected outcomes include improved services, enhanced community resources, and strengthened local organizations in Cashiers. The grant duration of one year, with funds to be expended within that timeframe, implies an expectation of timely implementation and measurable progress. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "greatest community benefit" suggests that successful applicants will be able to articulate and demonstrate the positive changes their projects will bring to the Cashiers community. For more information, interested organizations are directed to visit the CFWNC website.

The Rockingham County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations to address local needs within Rockingham County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support a broad range of community purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation emphasizes meeting local needs, indicating a strategic priority on community-driven impact and direct support for local initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations serving the local community in Rockingham County, North Carolina. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding for social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community at large, but not for general operating support. The program aims to create a positive impact by funding initiatives that cater to diverse community needs, from basic human services to educational and cultural enrichment. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. This indicates a holistic approach to community development, recognizing the interconnectedness of various social determinants of well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to be centered on fostering a vibrant and supportive community by addressing a wide spectrum of needs through local, qualified organizations. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller-scale projects or providing seed funding for local initiatives. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on a "broad range of purposes to meet local needs" implies a theory of change where targeted, modest funding can lead to tangible improvements in community well-being across multiple sectors. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination, ensuring equitable access and impact.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

The ASC Cultural Organization Support Grants in North Carolina provide financial resources for nonprofit cultural organizations in Mecklenburg County to invest in capacity building opportunities that improve their management, develop audiences, strengthen fundraising, and achieve operating efficiencies. The program aims to support staff and board development at all levels of the organization and encourages a better understanding of environmental culture, history, white supremacist structures, and ways to embody equity in their work.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Orange County, North Carolina, to support innovative agricultural projects that enhance income and market access.

The Art Committee Grant Program, established by the City of Gastonia, aims to foster public access to quality arts programs, promote diversity in the arts, and stimulate economic development and tourism within the city. This initiative is rooted in North Carolina General Statute, which empowers local governments to establish and support arts programs and facilities through appropriations to governmental agencies, public or nonprofit private associations, corporations, or organizations. The program aligns with the city's broader mission to enrich the cultural landscape for its citizens and drive local economic growth through artistic endeavors. The program primarily targets eligible nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status that maintain a permanent office, practice/performance space, or physical address within Gastonia's municipal boundaries. The impact goals include expanding the reach of arts programs, increasing the diversity of artistic expressions available to the public, and ultimately contributing to the city's economic vitality and attractiveness as a tourist destination. By supporting these organizations, the program seeks to strengthen the local arts ecosystem. The core priorities and focus areas of this grant program revolve around supporting qualifying arts programs. The definition of "arts" is broad, encompassing performing arts, visual arts, and literary arts, including dance, drama, music, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, crafts, photography, film, video, architecture, design, and literature, when part of a performing, visual, or literary arts program. This wide scope ensures a diverse array of artistic expressions can receive funding, promoting comprehensive cultural development. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public engagement with the arts, a broader representation of diverse artistic forms and cultures, and a positive economic impact through tourism and local spending generated by arts events. While specific metrics are not detailed, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to local arts organizations, the City of Gastonia can directly enhance cultural accessibility and diversity, thereby creating a more vibrant community and stimulating economic benefits. The grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 per recipient. This funding mechanism is a direct implementation of the City Council's authority under Section 160A-488 of the North Carolina General Statute, reflecting a strategic priority to leverage local government capabilities for community enrichment. The program's design emphasizes support for organizations that are firmly rooted in the Gastonia community, ensuring that the investments directly benefit the city and its residents.