North Carolina Recreation Grants

This grant provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and local schools in Rowan County to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville seeks Mini Grants for independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals. Donor Name: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County State: North Carolina County: Cumberland County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Arts Council Mini Grants build capacity for Cumberland County artists by supporting one-time cultural arts events with a focus on growing the local arts economy, engaging new or innovative programming, and providing support to diverse artistic mediums to Cumberland County. Funding Information Requests between $500.00-$2,000.00  Requests for awards exceeding $2,000.00  Project Activities Arts, culture, and history projects, activities, or events that take place in Cumberland County, NC led by a participating artist or cultural/historical professional that can be completed within 6 months of the grant award. Creation of a new work with a public display within 6 months of the grant award. Allowable Expenses  Expenses and Restrictions for Artists Allowable Expenses for Artists include:  Requests between $500.00-$2,000.00  Contract Artist Fees  Other Contracted Services  Project supplies/materials  Space/equipment rental, etc.  Marketing/outreach expenses up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant budget  Applicant Artist Fees up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant budget  Restrictions for Artists include:  Requests for awards exceeding $2,000.00  Food and Drink expenses  Capital expenses  Funds for subgranting or awards/scholarships  Expenses for projects that are educational/curriculum requirements Eligibility Criteria  Artist/Lead Artist in an Ensemble, Collective, or Guild who resides in Cumberland County Ineligibility Projects that do not take place in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Projects led by an applicant who is not in good standing with the Arts Council.  Projects led by an applicant who has already been awarded 2 Arts Council artist grants within a fiscal year.  Fundraisers. Projects led by a producer or sponsor and not a lead participating artist or cultural/historical professional.  Public art projects that do not have a signed agreement or permits at the time of the application  Projects NOT accessible by the general public (free or otherwise). Projects that promote a particular religious dogma or faith. Projects that have previously been reviewed twice and were not funded.  Projects that have previously been funded in the same fiscal year. For more information, visit Arts Council of Fayetteville.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is seeking applications for its Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants. Donor Name: North Carolina Department of Commerce State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this program is to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity. Funding availability is at the discretion of the Rural Infrastructure Authority. RDED Grants will support projects that Provide public improvements that help retain business and attract customers to business districts. Support publicly owned downtown economic development initiatives that leverage main streets and downtown districts as economic engines. Facilitate publicly owned building improvements that are used for community-wide uses or mixed-use development in or on properties that are publicly owned and controlled. Funding Information The maximum grant amount is $850,000 per grantee and may not exceed $12,500 per projected job created or retained. Eligible Activities Public Infrastructure – Improvements to publicly owned infrastructure in a downtown district, that serves a community-wide use, such as lots, alleys, streetscapes, waterfront developments and parks. Public Buildings (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned buildings in a downtown district that serve a public, community-wide use, such as a community center, theater, civic center, recreation center, or library. Mixed-Use Downtown Development (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned property in a downtown district that may be zoned and developed for a mix of uses. The mix of use may include two or more of the following: retail, restaurant, service, professional, nonprofit, governmental, institutional, or residential. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are units of local government located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, and rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. For the purposes of this program, units of local government are defined as municipal or county governments within the state of North Carolina. For more information, visit NCDC.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is seeking applications to expand access to mental and behavioral health services and resources for youth through models that are effective in the short term (1-3 years), and which leverage a trained workforce that goes beyond specialty trained behavioral health care clinical and professional roles. Donor Name: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The trained workforce may include a variety of health and other professionals who regularly work with or on behalf of youth and are trained to identify, understand, and respond to the signs/symptoms of distress, trauma, mental health changes, or substance use and provide initial support and connection to resources for youth. Approaches should be effective at engaging communities that have significant barriers in access to care and may operate in communities, schools, health systems, faith-based settings, or other settings. Funding may support, among other things, strengthening organizational capacity or infrastructure, connecting care across settings, increasing access to training opportunities, and/or increasing access to culturally and linguistically relevant resources and materials for youth mental and behavioral health. Funding Information To support a variety of approaches, proposals can range from $75,000 to $500,000 per year, for up to three years. Grant Period Grant start date By November 1, 2024. Grant end date By November 30, 2027. Eligibility Criteria  Organization Size There are no limitations or minimum requirements with regard to an entities’ operating budget. Organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply. Organization Type Nonprofit: An organization that is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a). Fiscally sponsored program: A group or project with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization acting as a fiscal sponsor. Please note that the fiscal sponsor is considered the grantee and is responsible for all legal aspects of the project including reporting and financial management. Government entity or public instrumentality: This can include schools, tribal governments, etc. Coalitions: Applications involving more than one group or organization are welcome; however, one organization will be the recipient of the grant and must meet any of the criteria above. If a coalition applicant is invited for a finalist conversation, all coalition partners are expected to participate in the interview. Letters of support are not required for application submission. Organizations and coalitions of any size are eligible to apply if the other eligibility criteria have been met. For more information, visit BCBSNCF.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that promote youth hockey and address the health and education needs of children, particularly those from underserved communities.

The Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department awards small grants to local nonprofit agencies to support recreation opportunities in the county. Donor Name: Chatham County State: North Carolina County: Chatham County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding priorities for recreation grants will be recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The scoring will be based on the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department goals and objectives. Funding Information The amount for the grant for FY25 is tentatively $20,300. Funding Eligibility  The county does not fund start-up agencies. All agencies that apply for funding must have been in operation for at least three (3) years prior to being considered for a grant award. Agencies may not apply for funding for the same program from different county sources. Nonprofit agencies that are funded as part of the county operating budget may not apply for annual competitive funding awards via this policy. Any expenditure of these funds must satisfy the North Carolina Constitution’s public purpose requirement, which requires that public funds be expended for the benefit of all citizens. See N.C. Constitution Article V, Section 2(1). Funds must also be spent on projects, programs, or services that Chatham County has the authority to directly provide according to statutory authority in N.C.G.S. §153A-449. For more information, visit Chatham County.

The Community Foundation offers Human Services grants up to $20,000 for programs or projects that promise significant help for economically-disadvantaged people in mountain communities. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Human Services objectives are to: Address a timely community need or opportunity not being addressed by other agencies Continue, replicate or expand a proven program or project Increase cooperation and coordination among program providers Build the internal capacity of an organization to be more self-sufficient or efficient Purchase equipment that provides an immediate and substantial benefit. Eligibility Criteria Organizations are eligible to apply for Human Services grants if they: have missions or programs focused on serving economically-disadvantaged people; are financially sustainable; are tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental entities; are located in and serving one or more of these WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey; did not receive a Human Services grant during the most recent Human Services grant cycle. What they don’t Fund  general operating expenses (except for costs directly related to the proposed project or program) capital support for new buildings or major expansions recreational programs and equipment, including playgrounds private primary and secondary schools (except for projects or programs that are not directed toward the school’s students or staff and that directly address community needs) and private clubs festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers scholarships activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made sectarian religious purposes partisan political purposes endowment, deficit funding or debt retirement state or national organizations, unless (1) funding is sought for a portion of the program or project that directly benefits WNC, and (2) local people assume leadership of the program or project For more information, visit CFWNC.

WNC Community Enhancement grants will be awarded to qualified charitable organizations or eligible public agencies to fund projects in downtowns or commercial corridors or districts that enhance physical appearance and pedestrian experience. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priority will be given to projects located in rural or other under-resourced areas. Generally, the Foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 for projects not exceeding a total cost of $50,000. The Foundation may make exceptions to these limits at its discretion. Projects should be completed within one year of the award. An eligible organization may only submit one application per year. Project Eligibility Funded projects will be a “stand-alone” project rather than a small part of a larger and longer-term project. CFWNC anticipates that most approved projects will fall under one of the following broad categories: pedestrian/multi-modal improvements; beautification; infrastructure; or economic activities. Examples may include: Pedestrian/Multi-Modal Improvements – pedestrian signals, decorative crosswalk treatments, shade structures, pedestrian refuges/bump-outs, planters, benches, bicycle racks, parklets Beautifications – paint, plants/landscaping, public art, awnings, power washing, picnic tables, wayfinding signs, flags/banners, educational displays, trash receptacles Infrastructure – public access (steps/piers/walkways), lighting, permeable pavers, stormwater management Economic Activities – outdoor markets, food truck parking Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be: (1) tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public agencies or faith communities; and (2) located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. For more information, visit CFWNC.

The Moore County Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Moore County Community Foundation (MCCF) State: North Carolina County: Moore County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking program funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that includes things like human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $4,000. Eligibility Criteria  An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Organization with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Local governments (including public schools) Fire and rescue department Religious entities, including churches, congregations and other houses of worship, and/or faith-based organizations whose core functions/operations promote religious doctrine or are restricted to members of a particular faith may apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs to benefit the community-at-large, but they may not apply for general operating support. Only those organizations that serve the counties within the affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within the network, that organization may complete a separate application for each of those affiliates. Organizations must offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief. For more information, visit NCCF.

The Community Foundation for Randolph County (CFRC) is accepting grant applications from qualified charitable organizations serving the local community. Donor Name: Community Foundation for Randolph County (CFRC) State: North Carolina County: Randolph County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The community grantmaking program funds a broad range of purposes to meet local needs that includes things like human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, arts, and more. Grants will be awarded from the community grantmaking fund and the Randolph Health Community Foundation Endowment supporting health-related programs in and serving Randolph County. Funding Information Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000. Eligibility Criteria  An organization must meet the following criteria to apply: 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Organization with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organizations registered with the IRS Local governments (including public schools) Fire and rescue department Religious entities, including churches, congregations and other houses of worship, and/or faith-based organizations whose core functions/operations promote religious doctrine or are restricted to members of a particular faith may apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs to benefit the community-at-large, but they may not apply for general operating support. Only those organizations that serve the counties within the affiliate network will be considered. If an organization serves multiple counties within the network, that organization may complete a separate application for each of those affiliates. Organizations must offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief. For more information, visit NCCF.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) was created to provide financial assistance through grants, loan guarantees, or pledges of debt service to major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging properties in, and further economic development in Buncombe County. Donor Name: Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pojects receiving TPDF investment have not only created jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents, but they have also provided amenities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Policies The TPDF Committee may utilize a waiver of any non-legislatively mandated eligibility criteria to advance a project if it represents a significant impact upon lodging demand and Buncombe County economic sustainability. All projects must meet all eligibility criteria and requirements stated in legislation. Projects which either directly increase overnight lodging stays by themselves or support a larger initiative that will increase room nights will be evaluated equally. TPDF funds cannot be the first funds committed to a project. BCTDA reserves the right to cancel the grant application cycle at any time and for any reason. BCTDA reserves the right to award or deny grant funding to any project for any reason consistent with the intent of the legislation. Recognizing that its resources are limited, BCTDA may grant funding that is less than that requested by the applicant. BCTDA will not make payment directly to any vendor or individual. Payment will only be made to the applicant organization as reimbursement. If the grantee is unable to fund and/or complete the project, BCTDA may revoke all or part of the grant. The grantee may be forced to return some or all funding plus interest if the recipient is found to have used the funding inappropriately, if the project was not completed, or if the project scope or design was changed without approval of BCTDA. All applications are subject to the requirements regarding “public records” found in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Submitted applications will be disclosed upon request. The applicant assumes the burden of all their expenses associated with this application. Uses of funds Funding must be for capital investments only (“brick and mortar” projects – design not included). Operational expenses will not be considered for funding. Design fees already expended will be considered as counting towards the 1-to-1 funding match. Project Eligibility Project must be principally located in Buncombe County. Project must be a major tourism capital project that furthers economic development of Buncombe County. Project must demonstrate ability to increase patronage of lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting tourists, business travelers, or both. Project must not solely benefit a single lodging owner, lodging property, or be situated on a lodging property. At time of application, applicant must have legal control of the property through recorded deed or long-term lease agreement. If property is owned by a municipal partner, such as the City or County, a non-profit organization may provide a letter of support or other agreement with the municipal partner. Applicant must show how a minimum of a 1-to-1 funding match to the requested grant amount (excluding in-kind goods and services) will be achieved. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be a federally recognized non-profit organization or government entity. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, the organization must have been in operation for at least 2 years at the time of application Evaluation Criteria Application will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Viability of Project and Organization Financial Stability of the Requesting Organization Each applicant organization will be evaluated for financial sustainability, and their perceived ability to raise additional funds as needed to bring the project to completion. Strength of Business Planning If applicable, the proposed business plan for the project will be evaluated on its accuracy, completeness, and likelihood to support a successful and sustainable operation once the project has opened. Strength of Sales and Marketing Plan/Investment If applicable, sales and marketing plans for projects will be evaluated upon the likelihood they will succeed in drawing visitation to the destination. Timeliness of the Project Projects which are “shovel ready” may rate more highly than those which are still two or more years from beginning construction. 1-to-1 Funding Match Exceeded While it is a requirement for applying organizations to have secured a funding match equal to the amount for which they are applying from the TPDF, projects that exceed the 1-to-1 requirement may receive particular Destination Differentiator Strength of Brand Alignment Projects will be evaluated on whether they are consistent with the Asheville destination brand and provide additional support for the brand promise. Uniqueness and Innovation of Project Attractions and activities which are new to the region or not available to visitors living in key feeder markets for the destination may be valued more highly than those which duplicate offerings already available to visitors. Ability to Promote and Support the Local Creative Sector Projects which promote and support the community’s creators and makers, and which enhance the destination will receive greater consideration. Project Impact Ratio of Overnight Lodging Generated to Funding Requested The amount of TPDF funding requested will be analyzed versus the potential return of new overnight lodging demand in Buncombe County to be generated by the project. Generator of New and Incremental Room Nights The room night impact of a proposed project will be assessed on whether the project is drawing new visitors to the area, or simply pulling from existing visitors in Buncombe County while not increasing the number of new lodging room nights. Scope of Market to be Served Projects that target audiences capable of filling area lodging are valued, but projects that draw new and untapped niche markets to Buncombe County may also be worthy of consideration. Scope of Impact Upon Lodging The impact of a project upon Buncombe County lodging will be considered not only in terms of demand generated, but also in terms of the geographic impact. Projects capable of generating lodging demand in more than one area of the county may rate more favorably. Ability to Serve as a Contributing Asset Projects which support an important generator of destination room nights, or which could stimulate additional activity, but which may not generate significant room nights by themselves will be considered. Applicants should demonstrate the potential for additional community benefit if their project is built. Project as a True Motivator of Visits Projects will be evaluated based upon their ability to motivate new room nights, proven through sound analysis and data. Alignment with BCTDA’s Strategic Imperatives Deliver Balanced Recovery and Sustainable Growth Projects will be evaluated based upon whether they lead to balanced and sustainable growth through distribution of visitors geographically across the county or seasonally throughout the year or days of the week. Encourage Safe and Responsible Travel Projects which encourage care and respect for natural, cultural, and human resources, or support the sustainability of outdoor recreation, will be given greater consideration. Supports Engagement with and Appeal to More Diverse Audiences The committee will assess the ability of a project to diversify audiences and support of place making, community connections, and business opportunities throughout the county. For more information, visit BCTDA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that serve disadvantaged groups, including youth, the elderly, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities, to help them improve their services and capacity.

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.