North Carolina Local Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County that provide essential services to residents, focusing on community connectivity, economic opportunities, health, and safety.

The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) is seeking applications for the 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program. Donor Name: Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) State: North Carolina County: Orange County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate an arts organization. Typical uses of Grassroots money include: Program expenses such as professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music and theater equipment rental. Program-related requests have a maximum request limit of $5,000. Operating expenses for qualified arts and cultural organizations not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council or N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. These can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance and equipment rental. Organizations must have an arts-based mission and an annual operating budget of less than $2M in order to request operating funds. Operations-related requests have a maximum request limit of $5,000. Grant Period All projects must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year, and must be either a nonprofit organization or have a nonprofit sponsor to receive funds on their behalf. All organizations must physically reside in Orange County. (Organizations serving more than one county should apply for Grassroots funding through the county in which they are physically located) Organizations that receive general support funds through the N.C. Arts Council or the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources are not eligible for Grassroots funds. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds. Applications and support materials must be submitted electronically by the due date. For more information, visit OCAC.

The City of Salisbury in North Carolina is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service, offering $1,000 to $10,000 to support work benefiting low-moderate income individuals and families in Salisbury, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

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.

The City of Salisbury is offering a neighborhood beautification grant of $1000 to $10,000, prioritizing projects that enhance visibility, utilize quality materials, introduce new amenities, and add lasting value to the neighborhood, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

Is your organization or school planning an arts project in Moore County? Do you need funds to help get an arts project off the ground or just need operating funds? The Arts Council of Moore County may be able to help! Donor Name: Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) State: North Carolina County: Moore County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Performances Festivals Art Exhibitions After-school arts programs Arts camps Artist Residencies Artist fees for classes, workshops, masterclasses, clinics Marketing expenses Royalties, props, sets, and costumes for theatre performances Equipment rental. Grant Period ACMC holds one grant period each year–July 31 to June 30. Eligible Criteria All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. Applicants must be a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)3 Federal tax-exempt status. (School projects are covered through Moore County School’s nonprofit status.) An organization without tax-exempt status may receive indirect funding for its arts project by having another nonprofit organization serve as its fiscal agent. It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that a copy of its (or its Fiscal Agent’s) IRS tax-exempt status is on file with ACMC. All organizations must operate and carry out projects within Moore County. Only one Grassroots subgrant application is allowed per organization. Organizations that receive direct support from the NC Arts Council are not eligible for Grassroots funds. Individual artists are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds but may apply for an Artists Support Grant. Applications and support materials must be complete and received by the grant deadline. For more information, visit ACMC.

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 Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

The Tourism Grant Program offered by the Town of Matthews is designed to provide financial assistance to organizations that deliver events or programs promoting visitation and tourism in Matthews. Donor Name: Town of Matthews State: North Carolina Town: Matthews Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant is funded solely through tourism related taxes (hotel occupancy, prepared food & beverage, car rentals). Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must have a current non-profit status Promotion of tourism and visitation to Matthews must be a goal of the project listed on the application Programs should have short and/or long-term potential of attracting visitors to Matthews Organizations receiving grants are required to submit a post project report Programs listed on the application must take place between July 1, 2024 – June 13, 2025; Programs that take place prior to grant award decisions are eligible Grant funding remaining unspent must be returned to the Town of Matthews by June 30, 2025 Submitted applications must include all information requested. For more information, visit Town of Matthews.

This program recognizes and rewards individuals, organizations, and students in Raleigh for their outstanding efforts in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate action.

The Artist Support Grant provides direct support to individual artists for professional and artistic development, either to enhance their skills and abilities to create work, or to improve their business operations and capacity to bring the work to audiences. Donor Name: Stokes County Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information $500 – $1,500 Eligibility Criteria The Artist Support Grant is intended to support a broad range of talented visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists. Emerging and established artists  Eligible candidates may be either emerging or established artists. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to spending a significant portion of their time on their work as artists. Individuals and groups  Individuals and Artist Collectives Both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible to apply.  All members of a collaborating team must be North Carolina residents, live in the region where they are applying, and meet the other eligibility requirements. Résumés documenting residence from all team members should be included with the application. Residency  Artists should have lived in the region where they are applying continuously for at least one year prior to the consortium’s application deadline. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Proof of residence and status may be required by the consortium. Artists who live in more than one region should apply only where they spend the majority of the year. Regions Region 2: Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington  Region 10: Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin  Region 14: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and McDowell  Region 16: Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey For more information, visit Stokes County Arts Council.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants for enhancements to building facades, landscapes, and parking lots and the installation of new pedestrian elements. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MSD Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Downtown Municipal Service District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information Grants are awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000. Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, bicycle racks, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies  Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details  Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Municipal Service District  Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

The Asheville Area Arts Council is seeking applications for its Arts for Schools to provide in school arts programming for students attending economically disadvantaged schools. Donor Name: Asheville Area Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Buncombe County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Arts for Schools grant program helps Buncombe County nonprofit arts organizations and teaching artists provide arts focused performances, workshops, residencies, field trips for students attending Buncombe County and City of Asheville K-12 public schools. For a limited time, this grant will also include support for arts focused afterschool and camp programs. Funding Information Grants for in school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out of school programs range from $500-$5,000. Program must take place between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be located in Buncombe County for at least 1 year. Applicants must be a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization OR a qualified teaching artist. Qualified Teaching Artist- To be considered a qualified teaching artist, you must have either a BA or BFA in their specific art form, or an equivalent in training and experience. Must have at least 5 years of experience working in arts education. Programs must serve students in Buncombe County or City of Asheville K-12 public schools. Programs must be free for students and schools (this could include providing a specific number of scholarships). Align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and Essential Standards For in school programs: A school partnership agreement form is required as part of your application. For out of school programs: Applicants are ineligible to apply if they already receive funding for the proposed arts-focused program from Dogwood Health Trust’s WNC After 3pm initiative. For camps: Only 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations may apply for funding for camps, and the camp must be a program of that arts nonprofit. For more information, visit ArtsAVL.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber’s Small Business Assistance Grant pilot program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the City of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the Chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in our community. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The Chamber recognizes the value of entrepreneurism/small businesses who bring innovation, quality of life, jobs, and investment to the community. Businesses who receive funding through this program will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses. Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber investors (members) in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the City of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the City of Salisbury limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main St. & West Innes St. Small business grant overview: Businesses located in City of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full time equivalent). They must be a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State and have appropriate permits to operate. They must submit a quality business plan (FREE assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center) Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring) Grant funds may NOT be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees) Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hanover County that align their initiatives with the county's strategic goals and enhance community services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in New Hanover County to enhance community arts experiences through operational and programming initiatives.

This funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations and community-based entities in Fayetteville, North Carolina, that are working to reduce opioid overdoses and improve health outcomes through various evidence-based programs and services.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Holly Springs to help them carry out community-focused activities that align with the town's strategic priorities.

This funding opportunity is designed to support non-profit organizations in Fayetteville that provide essential services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, focusing on emergency shelter, street outreach, and housing stability.

Arts Davidson County is now accepting applications for North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program. Donor Name: Arts Davidson County State: North Carolina County: Davidson County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Arts Davidson County serves as the North Carolina Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Davidson County.  Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate an arts organization. Typical uses of Grassroots money include: Program expenses such as professional artists’ fees and travel expenses, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music and equipment rental. Operating expenses for qualified arts organizations not already receiving operating support from the NC Arts Council. These can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance and equipment rental. Priorities The first priority of the Grassroots Arts subgrant program is to provide operating or program support to qualified arts organizations not already receiving or eligible to receive support from the N.C. Arts Council. These include theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writers’ groups and arts festivals, among others. The second priority of the Grassroots Arts subgrant program is to support arts learning and arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, after school or summer camps or adult arts learning classes. The third priority of Grassroots Arts subgrants is to community, civic and municipal organizations. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists. Funding Information Grant amounts range from $500 and up. All projects must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 15, 2025. Eligibility Criteria All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also apply. All organizations must reside and carry out projects within the county they are applying for funds. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds. Applications and support materials must be completed and received by the due date. All applicants must send a designated representative from their organization to one of the Grassroots Arts Program Subgrant Workshops held by Arts Davidson County. For more information, visit Arts Davidson County.