The Arts Council Inc
The Arts Council Inc is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and supports arts and cultural activity through grants and access to venues. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County describes itself as an advocate for the region’s arts and cultural sector and says it provides grant funding, fiscal sponsorships, artist opportunities, and in-kind marketing support to arts partners.
Key facts about The Arts Council Inc
In short: The Arts Council Inc gave $1.2M across 38 grants in 2025 (avg $31K), mostly in North Carolina. 16% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 56-0526856
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,190,897
- Grants made (2025)
- 38
- Average grant
- $31,339
- Median grant
- $28,043
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (6 of 38, 2025)
- Total assets
- $10,578,104
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The website provides application information for specific grant programs. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The General Operating Support Grants deadline listed for the cycle described above was October 15, 2025; the Artist…
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$10.6M
-12.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.2M
-29.9% YoY
Grant Count
38
-13.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$31K
-18.9% YoY
Is The Arts Council Inc open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 38 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $25K; repeat grants $33K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 74% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−8%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission stated on the filing is to support and advance “the legacy of innovation in and access to the arts as a core community value,” by providing grants and venues for artists and arts organizations and creating an environment in which the arts flourish.
The Arts Council’s website describes support for arts education, venue access and programming, and funding and other support for artists and arts organizations. Its grants include operating support for arts and culture organizations and direct support for individual artists’ professional and artistic development.
The grantees’ own mission statements illustrate the range of organizations receiving support. MUSE WINSTON-SALEM says it connects and enriches the community through history and storytelling. Triad Cultural Arts describes itself as a community-based multidisciplinary organization focused on recognition of Black American history and culture. Authoring Action says it uses creative writing, spoken word, visual and media arts, filmmaking, and leadership education to transform lives and promote systemic change. These are grantees’ stated missions, not the Arts Council’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Arts Council reported 38 grants totaling $1,190,897. Awards ranged from $5,601 to $125,000, with a median of $28,042. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina.
Review Cycle
shown for that cycle was October 15, 2025, which has passed.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from The Arts Council Inc
Artist Support Grant - North Carolina Arts Council Region 11
The Arts Council Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Express Grants (South Arts)
The Arts Council Inc
Amount
Up to $3,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
National Emergency Grants for Dancers (Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant)
The Arts Council Inc
Amount
Up to $3,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with The Arts Council Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 filing reports that 100% of grant dollars went to North Carolina recipients. The website’s General Operating Support Grants require organizations to operate programs and services primarily in Forsyth County. The Artist Support Grant serves artists residing in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Guilford, and Randolph counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 38 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $479K (2020) to $1.7M (2024). In 2025 it made 38 grants totaling $1.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools ($125K). Together the top 10 received $592K.
Grant Size Distribution
166 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 132 grants of 166 (80%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $125,000 |
| Southeastern Center for Contemporar Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $101,749 |
| Muse Winston-Salem Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $89,425 |
| University of North Carolina School of the Arts Foundation Inc Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $67,211 |
| Communidad Mujer Valiosa Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $35,000 |
| Royal Curtain Drama Guild Inc Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $35,000 |
| Triad Cultural Arts Inc Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $35,000 |
| Winston-Salem Mixxer Inc Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $35,000 |
| Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $34,500 |
| Creative Center of North Carolina Winston-Salem, NC | Operating Assistance | $34,003 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $10,578,104 | $3,398,838 | $4,609,971 | $1,190,897 |
| 2024 | $12,059,455 | $5,498,748 | $6,181,158 | $1,699,498 |
| 2023 | $12,738,849 | $3,345,650 | $4,795,140 | $1,223,777 |
The filings report 44 grants in 2024 and 40 in 2023.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $10,578,104 | $12,059,455 | $12,738,849 |
| Revenue | $3,398,838 | $5,498,748 | $3,345,650 |
| Expenses | $4,609,971 | $6,181,158 | $4,795,140 |
| Net Investment Income | $89,934 | $17,836 | $-33,744 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 25, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Howard Upchurch as chairman and Samantha Howard End 7425 as CEO. It lists Dr. Lynn Anthony, Courtney Benfield, Cindy Gindrich, Iris Cole, Melinda McConnell, Whitney Harness, Sue Henderson, and Stephanie Brown as board members.
The Arts Council Inc is led by Shannon Henry, Interim President since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 23 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Shannon Henry
Interim President
Board Member → Interim President, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Howard Upchurch
Chairman
Interim President → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$46K (2024) → $59K (2025)
Cheryl Lindsey
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Iris Cole
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Anthony
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melinda McConnell
Board Member
Chair → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rosa Otera
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Lancaster
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sue Henderson
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Talitha Vickers
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth Pettigrew
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Courtney Payne Benfield
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robin Miller
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ben Schwab
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Gindrich
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Darrell Farewell
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erica Palmiter
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Caraway
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Pierce
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Davis III
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Brown
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Berlin
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Whitney Harness
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (38)
- Former: Samantha Howard (2025) — CEO · Filing note: Ended 7425
- Former: Camille Kluttz-Leach (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Chad Cheek (2020–2024) — President
- Former: Claire Tuttle (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Clare Fader (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Drew Gerstmyer (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jake Wharton (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jason Kaplan (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Lindsay (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Peggy Reingold (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Steve Berlin (2020–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Chase Law (2021–2024) — President · Filing note: Ended 21624
- Former: Jacinta White (2021–2024) — Board Member · Filing note: Ended December
- Former: Linda Gaskins (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Todd Bankhead (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Amy Reynolds (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Rich Geiger (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Stephan Dragisic (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Tracy Preston (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Christina Soriano (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Eric Swaim (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Kelley (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Suggs (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Nigel Alston (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Paula McCoy (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Richard Geiger (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: John Helmle (2020–2022) — Board Member · Filing note: Ended 62022
- Former: Lance Latham (2020–2022) — Board Member · Filing note: Ended 72022
- Former: Rick Moss (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Robert Slappey (2020–2022) — Board Member · Filing note: Ended 42022
- Former: Dana Caudill Jones (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Randy Eaddy (2020–2021) — President · Filing note: Ended 123120
- Former: Silvia Rodriguez (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ken Pettigrew (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Adriana Granados (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Holly Pavlika (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Portia Mount (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Shaheen Syal (2020) — Vice Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $59K, to Howard Upchurch (Chairman). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 251 North Spruce St, Winstonsalem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 722-2585
Website: https://intothearts.org
Frequently asked questions about The Arts Council Inc
How much does The Arts Council Inc give each year?
The Arts Council Inc gave $1.2M across 38 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.7M across 44 grants.
What is The Arts Council Inc's typical grant size?
The Arts Council Inc's median grant in 2025 was $28,043, and its average grant was $31,339, across 38 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Arts Council Inc that year got $25K on average.
Where does The Arts Council Inc give grants?
The Arts Council Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Winston-Salem, NC (35 grants).
Does The Arts Council Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Arts Council Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (38 of 38) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Arts Council Inc's largest grantees?
The Arts Council Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools ($125,000), Southeastern Center for Contemporar ($101,749) and Muse Winston-Salem ($89,425), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 27% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Arts Council Inc?
The Arts Council Inc reported $10.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.4M.
What does The Arts Council Inc fund?
The mission stated on the filing is to support and advance “the legacy of innovation in and access to the arts as a core community value,” by providing grants and venues for artists and arts organizations and creating an environment in which the arts flourish. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Arts Council Inc?
The website provides application information for specific grant programs. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Arts Council Inc's EIN?
The Arts Council Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-0526856. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Arts Council Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Arts Council Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Winston-Salem Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Winston-Salem Foundation funds nonprofits and community groups serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, across areas including education, housing, health, arts, community development, and human services. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; specific programs offer up to $2,000 for small grants, $30,000 for civic engagement and inclusion, and $15,000 through The Women’s Fund. It accepts applications through its grants portal for listed programs, subject to their requirements and deadlines.
Assets
$630.1M
Grants
823
Total Given
$90.4M
Reynolds American Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
Assets
$56.0M
Grants
280
Total Given
$3.5M
Ta John W and Anna H
Winston-Salem, NC
This foundation supports charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects, prioritizing short-term or non-recurring work in areas such as arts, education, health, human services, and the environment. It funds North Carolina public charities, with a focus on Winston-Salem and Forsyth County; 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $500,000, with a median of $27,500. It accepts applications by email on a quarterly schedule; unsolicited requests are not specifically addressed.
Assets
$16.8M
Grants
52
Total Given
$2.5M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce development, local economic development and recovery, disaster resilience, conservation, and economic opportunity in communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It reports more than $30 million in annual charitable grants; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $25,000, and applications of $20,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should contact their local Foundation representative before applying.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds nonprofits and other eligible organizations working in areas such as education, health and human services, the environment, youth development, and animal welfare, primarily across 13 counties in North and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grants are donor-recommended and have no application process, while some competitive programs accept applications under program-specific rules.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
North Carolina Baptist Hospital
Winston-Salem, NC
North Carolina Baptist Hospital supports North Carolina organizations working in health and community programs, including children’s learning, trauma care, housing, food security, and civic engagement. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,000 to $200,000, with a median of $20,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
17
Total Given
$634K
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
Winston-Salem, NC
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation funds North Carolina-serving work in democracy, the environment, public education, social and economic justice, and community-led initiatives. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $1.2 million, with a median of $50,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests, but holds open application periods.
Assets
$23.6M
Grants
298
Total Given
$21.7M
Strickland Family Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Strickland Family Foundation supports education, community services, public health, and religious organizations, with most of its giving in North Carolina. In 2024, grants ranged from $250 to $276,000, with a median award of $2,250. The available information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$50.6M
Grants
114
Total Given
$2.2M
Truist Foundation Inc
Orlando, FL
The foundation funds nonprofit work that advances economic mobility and opportunity, especially workforce and career pathways, small-business support, and community development for low-to-moderate-income and disadvantaged people. Grants reach communities along the East Coast through Texas; the 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application, with annual cycle deadlines of March 31, July 31, and November 30.
Assets
$547.9M
Grants
447
Total Given
$67.0M
North Carolina Humanities Council
Charlotte, NC
North Carolina Humanities funds nonprofit-led public humanities projects—such as discussions, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops—that explore the state’s stories and encourage dialogue. Recent grants typically ranged from $10,000 to $20,000, and it welcomes projects from across North Carolina. Its materials describe an application process for specific grant opportunities, but do not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
20
Total Given
$374K
Forsyth Memorial Hospital Inc
Winston-Salem, NC
Forsyth Memorial Hospital funds health promotion and community programs, including access to care, maternal and infant health, community outreach, and workforce development, primarily in Forsyth County and elsewhere in North Carolina. Its 2024 grants ranged from $6,000 to $948,206, with a median award of $22,250; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.2B
Grants
22
Total Given
$2.1M
Lawrence & Etta Lea Pope Foundation
Kernersville, NC
The Lawrence & Etta Lea Pope Foundation supports North Carolina charities, including organizations focused on crisis services, domestic violence, aging, economic development, food assistance, and community needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $25,000, with a median of $10,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.9M
Grants
19
Total Given
$212K
More Funders in North Carolina
The Arts Council Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?