The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc
The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is a public charity based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, that supports arts, cultural, and history activities. Founded in 1973, it administers grants and allocations, provides arts-related programs and services, and produces public events and exhibitions.
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc at a glance
In short: The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc gave $1.2M across 20 grants in 2024 (avg $59K), mostly in North Carolina. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,182,608
- -1.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 20
- +42.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $59,130
- -31.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $16,100
- Total assets
- $4,524,902
- +11.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (4 of 19, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (76% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc
- Review Cycle
- The listed Mini Grants deadline is April 4, 2026.
- Deadline
- The listed Mini Grants deadline is April 4, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 301 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: (910) 323-1776
Website: https://theartscouncil.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc
Who The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Cape Fear Regional Theatre ($314K). Together the top 10 received $884K.
Grant Size Distribution
83 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 59 grants of 83 (71%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Arts Council’s organization grants and activities described on its website focus on Cumberland County. Its 2023 filing describes an individual artist grant program serving a five-county region; the Artist Support Grants list Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Scotland Counties. In 2024, 76% of grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 19 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. With only 19 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $62K. How we count
Medians: $12K first-time, $16K repeat.
- 63% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+19%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $758K (2020) to $1.2M (2023). In 2024 it made 20 grants totaling $1.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear Regional Theatre Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $314,441 |
| Various | Support of the Arts | $207,310 |
| Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $135,000 |
| Cool Spring Downtown District Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $133,000 |
| Cape Fear Botanical Gardens Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $106,287 |
| Sweet Tea Shakespeare Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $84,000 |
| Gilbert Theater Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $42,000 |
| Cultural and Heritage Alliance | Support of the Arts | $20,000 |
| Cumberland Choral Arts Fayetteville, NC | Support of the Arts | $17,570 |
| Crossroads Outreach Alternative Program Ministries | Support of the Arts | $16,200 |
Ready to take the next step with The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,524,902 | $3,152,194 | $2,847,296 | $1,182,608 | 20 | $123,780 |
| 2023 | $4,049,538 | $3,172,476 | $3,041,068 | $1,205,097 | 14 | $53,132 |
| 2022 | $3,779,003 | $2,578,724 | $2,331,137 | $831,369 | 15 | $-15,193 |
| 2021 | $3,778,733 | $2,817,380 | $2,108,807 | $991,984 | 19 | $37,344 |
| 2020 | $3,124,424 | $2,443,737 | $2,622,167 | $757,928 | 15 | $18,871 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Arts Council’s mission is to connect communities, embrace diversity, promote individual creativity, foster lifelong learning, and advance tourism and economic development through the arts.
Its grantmaking includes general operating support, project support, arts education, and grants for individual artists. Organization programs include Mission Based Grants for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with arts-, culture-, or history-focused missions, and Grassroots Art Project Grants for eligible organizations and other entities producing arts, culture, or history content in Cumberland County. Other listed opportunities include Project Support Grants, Mini Grants, and Artist Support Grants. The Artist Support Grants are for individual artists’ artistic or professional development, not organizations or general grants.
Among 2024 grantees, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra describes its mission as supporting the orchestra and musical education and appreciation in the area. Sweet Tea Shakespeare says it brings a diverse community together around story, song, and performance. Cumberland Choral Arts says it provides choral arts for Fayetteville and the surrounding community. These grantees illustrate the range of arts organizations receiving support.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Arts Council reported 20 grants totaling $1,182,608. Grant amounts ranged from $7,000 to $314,441, with a median of $16,100. The largest listed awards included $314,441 to Cape Fear Regional Theatre, $207,310 to Various, $135,000 to Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, $133,000 to Cool Spring Downtown District, $106,287 to Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, and $84,000 to Sweet Tea Shakespeare. The listed purposes were support of the arts.
For the 2026–2027 project period, Mission Based Grants provide general operating support; requests may not exceed 25% of the applicant’s prior-year operating expenses or $250,000, whichever is less. Eligible organizations must meet stated arts, service, programming, governance, and other requirements, and operating support generally requires a 1:1 match, waived for organizations with annual operating expenses below $250,000. Grassroots Art Project Grants allow requests up to $15,000, subject to a 25% limit of operating expenses; eligibility and matching requirements apply. Project Support Grants are for projects to be completed in specified fiscal years. Mini Grants offer up to $2,000 for art, cultural, or historical projects, and Artist Support Grants offer $500–$2,000 to eligible individual artists. The Arts Council offers workshops for applicants to learn about grant guidelines and the application process.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Devin Trego as chairman, Pavan Patel as treasurer, and Walter White as secretary. Listed board members are Rick Allen, Juelle McDonald, Sharon Smith McNair, Betty Goolsby, Chancer McLaughlin, Dr. Mary Ferguson, and Dr. Ericka Whitaker.
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc is led by Devin Trego, Chairman since 2024 (on filings since 2021); none of the 19 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Devin Trego
Chairman
Board Member → Vice Chairman, 2022
Vice Chairman → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenjuana McCray
Board Member
Secretary → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ray Thomas
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Allen
Board Member
Vice President → Chairman, 2022
Chairman → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Smith McNair
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Toni S. King
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Walter White
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Betty Goolsby
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chancer McLaughlin
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joy Melvin
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Juelle McDonald
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Luis Collazo
Vice Chairman
Board Member → Vice Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pavan Patel
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Henrickson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Caitlyn Barnett
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ericka Whitaker
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kerri Thompson Tillett
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Ferguson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Taneshia Kerr
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (28)
- Former: Cull Jordan III (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Lisa Sessoms (2020–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: David Trego (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: John Kistler III (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Leah King Metzger (2021–2023) — Secretary
- Former: James West (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Kathy Thaman (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Mariah Tyres (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Sherry Miller (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Vilas Tonape (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Rebecca Aul (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Amy Samperton (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Jean Moore (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Mayon Weeks (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Robert C. Pinson (2020–2021) — President
- Former: Tiffany Pennink (2020–2021) — President
- Former: Chas Sampson (2021) — Board Member
- Former: John Malzone (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Anna Hodges Smith (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Brent Sumner CPA (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Capt John Kistler III (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Daniel Montoya (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Gregory P. Weber (2020) — President
- Former: Hayat Hakim (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jean Harrison (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Katie Crawford Allen (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Leslie Pearson (2020) — Board Member
- Former: William Brooks (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc
How much does The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc give each year?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc gave $1.2M across 20 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.2M across 14 grants.
What is The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's typical grant size?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's median grant in 2024 was $16,100, and its average grant was $59,130, across 20 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc that year got $13K on average.
Where does The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc give grants?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fayetteville, NC (13 grants).
Does The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 20 grants with a stated purpose on The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support of the Arts" (19 grants).
Who are The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's largest grantees?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Cape Fear Regional Theatre ($314,441), Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra ($135,000) and Cool Spring Downtown District ($133,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc reported $4.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.2M.
What does The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc fund?
The Arts Council’s mission is to connect communities, embrace diversity, promote individual creativity, foster lifelong learning, and advance tourism and economic development through the arts. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check theartscouncil.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's EIN?
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7411600. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 23, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS January 28, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Cumberland Community Foundation Inc
Fayetteville, NC
Cumberland Community Foundation funds education, arts, health, youth development, basic needs, environmental and historic preservation, and other community needs, primarily in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,647,423, with a median of $28,199; it accepts online applications for its competitive Community Grants Program.
Assets
$149.2M
Grants
125
Total Given
$8.5M
Cumberland County Hospital System Inc
Fayetteville, NC
Cumberland County Hospital System supports healthcare, education, and community organizations, with 2024 grants going to North Carolina recipients. Its 11 grants ranged from $6,000 to $308,713, with a median of about $73,744; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
11
Total Given
$982K
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Thomas R & Elizabeth E McLean
Fayetteville, NC
The foundation funds North Carolina organizations in education, arts and culture, community services, and human services, including programs for people experiencing homelessness or seeking recovery. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $458,001, with a median of $21,000. It accepts written requests and has no stated deadline.
Assets
$25.8M
Grants
21
Total Given
$1.5M
Truist Foundation Inc
Orlando, FL
The foundation funds workforce development and career pathways, small-business support, and community development, especially for low-to-moderate-income communities and disadvantaged workers. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely, and its service area spans 17 East Coast states through Texas. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application and has a rolling deadline.
Assets
$547.9M
Grants
447
Total Given
$67.0M
Florence Rogers Charitable Trust
Fayetteville, NC
The trust funds education, health, arts and culture, emergency assistance, and community services, with primary emphasis on Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and southeastern North Carolina, though it considers requests from anywhere. Its 2026 grants ranged from $452 to $35,355, with a median of $5,000. It accepts applications anytime and provides instructions for submitting requests.
Assets
$3.3M
Grants
35
Total Given
$230K
More similar funders
More Funders in North Carolina
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-arts-council-of-fayetteville-cumberland-county-inc-morg_93e10f7aeb334be0bdbd11eca1118aa5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237411600_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-arts-council-of-fayetteville-cumberland-county-inc-morg_93e10f7aeb334be0bdbd11eca1118aa5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?