United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc
United Arts Council of Catawba, based in Hickory, North Carolina, is a public charity that funds arts, cultural, science, and history activities. It now operates as Arts Culture Catawba; the organization launched that name and rebrand in 2024. Its website describes its role as a community subgranter of state, local-government, and private funds.
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc at a glance
In short: United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc gave $349K across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $35K), mostly in North Carolina. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $349,188
- -25.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- -9.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $34,919
- -18.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $29,862
- Total assets
- $2,003,771
- +55.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 10, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (68% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc
- How to Apply
-
The website provides application forms and instructions. Applicants can save work in progress by signing into or creating a user account.
- Review Cycle
- The Artist Support Grant application period runs September 1–30, 2026. The Projects Pool Grant schedule lists applications opening February 8, 2027, due April 5, 2027, with panel presentations on May 12, 2027; the website says 2027 guidelines and materials are coming soon. Community Cultural Grant applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the event.
- Deadline
- The Artist Support Grant application period runs September 1–30, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 243 3Rd Ave Ne Box 5, Hickory, NC 28601
Phone: (828) 324-4906
Website: https://artscatawba.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 9 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Catawba Science Center ($35K). Together the top 9 received $237K.
Grant Size Distribution
53 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 43 grants of 53 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization’s stated mission and the Projects Pool and Community Cultural Grant descriptions focus on Catawba County. Its 2025 grant list names recipients in North Carolina. The Artist Support Grant serves artists residing in Region 14, listed as Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, and McDowell counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 10 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. How we count
- 100% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+18%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $295K (2022) to $551K (2021). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $349K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Various Smaller Organizations | Assistance with Art Education, Performances, Festivals and Projects | $112,202 |
| Catawba Science Center Hickory, NC | Assistance with Educational Oppotunities to Promote the Sciences | $35,314 |
| Western Piedmont Symphony Hickory, NC | Assistance with Symphonic Performances | $33,638 |
| Hickory Community Theatre Hickory, NC | Assistance with Promotiion of Dramatic Performances | $31,828 |
| Hickory Choral Society Hickory, NC | Assistance with Promotion of Choral Performances | $31,668 |
| The Green Room Newton, NC | Assistance with Performing Arts | $28,055 |
| Hickory Museum of Art Hickory, NC | Assistance with promotion of arts such as sculptures, paintings, etc | $24,033 |
| Catawba County Historical Society Newton, NC | Assistance with Historical Facilities & Events | $21,570 |
| Hickory Landmarks Society Hickory, NC | Assistance with maintenance and education related to historic properties | $20,880 |
| Lenoir Rhyne University Hickory, NC | Assistance with Writer Series | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,003,771 | $704,061 | $664,053 | $349,188 | 10 | $42,875 |
| 2024 | $1,286,937 | $883,106 | $865,552 | $470,237 | 11 | $23,653 |
| 2023 | $1,237,667 | $732,229 | $681,032 | $411,311 | 11 | $19,276 |
| 2022 | $1,159,408 | $748,175 | $526,714 | $295,399 | 10 | $43,809 |
| 2021 | $1,073,621 | $753,085 | $750,928 | $550,854 | 11 | $47,901 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission, as stated in its 2024 filing, is “advancing the cultural life of Catawba County through grants, marketing and fundraising.” Its current website says it promotes, nurtures, and funds excellence in individuals and organizations that provide creative experiences for residents and visitors.
Its programs include grants to organizations for arts projects and cultural events, and grants and scholarships for individual artists. The organization’s 2024 filing also describes allocating funds to affiliates and other arts programs, including support for performances and arts education.
The 2025 grants show support for a range of local organizations. Catawba Science Center describes its mission as inspiring learning through science and wonder; Western Piedmont Symphony says it enriches and engages communities through symphonic music and educational opportunities. Hickory Community Theatre says it promotes theatre and educates and mentors aspiring actors, while Hickory Choral Society describes its work as performance, music education, and advancing social harmony. Hickory Museum of Art says it brings people together and inspires creativity through art. Hickory Landmarks Society says it leads the protection of historically or architecturally significant landmarks in the Hickory region.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 10 grants totaling $349,188. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $112,202, with a median of $29,862. The largest listed award was $112,202 to various smaller organizations for assistance with art education, performances, festivals, and projects.
Other 2025 awards included $35,314 to Catawba Science Center, $33,638 to Western Piedmont Symphony, $31,828 to Hickory Community Theatre, $31,668 to Hickory Choral Society, $28,055 to The Green Room, $24,033 to Hickory Museum of Art, $21,570 to Catawba County Historical Society, $20,880 to Hickory Landmarks Society, and $10,000 to Lenoir Rhyne University.
The website describes several application routes:
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Alexis Abernathy, Maryfrances Carter, Arnita Dula, Thelma Eley, Tracey Bolick, Charlie Fox, and Rebecca Hart as board members; Katherine Rogers as president elect; Alex Frick as immediate past president; and Kitty Barnes as secretary.
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc is led by Ingrid Keller, Executive Director on every filing since 2022; 1 of 25 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Ingrid Keller
Executive Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$40K (2022) → $81K (2025)
Patricia Thompson
President
Board Member → President Elect, 2024
President Elect → President, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adele James McCarty
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alex Frick
Immediate Past President
Preident Elect → President, 2024
President → Immediate Past President, 2025
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Hetzel
Board Member
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bonita Ferretti
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Treadaway
Board Member
Past President → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Watson
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Hart
Board Member
Board Member → Vice President, 2023
Vice President → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Victoria Martin
Treasurer
Treasurer → Board Member, 2023
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Hayes
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Rogers
President Elect
Secretary → Vice President, 2024
Vice President → President Elect, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Roper
Vice President
Board Member → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tracey Bolick
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jerry McCombs
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kitty Barnes
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Landon Lane III
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alfred McCorkle
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Thao
Board Member
Past President → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alexis Abernathy
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Arnita Dula
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Charlie Fox
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Luther Rollins
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maryfrances Carter
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thelma Eley
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (21)
- Former: Alan Jackson (2021–2024) — Past President
- Former: Allen Wood (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Christine Almeida (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Kimberly Wallace (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Patricia Middleton (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Scott Anderson (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Justin Fox (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Erik Cortez (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Erin Hooks (2021–2023) — Past President
- Former: Linda Greenwell (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Will Locke (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Adam Stewart (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Danielle Cannon (2021–2022) — Past President
- Former: Kathy Greathouse (2021–2022) — Former Executive Director
- Former: Ken Elliott (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Kent Kerly (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Aarti Sura (2021) — President Elect
- Former: Cameron Cook (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ken Wilkinson (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Lynn Loehr (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Shuford Abernethy (2021) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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 $81K, to Ingrid Keller (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc
How much does United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc give each year?
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc gave $349K across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $470K across 11 grants.
What is United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's typical grant size?
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's median grant in 2025 was $29,862, and its average grant was $34,919, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc give grants?
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 68% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Hickory, NC (7 grants) and Newton, NC (2 grants).
Does United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's largest grantees?
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Catawba Science Center ($35,314), Western Piedmont Symphony ($33,638) and Hickory Community Theatre ($31,828), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc?
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc reported $2.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $704K.
What does United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc fund?
The organization’s mission, as stated in its 2024 filing, is “advancing the cultural life of Catawba County through grants, marketing and fundraising.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc?
The website provides application forms and instructions. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's EIN?
United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-6065114. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
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 2021 (received by the IRS September 30, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 26, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS October 29, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-arts-council-of-catawba-county-inc-morg_953938b4ad7a48a58a38848d25b6805e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_566065114_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Arts Council of Catawba County Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-arts-council-of-catawba-county-inc-morg_953938b4ad7a48a58a38848d25b6805e},
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 United Arts Council of Catawba 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.
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