Arts & Science Council: Strategic Investment Grants (SIG)

The Arts & Science Council's Strategic Investment Grants (SIG) offer up to $50,000 to support established nonprofits in Mecklenburg County focused on arts, science, history, and heritage. These grants aim to enhance organizational capacity through project-based funding, encouraging sustainable growth and collaboration in the community. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding to strengthen management, improve fundraising, and achieve operational efficiencies between October 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026.

The Strategic Investment Grant is designed to provide funding to established nonprofits in Mecklenburg County with a primary mission centralized in arts, science, history, and/or heritage. This support will fund one-time strategic opportunities to invest in their organization’s growth and sustainability. These project-based grants aim to significantly improve an organization’s management, strengthen fundraising, provide a unique learning opportunity for staff/board, and/or achieve operating efficiencies for maximized impact. By investing in these capacity-building initiatives among local nonprofits and fostering collaboration throughout the creative ecosystem and with other sectors, this grant recognizes that targeted strategic investments are fundamental to achieving sustained community benefit.
Projects must take place: Between October 1, 2025 – May 1, 2026.    Grant amount: ASC will make grants up to $50,000 for project-based support.For requests up to $10,000, a match is not required.
For requests up to $50,000, ASC requires grantees to provide 50% matching funds toward the project expenses via funding from other grants, cash, or in-kind. This requirement demonstrates additional buy-in, financial sustainability, and expansion of the impact of this request among your organization. Organizations with an operating budget of $1.25 million or more must provide matching funds.

Eligibility

Must be a 501(c)3 public charity, have a determination letter, and be in good status/current on filed tax returns.