ASC: Culture Blocks Grant Program for Organizations

The ASC: Culture Blocks Grant Program for Organizations empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to provide accessible arts, science, and history experiences in underserved neighborhoods. With a focus on community engagement, the program supports various cultural activities while ensuring they align with local needs. Funding is strictly for program-related expenses, promoting creativity and inclusivity without covering operational costs or salaries. This initiative is crucial for fostering community connection and enriching cultural expression through diverse programming.

NOTE: As of 2025, creative individuals and nonprofits must use different applications and follow separate submission requirements. If you are an individual applicant, please see ASC: Culture Blocks Grant Program for Individuals.
Purpose and overview
The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Local Arts Agency and the cultural catalyst, driving economic growth and community retention through the arts, sciences, and culture. ASC leads as the voice of culture in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, fueling community retention and upward mobility for all our residents.
ASC Culture Blocks is a vital piece of ASC’s mission to actively remove barriers to access and connect communities across Mecklenburg County with free arts, science, and history experiences. Culture Blocks is funded by Mecklenburg County and administered by the Arts & Science Council in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Libraries and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.
The program organizes funds and supports cultural experiences shaped by residents, close to where they live, and delivered through our partnership with public libraries, recreation centers, parks, and other community spaces. These programs are focused within historically underserved neighborhoods, with minimal opportunities or access to arts, science, and history experiences.
Culture Blocks offers a wide range of programs, including though not limited to workshops and experiences in visual arts, dance, theater, writing, photography, culinary arts, music classes, film screenings, concerts, festivals, and multicultural events. These programs serve neighborhoods in Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville.
Community Involvement - Community is Key
At the heart of Culture Blocks is its people. ASC is committed to our investment in fostering diverse, self-sustaining communities that enhance cultural expression and promote a sense of belonging for all residents. Ownership and involvement of residents in these programs are key. Culture Block Program providers develop their experiences based on feedback gathered from the community through ASC Community Gatherings. Proposals are only accepted if they clearly demonstrate how community feedback has shaped the planned activities and experiences. This ensures that all programs and experiences align with the local needs and interests that have been expressed through community feedback by the individuals within those communities.
Key Program Intentions
Programming must prioritize enriching experiences that are accessible to a broad audience rather than professional development or training for specific groups.
Culture Blocks supports programs that can engage and enrich the community at any time without the need for prior training, offering flexibility and accessibility.
Funding is designated for the direct delivery of programming and does not cover start-up costs or capacity-building efforts.

Eligibility

Non-Profit Status: Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization in good standing.   Financial Documentation: Organizations must provide the 990 form for the previous year. Program Alignment: Proposed programs must align with Culture Blocks’ mission to provide accessible arts, science, and history experiences in neighborhood settings. Community Feedback Themes, Partners contact list by Block and Culture Blocks’ designated Geographic Areas.  Funding Usage: Funds must be used for program-related expenses, including artist fees, materials, marketing, and operational support directly related to Culture Blocks activities.   Community Engagement: Programs must demonstrate a strong connection to community needs and actively engage residents.   Reporting & Evaluation: Funded organizations must track participation data, assess program impact, and submit reports as required by ASC.   Programming must take place: Between January 1 – December 31, 2026.    One Application Per Cycle Policy: Culture Blocks is now implementing a one-application-per-cycle policy. The new policy is designed to support a more equitable review process and ensure fair distribution of funding across our community. We encourage applicants to submit their strongest proposal each cycle.

Ineligibility

Culture Blocks funding is specifically intended to support the direct expenses of creative individuals or non-profit organizations delivering programs. Before applying, please review the following restrictions:  Ongoing staff or faculty salaries within organizations.  Operating expenses, including staff salaries, marketing budgets, annual product licenses, membership fees, and web hosting fees.  Investments in technology or software.   Capital expenditures, such as laptops, digital cameras, kilns, instruments, or other equipment purchases, are not eligible for funding.  Applicants cannot budget for lost revenue or income offsets.  Programs involving PreK-12 children during school hours are not eligible for funding.  Programs designed for fundraisers are not eligible for funding.  Programming occurring out the designated areas within the Block’s will be not considered.   Food and beverages are generally not funded, except for specific cases (e.g., snacks for after-school youth programs only or water for physical activities like dance).  Mileage or mileage reimbursement is not covered.  Custom T-shirts for programs are ineligible.  Costumes and props are typically not funded but may be considered on a case-by-case basis, up to 10% of the total program budget.  Culture Blocks does not fund temporary lodging or airfare.