Grassroots Arts Program

Grassroots Arts Program

Funder: Arts Council of Henderson County (administers NC Arts Council funds)

Purpose: Provides funding for arts and cultural organizations to conduct quality arts programs and experiences.

Geographic Scope: Henderson County, NC

Funding Amount: Henderson County receives $79,554.00 in state funding to distribute. Individual grants range from $1,000 and up.

Match Requirement: All sub-grantees must match their state grant amounts dollar-for-dollar from other public or private sources. Other NC Arts Council grant funds cannot be used as a match.

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Nonprofit organizations only (501(c)(3) status preferred, but organizations that are nonprofit in nature may apply)
• Individual artists are NOT eligible — only organizations
• Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year
• All projects must take place within Henderson County
• Projects must be completed and all funds spent by June 30, 2026

What Grassroots Arts Program Funds

Typical Uses:
• Professional artists' fees and travel
• Space rental
• Marketing and advertising
• Costumes, sets, props, and equipment rental
• Limited operating expenses for qualified arts organizations not already receiving NC Arts Council operating support
• Performances and festivals
• Arts camps and after-school programs
• Artist residencies for K-12 schools
• Art walks and studio tours (marketing)
• Royalties, props, sets, and costumes for theater
• Equipment rental for arts programming
• Space rental for arts programming

What Grassroots Arts Program Does NOT Fund:

Individual applicants

Art, music, and dance therapists

Purchase of artwork

Capital expenditures

Equipment or art supplies purchases

Technical assistance

Oral history and history projects

Fundraising events

Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment

Internal school programs (band activities, choral activities, equipment)

Prizes, competitions, scholarships, tuition, or financial awards

Interest on loans, fines, deficit reduction, or litigation costs

Requirements for Sub-grantees

• Sign a sub-grant contract with Henderson County government
• Prominently display the North Carolina Arts Council logo with tagline on all funded events and in all digital and printed publicity materials
• Send thank you letters/emails to NC Legislative Representatives
• Submit Final Report with marketing materials and legislator correspondence

Contact Information

County Manager's Office ATTN: Grants Administrator/Grassroots Arts Program 1 Historic Courthouse Square Hendersonville, NC 28792 Email: [email protected]

Arts Council of Henderson County
PO Box 767
Hendersonville, NC 28793
Phone: 828-693-8504
Email: [email protected]