Grassroots Arts Program Grant

Grassroots Arts Program Grant

Funder: North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Geographic Scope: Gaston County, North Carolina

Program Background:
Since 1977, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Grassroots Arts Program to ensure that every citizen has access to high quality arts experiences. The program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties in North Carolina primarily through partnerships with local arts councils. Funds are distributed using a per capita-based formula. The Gaston Arts Council is the Provisional County Partner (PCP) designated to manage the Grassroots Grant Program allotment for eligible organizations in Gaston County.

Status: FY 25-26 grant cycle is closed. FY 26-27 information will be posted as it becomes available.

Award Amounts

• Grant Range: $500 and up
• Average Range: $1,500 - $15,000
• Matching Requirement: Dollar-for-dollar cash match from local sources required during applicable fiscal year

Geographic Requirements

• All organizations must reside and carry out projects within Gaston County

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations (preferred)
• Nonprofit organizations in nature (may include unincorporated nonprofits with fiscal agents)
• Requirement: Must have been in operation for at least one year
• Ineligibility: Arts organizations that already receive operating support directly from the N.C. Arts Council
• Individual applicants are NOT eligible

Eligible Program/Project Areas

The Grant WILL Fund:

Program expenses for projects of high artistic merit

Artist fees and travel

Space rental

Marketing and advertising

Costumes, sets, props

Equipment rental

Limited operating expenses for arts organizations only

Royalties for theater performances

Examples of Commonly Supported Programs:

Performances

Festivals

Art exhibitions

Art camps and after-school programs

Artist residencies for K-12 schools

Artist fees for classes and workshops

Art walks and studio tours

Theater performances

The Grant WILL NOT Fund:

Individual applicants

Prizes, competitions, scholarships, tuition, or financial awards

Art supplies or equipment purchases

Fundraising events

Purchase of artwork

Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions

Capital expenditures

Internal school programs (band, choral activities, equipment)

Oral history and history projects

Interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs

Project Timeline

• FY25-26: Projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026
• Only complete applications received by the due date will be considered

Racial and Cultural Diversity Requirement

To ensure that Grassroots-funded arts programs reflect the diversity of North Carolina, a percentage of the grant must be used to hire artists of color (African-American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American) or support African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American-led organizations.

Important Notes:

The organization does not have to be an arts organization, but funds must support arts programming

This requirement is met through supporting arts programming conducted by artists, ensembles, or organizations of color

Does NOT count audience members or participants of color

The majority of ensemble artists must be African American, Asian American, Latino, and/or Native American

Panel Review and Funding Priorities

Priority Areas:
1. Applications supporting qualified arts organizations (theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writers' groups, arts festivals)
2. Applications supporting arts learning and arts-in-education programs or projects conducted by qualified artists (residencies, after-school programs, summer camps, adult arts learning classes)
3. Applications supporting community, civic, and municipal organizations providing high-quality arts experiences (programs must be conducted by qualified artists)

Evaluation Criteria:

Artistic quality of the proposed budget

Community impact of project or program

Ability to plan and implement project

Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization

Panel Composition:

4-6 volunteer members (community members, artists, art leaders, county and public officials)

One Gaston Arts Council board member serving as chair

Reflects demographics of the community

Ensures impartiality in decision-making

Panel Decision Process:

Panel reviews applications and evaluates based on criteria

Uses rating system established by NC Arts Council

Considers geographic distribution of funds in county

Considers racial and cultural diversity requirement fulfillment

Recommendations presented to Gaston Arts Council Board of Directors

Board votes for final approval

Award letters and contracts issued to recipients

Matching Funds Documentation

• Dollar-for-dollar cash match from local sources required
• Neither Grassroots allocations nor matching funds may be used to match other N.C. Arts Council grants
• All matching funds must be documented in final report at end of fiscal year

Reporting and Documentation Requirements

• Final Report Required: Document use of funds, participant statistics and demographics, verification of matching funds
• Logo Usage: All recipients must prominently display North Carolina Arts Council logo with tagline and credit lines on-site at funded events and in all digital and printed publicity materials (websites, electronic newsletters, etc.)
• Tax Compliance: Submit No Overdue Tax Form
• Legislative Letters: Write state representatives thanking them for appropriating Grassroots funds; provide information about how funds supported program/project and community impact; include copy in final report materials

Contact Information

Gaston Arts Council:
• Phone: (704) 853-ARTS (2787)
• Address: P.O. Box 242, Gastonia, NC 28053

Grant Panel Participation:
Currently seeking nominations for grant review panelists. Submit Panelist Profile Form to GAC staff. Must disclose any conflicts of interest. Grassroots grant applicants cannot serve as panelists.

Logo and Branding

Access NC Arts Council logo and branding materials at: https://www.ncarts.org/grants-resources/resources/logo-branding-materials

Mandatory Workshop Requirement

Grant applicants are required to attend an in-person or virtual Grassroots grant workshop to be eligible to apply. Guidelines change annually.