NCAC: Statewide Service Organizations Grant Program

NCAC: Statewide Service Organizations Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Carolina Arts Council
Amount: US $5,000 - US $30,000
Last Updated: January 18, 2026

Summary

The NCAC: Statewide Service Organizations Grant Program, established by the North Carolina Arts Council, aims to enhance arts services statewide. It provides funding (ranging from $5,000 to $30,000) to eligible nonprofit organizations for programs that support the arts community through newsletters, workshops, and more. This initiative promotes transparency and accessibility, ensuring diverse artistic resources are available across all 100 counties in North Carolina. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with staff for eligibility guidance.

Overview

Mission Founded in 1967 with the democratic vision of “arts for all citizens,” the North Carolina Arts Council sustains and grows the arts for the benefit of North Carolinians and their communities. The North Carolina Arts Council strives to deliver resources for arts development to all 100 counties of the state through programs that are fair, transparent and accountable. The Arts Council is an agency of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. A 24-member citizen board, appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary of the Department on policies, programs, and research that supports arts development across North Carolina. Statewide Service Organizations This category supports organizations that provide leadership and services to a particular sector of the arts industry. Funded services include newsletters, conferences, workshops, consultations, and resource publications. Statewide Service Organizations (SSOs) must serve the entire state or a multi-state region inclusive of North Carolina. Scope and allowable expenses Grant funds support administrative and program expenses directly related to the proposed programs and services. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $30,000 and must be matched dollar for dollar by the organization. Grant amounts are based on the organization’s application rating, operating budget size, and N.C. Arts Council funding history. Funded programs and services may include: newsletters, listserv and website management, conferences, workshops, classes, consultations, research, resource publications, presentations, and the development and distribution of promotional materials.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who may apply North Carolina-based organizations that provide programs and services to the arts community on a statewide or multi-state regional basis are eligible to apply. First-time applicants to this category should consult with staff to determine eligibility.Must be a nonprofit organization in good standing with the state of North Carolina (or an organization that has applied for non-profit status using a fiscal agent); Must have been producing quality arts programs for at least two consecutive years; Must have prior-year organizational cash operating expenses of at least $20,000. Tribal organizations must represent North Carolina or federally-recognized tribes.

Ineligibility

Grant funds may not be used for the following expenditures unless otherwise noted in the grant guidelines:Deficit reductionCapital expendituresContingency fundsFood or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functionsFundraising eventsArt sales events and auctionsInterest on loans, fines, or litigation costsLobbying expensesTuition for academic studyIndirect Costs