Funds are provided to organizations to:
- Hire knowledgeable consultants to strengthen an organization's management and programs or conduct planning meetings for a specific project
- Sponsor workshops or conferences
- Develop a resource publication
- Develop a community-wide cultural plan
- Scholarships to send staff members to conferences, workshops or short-term programs (available on a limited basis)
Grant funds support consultant or facilitator fees, travel expenses, registration fees, and other related expenses. Grant amounts range from $500 to $5,000. Most grant amounts are in the $500 to $1,000 range. Grants are generally matched dollar for dollar by the applicant, except in cases of demonstrated need. In those cases, the applicant may provide the consultant's food and lodging as the grant match. Generally, organizations may receive no more than one management/ technical assistance grant per year.
Consultants must provide a written report to the organization. A copy must be attached to the organization's final report. Workshop and conference facilitators are not required to submit a written report. Organizations should call Arts Council staff before applying in this category.
How We Make Funding Decisions
The Arts Council reviews all applications and makes funding decisions based on the following criteria:
- Potential effectiveness of the consultation, publication, conference, or workshop
- Potential impact on organization, community, or intended audience
- Credentials of proposed consultant/facilitators
- Need for services
- Evidence of community support and involvement for cultural planning development
How to Apply
Applicants will submit the form electronically through North Carolina ARTS Grants Online (AGO), and must also submit a print version of the form along with the required support materials by 5 p.m. on the deadline day.
Applicants will be asked to provide the following information on the application form:
- Describe the consultation, publication, conference, or workshop and the need for these services. For scholarship requests, describe the responsibilities and qualifications of staff members participating, what they will learn, and how the organization will benefit.
- Describe the consultants or facilitators involved, how and why they were chosen, the roles they will play, the scope of services to be provided, the timeline, and the expected outcomes.
- For cultural planning consultancies, describe how people and organizations affected by the process will be involved; i.e., artists, local arts and community organizations, other citizens.
Applicants will be asked to submit the following support materials:
- A resume or other description of the consultant's/facilitator's credentials.
- A brochure or other background materials on the conference, workshop or event.
Deadline and Project Period
Applications must be received in our office six weeks before funds are needed but no later than April 1, 2011. All funds must be spent by May 31, 2011.
Before Applying, Contact Arts Council Staff:
