Grants for Organizations

Arts in Education Artist Residency Grants
October 4, 2021 deadline
This program provides students with arts learning experiences that spark creativity, imagination, and innovation.  In response to the pandemic, schools and school districts are eligible to apply for artist residencies that engage students in creative learning experiences through virtual, in-person, or hybrid activities.  All activities will take place between January 1 – June 30, 2022.
View guidelines for the Arts in Education Artist Residency Grants

Arts Equity Project Grants
This grant program supports projects designed to benefit underserved audiences through arts programming that is relevant and meaningful to those communities. Priority will be given to projects that expand the reach of the N.C. Arts Council by engaging new applicants and communities. Organizations that receive direct grant funding from the N.C. Arts Council through any other category are not eligible to apply.
View guidelines for the Arts Equity Project Grants

Artist Support Grants for Lead Partners
For regional consortia of local arts councils, which award project grants to artists in their regions.
View guidelines for the Artist Support Grants for Lead Partners

Grassroots Arts Program Grants
Our cornerstone program provides arts funding to all 100 counties through an extensive network of local arts councils and other partners. Funds, distributed on a per capita basis, ensure that all citizens have access to quality arts experiences and benefit from the important role the arts play in their communities. Grassroots funds also support the sustainability of local arts councils: organizations that are central to community life.
View guidelines for the Grassroots Arts Program Grants

Organization Support Grants
In response to the COVID pandemic, the N.C. Arts Council will continue to provide flexible funding to arts organizations throughout the state. Grant amounts will be determined by budget size, and grants can be used for either core operations or programming costs.
View guidelines for the Organizational Support Grants

State Arts Resources Grants
This category supports a network of established arts organizations that produce high-quality programs, provide educational and outreach opportunities for children and adults, and have strong leadership and management. Grants support the ongoing operations and programs.
View guidelines for the State Arts Resources Grants

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. SSOs must serve the entire state or a multi-state region inclusive on North Carolina.
View guidelines for the Statewide Service Organizations Grants

Technical Assistance Grants
Applications available in August 2021; rolling deadline
This category provides funds to organizations to hire knowledgeable consultants to strengthen management and programs, sponsor workshops or conferences, develop a resource publication, or engage in community cultural planning.

Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS)
This program provides community organizations (arts councils, schools, community centers) with funding for after-school programs that connect North Carolina students with local traditional artists.  TAPS applications are by invitation only.
View guidelines for the Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) Grants