State Arts Resources

Applications from new organizations will not be accepted for the 2021-22 cycle.
For more information, contact Carly Jones at carly.jones@ncdcr.gov

This category is designed to support mature arts organizations that, over time, have produced consistently strong arts programs and services and demonstrated strong management and financial accountability. State Arts Resources organizations typically excel at providing one or more of the following:

• High-quality programming to a regional service area
• Innovative new work in an art form
• Model programs that set standards of excellence for the state
• Appropriate and competitive fees to artists for services
• Opportunities to experience and engage with strong artwork and programs otherwise unavailable within the region 

State Arts Resources have at least one full-time paid staff member and have an established operating budget of more than $150,000. Colleges, universities, and local arts councils are not eligible to apply in this category.

DESCRIPTION

Funds are provided to support the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of arts organizations. Fundable expenses may include, but are not limited to, salaries, artists’ fees, production, travel, promotion, postage, telephone, and facility operation. Grant amounts generally range from $15,000 to $85,000, are based on the organization’s application rating, operating budget size, and N.C. Arts Council funding history, and may not exceed 10 percent of the organization’s cash operating expenses, averaged over the past three years. Organizations that have a recurring line item in the legislative budget have restricted access to State Arts Resources grants and should call N.C. Arts Council staff before applying. 

Grant funds must be spent between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. 

HOW TO APPLY

In response to the pandemic, all SARs will submit a modified update application for FY2021-22 grant funds. The 2021-22 deadline is Monday, May 3, 2021. Applicants will submit the form electronically through the GO Smart portal.

The following information will be requested in the pandemic response update application.

1. Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your organization. Provide specific details about impacts on staff, operations, and core programs.
2. How will your organization use the flexible grant funds to help rebound from the pandemic? Provide specific details regarding expenditures such as staff positions, contractors, facility costs, communications strategies, programs, etc.
3. Describe your organization's current plans or efforts to address racial and cultural inequities within the organization and the audiences you serve. Include specific information regarding self-assessment strategies, staff and board training, changes in hiring practices, community focus groups, etc.

Note:  The N.C. Arts Council is surveying our primary arts partners to understand the current state of organizations' efforts related to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.  This data will help us shape future programs and services.

4. Upload an audit for your most recently completed fiscal year (2019–2020). If you do not have a current audit, upload a 990 or financial statement for the period.
5. Upload a schedule of programs for the coming fiscal year, if plans have been made.