Grassroots Arts Program Grants – FY 2026-2027

 Deadline: June 30, 2026

Since 1977, the NC Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences in all 100 counties.

The Arts Council of Wilmington & NHC, the state agency’s Grassroots County Partner, will accept applications from May 10 to June 30, 2026, for FY 2026-2027 and will subgrant $75,000 to New Hanover County arts organizations.

Register for a grant workshop:

Thursday, May 14, 2026 – 11:00 a.m. via Zoom

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. via Zoom

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

How to Submit

Complete applications and all attachments must be submitted online to grants@artswilmington.org with the subject line GAP 2026-2027 or postmarked and mailed to 221 N. Front St., Suite 101, Wilmington, NC 28401 by June 30, 2026. Applications submitted to any other email address will not be considered.

Eligibility

 All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also apply.

  • All organizations must reside and carry out projects within New Hanover County.
  • Grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar.
  • Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds.
  • All projects must take place between July 1, 2026, and June 15, 2027.
  • Grant awards generally range from $500-$5000.

What the Grassroots Arts Program Funds

Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate an arts organization. Typical uses of Grassroots money include:

  • Program expenses such as professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, and equipment rental.
  • Operating expenses for qualified arts organizations not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council. These can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance, and equipment rental.

 Priorities for Funding

#1 – Operating or programming support to qualified arts organizations not already receiving or eligible to receive support from the N.C. Arts Council.

#2 – Arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, afterschool or summer camps, or adult arts learning classes.

#3 – Subgrants to community, civic and municipal organizations. Programs must be conducted by qualified artists.

Funding Policies

  • Tribal organizations that receive Grassroots funds must represent state or federally-recognized tribes.
  • Colleges, universities, and libraries may receive grants for arts programs that are community-based or that generate regional arts involvement. Grants may not support their internal programs, or administrative or operation expenses (library books, band boosters, equipment purchases).
  • Subgrants may not be awarded to individuals or organizations for prizes, competitions, tuition, or financial rewards.
  • Religious organizations or churches may not receive Grassroots funds unless the programs are presented outside regular church services, engage the larger community, and do not contain religious content.
  • Grassroots funds may not be used for activities associated with a school’s internal arts programs such as in-school student performances, the purchase of art supplies, or student arts competitions and publications.
  • Municipalities (city/county governments) may receive grants for arts programs that use qualified artists to conduct programs that involve the greater community. Grants may not support internal programs, administrative, or operating expenses.

Grassroots Arts Program money may not be used for the following kinds of expenditures:

  • Art, music, and dance therapists
  • Artifacts
  • Purchase artwork
  • Purchase equipment or art supplies
  • Capital expenditures or equipment
  • Contingency funds
  • Deficit reduction
  • Fundraising events
  • Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions
  • School band activities or equipment
  • School choral activities
  • Lobbying expenses
  • Oral history and history projects
  • Tuition for academic study
  • Interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs

How Subgrant Applications Are Evaluated

Subgrant applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of community members which evaluates each application based on the subgrant guidelines and the following criteria:

  • Artistic quality of proposed project or programs
  • Community impact of project or programs
  • Ability to plan and implement project
  • Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization

The subgrant panel’s funding recommendations must be approved by the Arts Council of Wilmington’s board of directors.

Questions and Assistance

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Rhonda Bellamy at 910-343-0998 or email at grants@artswilmington.org.