Grassroots Arts Program Funding.
The Jackson County Green Energy Park and Jackson County government will temporarily serve as a partner to the North Carolina Arts Council and administer sub-grants as part of the Grassroots Arts Program Grant Funding for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year.
NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program.
Since 1977, the NC Arts Council's Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. The program distributes funds for the arts in all 100 counties of the state, primarily through partnerships with local arts councils.
Learn more about the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program on the NC Arts Council page.
Important Facts
Jackson County will receive $37,724.00 in state funding to subgrant for this opportunity.
State grant funds require a dollar-for-dollar match by grant awardees.
Awardees must complete projects and spend all funds, including matching funds, by June 30, 2026.
Application Window: August 15 to September 15, 2025.
(Optional) Virtual Applicant Workshop: August 21, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 pm (RSVP required to attend).
Award contracts are expected to be awarded/issued in October 2025.
View the full Grassroots Arts Program Guidebook
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 carry out projects within Henderson County.
Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds; only organizations.
Applications and support materials must be completed and received by September 15, 2025, by 5:00 pm.
All projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Grant amounts range from $1000 and up.
How to Apply
Use the fillable PDF version of the GAP Subgrant Application to apply. Or download the GAP Subgrant Application to print it out.
Application Window: August 15 to September 15, 2025
Virtual Sub-grantee Application Workshop (Optional): August 21, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 pm via ZOOM
RSVP for a Meeting Invite to this email address:
Once you RSVP, you will be emailed a link to the webinar.
If you cannot make the webinar, please review the Application Workshop presentation here.
Applications and Questions:
Email completed application to: GrassRootsArtGrant@jacksonnc.org OR
Mail or drop off paper applications to:
JCGEP Project Managers’ Office: Morgan Kennedy
ATTN: Grants Administrator/Grassroots Arts Program
100 Green Energy Park Rd, Dillsboro, NC 28779Questions can also be emailed to the NC Arts Council directly.
What the Grassroots Arts Program Funds
Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs. Existing arts organizations may apply for limited operating funds.
Typical Uses of Grassroots Funds
Program expenses such as professional artists' fees and travel, space rental, marketing, advertising, costumes, sets, props, and equipment rental.
Limited operating expenses for qualified arts organizations not already receiving operating support from the NC. Arts Council only.
Examples:
Performances
Festivals
Arts camps and after-school programs
Artist residencies for K-12 schools
Marketing expenses for art walks and studio tours
Royalties, props, sets, and costumes for theater performances
Equipment rental for arts programming
Space rental for arts programming
Grassroots Arts Program Funds MAY NOT BE USED for...
Individual applicants
Art, music, and dance therapists
Purchase artwork
Capital expenditures
Purchase equipment or art supplies
Technical assistance
Oral history and history projects
Fundraising events
Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions
Internal school programs such as band activities, equipment, or choral activities
Prizes, competitions, scholarships, tuition, or financial awards
Interest on loans, fines, deficit reduction, or litigation costs
Requirements for Sub-grant Awardees
Match Requirement: All sub-grantees must match their State grant amounts dollar for dollar. The funds must come from other public or private sources. Other NC Arts Council grant funds cannot be used as a match.
Time Period: All projects must be completed and all funds, including matching funds, spent by June 30, 2025. Unspent funds must be returned.
Contract: Sign a sub-grant contract with Henderson County government.
NC Arts Council Logo: All subgrant recipients are required to prominently display the North Carolina Arts Council logo with tagline and credit lines on-site at funded events and in all digital and printed publicity materials, including websites, electronic newsletters, and in as many materials and places as possible. Access the NC Arts Council Logo and Branding Materials page.
Thank You Letters: Send letters or emails to NC Legislative Representatives thanking them for their support of the Grassroots Arts Program and how the funds were spent to benefit the arts community in Henderson County.
Final Report: Sub-grantees must submit a Final Report with the following:
Examples of marketing materials used for the project or other printed materials using the North Carolina Arts Council credit line and logo.
Copies of letters or emails sent to thank legislators for their support of the Grassroots Arts Program.
See the GAP Subgrant Final Report (PDF)
Priorities for Grassroots and Arts Program Funding
To provide operating or program support to qualified arts organizations not already receiving or eligible to receive support from the NC Arts Council. These include theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writers' groups, and arts festivals, among others.
To support arts learning and arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, after-school or summer camps, or adult arts learning classes.
Community, civic, and municipal organizations that provide high-quality arts experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists.
NC Arts Council 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 generate regional arts involvement. Grants may not support their internal programs, administration, or operating expenses (library books, band boosters, equipment purchases).
Grassroots funds may not be awarded to individuals or organizations for prizes, competitions, tuition, or financial rewards.
Grassroots funds may not be used for art supplies or equipment.
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, administration, or operating expenses.
Supporting Documents
GAP Subgrant Application Form
GAP Subgrant Application Form [DOCX]
The GAP Subgrant Application Form is also available as a fillable PDF.