Grassroots Arts Program Funding.

Special Note: The Jackson County Green Energy Park/ Dillsboro Creative Arts Center 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 2026 to 2027fiscal 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 $37,308.00 in state funding 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, 2027.

• Application Window: July 15-August 30, 2026

• (Optional) Virtual Applicant Workshop: July 31, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 pm (RSVP required to attend).

• Award contracts are expected to be awarded/issued in October 2026.

• 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 Jackson County.

• Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds; only organizations.

• Applications and support materials must be completed and received by August 30, 2026, by 12:00am

• 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 22, 2025

Virtual Sub-grantee Application Workshop (Optional): July 31, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 pm via ZOOM

• RSVP for a Meeting Invite to this email address: grassrootsartgrant@jacksonnc.org or julieboisseau@jacksonnc.org

• 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

  Link:

• NC Arts Council is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

  Topic: Jackson County Subgrant workshop

  Time: July 31, 2026 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

  Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87333246754?pwd=ZZOj4S77o0MY9jcSBkBMyDCK8tPAfK.1

  Applications and Questions: 

  • Email completed application to: grassrootsartgrant@jacksonnc.org  OR

• Mail or drop off paper applications to:

  DCAC-Project Managers’ Office:
  ATTN: Grants Administrator/Grassroots Arts Program
  100 Green Energy Park Rd, Dillsboro, NC 28779

• Questions 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.

  • Final report file: Please click on the file button at the bottom of this document!

Priorities for Grassroots and Arts Program Funding

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Sub-grant Application Form links:

GAP Sub-grant Application Form [DOCX]

The GAP Sub-grant Application

Form is also available as a fillable PDF.