Grassroots Grants F.A.Q.’s

A: Yes. This year’s maximum request amount is $5,000 for both programs and operations support. Note: operations support is only available to organizations with an arts-based mission.

A: Programs requests, especially those hiring multicultural artists, will have funding priority for FY27. Operations funding will be very limited in FY27, so we encourage Programs requests. Like past years, programs offering accessible arts experiences for the community and those providing space for artists will also have priority. 

A:Please submit one application per program. If you’re seeking operational support, we recommend choosing one portion of your operating expense (such as a portion of a team member’s salary, rent, or an annual insurance policy) and focusing your request around that specific need. Be as clear as possible with your request; we never want the grants panel to ask, “What exactly are they asking for?”

A: Yes, unless you have not yet submitted a prior cycle’s report that is past due, or you failed to execute a formerly funded program. If this is case, please contact us at 919-245-2335.

A: Yes, if you are an arts-based organization with an operating budget less than $2M.

A: If your project’s income was more than your expenses, then it would be a revenue-generating project, which is not the intention of this grant program.

If your project’s expenses were more than your income, questions arise regarding the project and if it was well thought-out.  You don’t want to plan – and our board doesn’t want to fund – a project that results in financial loss.

A: This applies to programming requests and applies only to the budget you submit for the program/project.  We do not expect your organization’s income to exactly match your expense, but make sure you explain in your application if your organization has a significant deficit or surplus or has changed more than 30% year-over-year.

A: No.  While we understand there are costs associated with your educational programs, often times these costs are subjective and hard to determine. Our grants should cover the hard costs of your programs or organization, rather than offset revenue. A more ideal situation would be to request funding to cover the salary of your instructor, allowing your organization to offer more scholarships.

A:  In FY27, the N.C. Arts Council will require Orange County to use at least 36% of grant funds to support multicultural programs. Note that this is reference to who is being hired, not the population being served. Priority will be given to programs hiring high quality artists that are African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, Native Alaskan or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. The population served is also a very important factor in the consideration of your grant, but is not part of our multicultural requirement.

A: This is a National Standard for Arts Information Exchange data collection project to document state arts agency grantmaking activities. This information is not used in making grant decisions. Organizations should choose the one code that best represents 50 percent or more of their staff, board and membership (if applicable).

A: Hiring quality artists, whether for a large concert or an after-school arts class, is critical and can be the determining factor in whether your grant is funded. Several organizations can help you find performers. Local schools are encouraged to secure high quality, vetted, performers through the ArtsCenter’s Arts in Education Program. Additional resources include Durham Arts Council’s CAPS Program, and United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County’s Artists in Schools Program.

A: First, understand the purpose of the N.C. Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program: to ensure that every citizen has access to quality arts experiences. Your grant should help fulfill this goal, either through programming or through operational support that allows your arts organization to serve the public.

Second, be clear and concise.  A grant application is never a place for flowery language. Our online platform will help with this thanks to word limits, but if you can clearly explain your proposal in less words, even better!

Third, attend or watch our training sessions. There is always something to be learned, often times from your peers during discussions had during the training.