The Venue Access Grant is a program of the Arts & Science Council (“ASC”) designed to alleviate financial barriers for Mecklenburg County’s smaller to mid-size nonprofit arts, science, and history organizations, enabling them to utilize publicly and privately owned venues for cultural programming.
Donor Name: Arts & Science Council (ASC)
State: North Carolina
County: Mecklenburg County (NC)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/09/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This grant funding, provided solely by Mecklenburg County, aims to provide access to affordable space for the creation and experience of arts and culture, fostering a more vibrant and active cultural landscape across the county. This grant supports projects that directly lead to increased public engagement with arts, science, and history in accessible and appropriate spaces.
The Venue Access grant stemmed from the research and development of the City of Charlotte Arts & Culture Plan, which outlined a vision to sustain and grow the arts and culture sector in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. While inspired by this resource from the city, this grant is aligned with Mecklenburg County’s strategic priorities, particularly those related to fostering a Connected Community and promoting Economic Opportunities. Successful proposals will demonstrate how their projects contribute to the broader county goals, such as:
- Fostering access to physical, social, and informational resources for all community members.
- Building a community where all people can thrive and be well.
- Providing economic opportunities for individuals and businesses.
The Foundation Funds
- Direct rental costs for public or privately owned venues located within Mecklenburg County.
- Essential, directly associated venue-related fees (ex. technician support, cleaning fees, security, etc.) as outlined in the venue rental packet.
- Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate a clear strategy for making the event and venue accessible to diverse audiences, including those with disabilities.
- Events that directly engage the public through performances, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, or other cultural programming. This includes studio and/or dress rehearsal space leading up to a performance, if this is through the same venue of choice for the culminating event(s).
- Events cannot be for a pre-determined, exclusive, private, or closed group. Even if a ticket or RSVP is needed, all events must be open for the public to have access to purchase a ticket and attend. Priority will be given to events that offer a scholarship ticket program or similar resource to ensure that there are easier points of access for low-income individuals, families, or groups. Can cover up to one month’s rent in a facility that is not your own, if that month includes a large, public-facing event for your organization. Example: if your organization is already renting from Ascend or VAPA, this can subsidize one month’s rent if you hold an event at that facility during that time.
- For this 2025-2026 grant cycle, our priority is offering subsidies for performance or event space.
Funding Information
- Tier 1 – Operating budget of $250k and under = 100% subsidy for base rental
- Additional needs can be included (technicians, FOH support, etc.)
- Maximum grant amount: $20,000
- Tier 2 – Operating budget of $250k to $500k = 75% subsidy for base rental
- Additional needs can be included (technicians, FOH support, etc.)
- Maximum grant amount: $15,000
- Tier 3 – Operating budget of $500k to $750k = 50% subsidy for base rental
- Additional needs can be included (technicians, FOH support, etc.)
- Maximum grant amount: $10,000
- Tier 4 – Operating budget of $750k to $1.25 million = 25% subsidy for base rental
- Additional needs can be included (technicians, FOH support, etc.)
- Maximum grant amount: $5,000.
Grant Period
Events must take place: Between September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) public charity. ASC encourages collaborative projects. Organizations working together should identify a single organization that will serve as the grant applicant and fiscal sponsor.
- The applicant organization’s primary mission must be focused on arts, science, history, or heritage programming.
- Organizations must be located in and primarily serve Mecklenburg County.
- Organizations seeking a rental must have a minimum of two years of operational history.
- Organizations with an operating budget of $1.25 million or less.
- Organizations are encouraged to apply annually. Multiple performances that are a part of the same event can be funded (ex. three performances of the same show in one weekend).
For more information, visit ASC.
