The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is now accepting applications for its Culture Blocks program for organizations in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. This initiative offers funding for free, community-centered arts, science, and history programs delivered in public spaces such as libraries, parks, and recreation centers.
Culture Blocks is designed to eliminate barriers to access by supporting cultural programming in historically underserved neighborhoods. Programs must be shaped by the communities they serve and focus on engaging residents close to where they live. This effort is funded by Mecklenburg County and administered by ASC in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Libraries and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.
The program supports a wide variety of events and experiences, including workshops in visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing, photography, film screenings, concerts, festivals, culinary arts, and multicultural celebrations. Programs should be enriching, accessible to the general public, and not geared toward professional development or training for select groups.
Organizations may request up to $40,000 for programs scheduled between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The funding is intended only for direct programming costs and cannot be used for start-up expenses or general capacity building.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing. They must provide their most recent IRS Form 990 and have average operating revenues categorized under one of three levels: up to $1 million, between $1 million and $5 million, or above $5 million over the past three fiscal years.
All proposed programs must align with Culture Blocks’ mission to deliver accessible arts, science, and history programming to neighborhood audiences. Programs should reflect community needs and priorities based on resident feedback. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partners listed in ASC’s designated Culture Block areas.
Funding must be used for program-related expenses such as artist fees, materials, marketing, and operations directly related to the program. Programs should actively engage community members, track participation data, evaluate outcomes, and submit required reports.
Proposals will be evaluated based on feasibility, mission alignment, community engagement, and strength of marketing and communications plans. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to execute their proposed programs effectively and reach the intended audiences. The deadline to apply is August 11, 2025.
