The Arts Council of Wilmington is accepting application for its Grassroots Arts Grant Program.
Donor Name: Arts Council of Wilmington
State: North Carolina
County: New Hanover County (NC)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/30/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate an arts organization. Typical uses of Grassroots money include:
- Program expenses such as professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, and equipment rental.
- Operating expenses for qualified arts organizations not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council. These can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance, and equipment rental.
Funding Priorities
- Operating or programming support to qualified arts organizations not already receiving or eligible to receive support from the N.C. Arts Council.
- Arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, afterschool or summer camps, or adult arts learning classes.
- Sub grants to community, civic and municipal organizations. Programs must be conducted by qualified artists
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 that generate regional arts involvement. Grants may not support their internal programs, or administrative or operation expenses (library books, band boosters, equipment purchases).
- Subgrants may not be awarded to individuals or organizations for prizes, competitions, tuition, or financial rewards.
- 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, administrative, or operating expenses.
Funding Information
Grant awards generally range from $500-$5000.
Grant Period
All projects must take place between July 1, 2026, and June 15, 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
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 reside and carry out projects within New Hanover County.
- Grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar.
- Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds.
For more information, visit The Arts Council of Wilmington.
