The Grassroots Arts Program Sub-grant provides financial support for community and nonprofit organizations that offer programs and projects that enhance the arts for county residents. Grassroots Sub-grants are awarded to organizations in all cultural disciplines through a competitive application and review process.
The applicant organization must be based in Jackson County and produce its programming in Jackson County. Sub-grants are not awarded to support fundraising activities. All programs and activities must be completed by June 31, 2026.
Grassroots Sub-grants are required to spend a set percentage of their Grassroots funding on Multicultural programming that reflects African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American cultures. To qualify for a Grassroots Multicultural Sub-grant, the artist or presenter and the content of the art material should both belong to one of the groups listed above. Any organization can apply for multicultural funds to conduct art programs/events that meet these standards. Please fill out the regular application for multicultural funding.
Grassroots sub-grants are intended to:
- Provide modest funding for events/projects and publicity/advertising for Artist Groups/ Artist organizations that will enhance the presence of art events in Jackson County
- Support opportunities for Jackson County residents to participate in new and thought-provoking art events in MUSIC, VISUAL ART, THEATER, DANCE, and LITERATURE
- Celebrate the traditional arts and cultures of Jackson County, as well as the multicultural aspect of the arts in general.
Examples of typical programs funded:
- Performances
- Art exhibitions
- Artist residencies in schools
- Classes/workshops
- Art walks/studio tours
- Festivals
- After-school arts programs/art camps
- Arts marketing, including website development and research
Grassroots Sub-grants WILL NOT LIKELY FUND the following:
- Projects that request more than $1500.00
- Projects to individual artists (however, artists may be contacted by a larger overseeing body that will need their services to complete a project).
- 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.
- Academic study.
- Any sponsorship that seeks to pay for past debts, legal fees, the purchase of real estate, moves to other cities, personal travel, or to pay for the costs of installations, commissions, or projects ordered by others.
- Sponsorship for event enhancement where the thrust of the event is for-profit
- Capital expenditures (e.g., building/space rental)
- Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions
- Prizes, competitions, scholarships, tuition, or financial awards.
The Jackson County Green Energy Park will administer the Grassroots Arts Program sub-grant applications for Fiscal Year 2026. Learn more at their website.
For more information, please explore the Grassroots Arts Program Grant for current guidelines, policies, and requirements outlined by the North Carolina Arts Council.
