Grassroots Arts Project Grants are made possible by the North Carolina Arts Council and dispersed to each county by their local arts council. Non-profit organizations who implement arts projects in Wilson County may apply for the Grassroots Arts Project Grant.
Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. The program distributes funds for the arts in all 100 counties of the state primarily through partnerships with local arts councils. Wilson Arts serves as the North Carolina Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Wilson County.
Eligibility for Application
- All organizations must have been in operation for at least one year, and must be a 501(c)3 non profit organization.
- All organizations must reside and carry out projects within Wilson County.
- Individuals are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds.
- Application and support materials must be complete and received by the due date.
Project Period & Deadlines
Project Period: July 1, 2025 - June 15, 2026
Optional Workshop: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Application Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Subgrant Report Due: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
What the Grant will Fund
• Program expenses for projects of high artistic merit including artist fees and travel, space
rental, marketing, advertising, costumes, sets, props, and equipment rental.
• Limited operating expenses for arts organizations only.
Examples of arts programs that are commonly supported with Grassroots funds are:
• Performances
• Festivals
• Art exhibitions
• Arts camps and after-school programs
• Artist residencies for K-12 schools
• Artist fees for classes and workshops
• Marketing expenses for art walks and studio tours
• Royalties, props, sets, and costumes for theater performances
• Equipment rental for arts programming
• Space rental for arts programming
What the grant will not fund
• Individual applicants
• Prizes, competitions, scholarships, tuition, or financial awards
• Art supplies or equipment purchases
• Fundraising events
• Purchase of artwork
• Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions
• Capital expenditures
• Internal school programs such as band activities or equipment or choral activities
• Oral history and history projects
• Interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs
Optional Workshop
Wilson Arts will host a Grassroots Subgrant Workshop on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wilson Arts Center, 204 Nash Street S, Wilson, NC 27893. A virtual option will also be available. Please RSVP by emailing acw@wilsonarts.com. New applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.
North Carolina Arts Council Recognition
Subgrantees must acknowledge the North Carolina Arts Council’s support of their event or projects by including the North Carolina Arts Council’s logo, and funding credit line in all print and promotional materials related to the grant. The North Carolina Arts Council’s website offers information and downloadable logos at www.ncarts.org.
Reporting Requirements
Each subgrantee is required to submit a final report providing a detailed description of the funded project, participation statistics and demographics, sample marketing and program materials using the North Carolina Arts Council credit line and logo, and copies of their legislative letters. The Subgrant Report form can be downloaded from the North Carolina Arts Council website at www.ncarts.org. Final reports must be filled out online at Wilson Arts Center, 204 Nash Street S, Wilson, NC 27893 by May 29, 2026.
Questions and Assistance
If applicants have questions or need assistance, please contact Cathy Hardison at (252) 291-4329 or acw@wilsonarts.com