Organizations meeting the eligibility requirements below can apply for Project Support Grants.
1) Any Nonprofit Organizations that:
- Are 501(c) and in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Are based in or have an on-going physical presence in Cumberland County.
- An “on-going physical presence” is defined as an agency whose primary area of service is Cumberland County or who functions in other communities but who maintains an office/program site that is open and functioning in Cumberland County. The scope of service in Cumberland County must be greater than or equal to the scope of service in any other county.
- Are tax-exempt for at least three years (date listed on IRS determination letter), or use a fiscal agent (please contact Arts Council staff for more information regarding fiscal agency).
- Are governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees that represents the diversity of the community it serves.
- Has a current Charitable Solicitation License or Exemption, issued by the Secretary of State of North Carolina. (N.C. Secretary of State)
- Note - Organizations that have delinquent or incomplete paperwork or reports for previously funded grants from the Arts Council are ineligible to apply.

2) Universities, schools, or government entities that:
- Produce external programs that are community-based or generate regional cultural arts involvement.
- Are governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees that represents the diversity of the community it serves.
- Are based in or have an on-going physical presence in Cumberland County. (See definition of an “on-going physical presence” above).

Applicants who apply in the Series Organizational Support category may apply for ONE grant annually. All other applicants may apply for UP TO THREE Project Support grants during the funding cycle. All projects must fall into one of the following distinct categories.

Project Support Grant funds may not be used for the following expenditures:
- Indirect costs.
- Organizational administrative costs (overhead fees)
- Deficits.
- Interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs.
- Lobbying expenses.
- Capital expenditures for non-cultural arts organizations.
- Tuition for academic study.
- Expenses concurrent with the project that are not related to cultural arts.
- Internal programs at area educational (colleges, universities, technical colleges) and religious institutions, including any internal programming that is available only to students or a specific membership of individuals (i.e., not open to the general public).
- Food/beverage (catering, etc.)
- Grants funds may not be sub-granted.

Project Support Grant funds may not be used for the following expenditures; however, these expenditures may be used by the applicant as matching funds:
- Permanent personnel positions, except for Series Organizational Support Grants and Salary Assistance Grants.
- Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions.
- Travel Expense not related to the hiring of artist/cultural professionals.

Due to changes in the Grant Guidelines, ALL APPLICANTS (New or Returning) ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND a Grant Application Workshop. The workshops provide insight into the Application and Submission Process, Guidelines, Writing Samples, and Q&A.

Click your desired date/time on the URL for Full Text below to RSVP your attendance. List your the date/time of your RSVP, full name and title, organization name, county of operations, phone and/or mobile, and email.​

WORKSHOPS OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS​

Thursday, February 3 @ 5:30PM
Location: In-Person (The Arts Center)
Only (1) Representative per organization can pre-register for an in-person workshop.

Thursday, February 10 @ 5:30p
Location: ZOOM

Saturday, February 19 @ 10:00AM
Location: ZOOM

Thursday, March 3 @ 5:30PM
Location: In-Person (The Arts Center)
Only (1) Representative per organization can pre-register for an in-person workshop.

Monday, March 7 @ 5:30PM
Location: ZOOM​

Tuesday, March 15 @ 5:30 PM
Location: ZOOM​

WORKSHOPS OPEN TO RETURNING APPLICANTS ONLY

Tuesday, February 8 @ 5:30PM
Location: ZOOM

Thursday, February 24 @ 5:30PM
Location: In-Person (The Arts Center)
Only (1) Representative per organization can pre-register for an in-person workshop.

A Pre-Recorded Workshop Tutorial will be available via the Arts Council’s website.

Grant Application Deadline NOON – Thursday, March 17, 2022.

All applications must be received through the online application portal.

2022-2023: Series Organizational Support Grants which must be matched 2:1. All other Project Support Grant funds must be matched 1:1.