Project Support Grants

Project Support Grants may be awarded to nonprofit agencies in Cumberland County that demonstrate financial and administrative stability. Applicants who apply in the Series Organizational Support category may apply for only one grant each Project Support Grant cycle. Organizations may submit up to three Project Support grant applications during the funding cycle.

Organizations meeting the eligibility requirements below can apply for Project Support Grants.

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.

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).

Grant funds support expenses that are directly related to the project. Allowable costs may include qualifying professional program-related fees and contracts, marketing and other project-related costs.

Project Support Grant funds may not be used for the following expenditures:
- 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).
- Grants funds may not be sub-granted.
- 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.

For more information about prioritized applicants, please see the following link: https://www.theartscouncil.com/sites/default/files/PSGuidelines21-22.pdf#page=4

New applicants are required to attend a Project Support Grant application workshop.
(All applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a Project Support Grant application workshop.)

All applicants must pre-register for the workshop. In order to do so, please see the contact information below.

Workshop dates are as follows:

Workshops open to all applicants:
- Tuesday, February 2 at 5:30PM Location: In-Person (Arts Council Gallery)
- Wednesday, February 10 at 5:30PM Location: ZOOM
- Saturday, February 13 at 10:00AM Location: ZOOM

Workshops open to returning applicants only:
- Monday, February 8 at 5:30PM Location: Zoom
- Thursday, February 25 at 5:30PM Location: In-person (Arts Council Gallery)

- Apply online by noon – Monday, March 15, 2021.
- Notification of Awards - By July 1 of current year
- Completion of Contract and Required Grantee Documents - Varies by Organization
- Final Report - 60 days after last project event or June 15 of award year (whichever is earlier)

Both experienced and first-time applicants should call the Arts Council staff to discuss proposals. This should happen early in the planning process so that the Arts Council can help you make your proposal competitive.

Match requirement waived for 2021-2022 Project Support Grants.
The Arts Council anticipates returning matching fund requirements in the 2022-2023 Grant cycle.