Grassroots Arts Program Now Open for Applications

Grants of up to $7,500 will be awarded to arts programs and nonprofit arts organizations in Buncombe County

August 15, 2023 | Asheville N.C – Now through September 15, Buncombe County arts programs and nonprofit arts organizations are invited to apply for the 2023-24 Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) grants. Created in 1977 by the North Carolina Arts Council, GAP grants provide funding for programmatic and operating support to arts programs or nonprofit arts organizations across the state. Locally, GAP is made possible by the NC Arts Council, ArtsAVL, and Buncombe County Government. Amounts range from $2,500-$7,500.

Funds may be used for program expenses, including professional artists’ fees, marketing and publicity, music, and equipment rental, or operating expenses, including salaries, office supplies, rent, utilities, and small capital projects. Special consideration will be given to multicultural programs and organizations outside of Asheville, whose mission specifically supports African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American cultures or whose programs are conducted by artists, ensembles, or organizations of color. Last year, 42 arts nonprofit organizations in Buncombe County received funding totaling $194,658 from ArtsAVL through the program.

A selection panel will assess applications based on eight criteria: application completeness, feasibility, organizational stability, accessibility, arts and culture alignment, capacity building, multicultural impact, and geographic impact. Selected arts organizations will not be required to match funding.

The application deadline is September 15, and recipients will be announced in late October or early November. Funds will be distributed in early November. Projects should take place before June 30, 2024. Apply and find more information – including full eligibility guidelines – at artsavl.org/gap.