24-25 Grassroots Arts Program Grant now open, apply by Sept 16, visit artsavl.org/gap for more information

Photo by Neil Jacobs Photography, courtesy of Asheville Mardi Gras

Apply Now for ArtsAVL’s 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program Grant

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

August 15, 2024 | Now through September 16, Buncombe County arts programs and nonprofit arts organizations are invited to apply for the 2024-25 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 ArtsAVL, NC Arts Council, Buncombe County Government, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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, 43 arts nonprofit organizations in Buncombe County received funding totaling $193,640 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, multicultural impact, geographic impact, and artistic excellence and merit. Selected arts organizations will not be required to match funding.

The application deadline is September 16, 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, 2025. Apply and find more information – including full eligibility guidelines – at artsavl.org/gap.