GRASSROOTS ARTS PROGRAM GRANT

Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate a nonprofit arts organization. PLEASE NOTE: This grant is NOT for individual artists or non-arts organizations.

Fund Usage

• Program expenses such as: 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.
• Operating expenses for qualified arts organizations. These can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance.
• Funding CAN NOT be used to support: 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 art programs, band and choral activities and equipment; oral history and history projects; interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs.
• Religious organizations or churches may NOT receive Grassroots funds unless the programs are presented outside regular church services, engage the larger community, and do not contain religious content.

Nonprofits and Fiscal Agents

Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year and be physically located in Buncombe County. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, arts organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also receive Grassroots Arts Program subgrants for programs only by using a fiscal agent to receive the funds on their behalf. Organizations applying via a fiscal agent will receive second priority after arts nonprofits.

Things to keep in mind if using a fiscal agent:

• Both the fiscal agent and the organization they are applying on behalf of must be physically located in Buncombe County.
• The fiscal agent fills out the grant application. Since they are financially liable for any funding awarded, we need to be sure they are aware of what is being proposed.
• If using a fiscal agent, you are only eligible to apply for program funding, not operating support.
• The fiscal agent receives the grant payment directly. It is strongly recommended that the fiscal agent handle the accounting for the grant by receiving all income and paying all expenses for the project. It is allowable to charge the grantee for this service or have the cost included in the budget as a grant expense. The fiscal agent can transfer the grant payments to the grantee who would then handle the grant expenditures, but the fiscal agent would still be responsible for these expenditures.
• The fiscal agent and the grantee sign the final report certifying its accuracy. The fiscal agent is liable for the repayment of any grant funds not spent or misspent.
• Maximum grant awards are $2,500 for applicants using a fiscal agent.

If you would like to apply using a fiscal agent, please contact us to set up an appointment to discuss before applying.

Additional Considerations & Requirement

Multicultural programs and organizations located outside of the City of Asheville will receive special consideration. To be considered a multicultural organization the mission of the organization must be focused on supporting African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American cultures. For a program to be considered multicultural it must be conducted by artists, ensembles, or organizations of color.

Arts organizations may be required to match grant funding. The County’s contribution satisfies the one to one match required for grantees receiving North Carolina Arts Council funding. Grantees receiving National Endowment for the Arts funding will have a required one to one match.

Organizations that have already received a 2025-26 grant from ArtsAVL (such as Arts for Schools or Arts Build Community) for a project may NOT submit a GAP application for that same project.

Organizations that have received a NCAC Sustaining Support grant are still eligible to apply for a GAP grant, but only for program support. Sustaining Support recipients are not eligible to apply for a GAP grant for operating support. If you have received both a NCAC Sustaining Support grant and a NEA project grant, you are NOT eligible to apply for a GAP grant.

Funds are for projects taking place from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. This can be a reimbursement for projects occurring during this funding period that have already taken place or for projects that have not yet occurred. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.

National Endowment for the Arts Requirements

ArtsAVL has received funding for the 2025-26 GAP cycle from the National Endowment for the Arts for program support awards. Please note the following requirements.
If an organization receives NEA funds as part of their GAP award:

• The organization must be prepared to comply with federal regulations and policy requirements applicable to all federal awards. These include requirements that prohibit discrimination, ensure accessibility of all facilities and programs funded with federal monies, provide for the protection of environmental and historic resources, and more. These policies and legal requirements are also provided here.
• The organization must comply in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws pursuant to Executive Order No. 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, dated January 21, 2025. The applicant does not operate any programs promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, in accordance with Executive Order No. 14173. For more information, visit https://www.arts.gov/grants/legal-requirements-and-assurance-of-compliance/frequently-asked-questions.
• The organization must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Note: subgrantees are not required to maintain active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, but must obtain a UEI. Video tutorial on how to get a UEI code.
• The organization will be required to fulfill a one to one match.