ARTS RECOVERY GRANTS

The ArtsAVL Nonprofit Arts Recovery Grant is a competitive program. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Applications are reviewed in two stages: an initial staff review followed by panel scoring and recommendations.

Stage 1: Staff Review (Eligibility & Readiness)

ArtsAVL staff conduct an initial review of all submitted applications to confirm eligibility, completeness, and basic readiness for review. This review includes verification of:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and organizational identity (EIN)
• Physical location within an eligible county
• Operating history (minimum two consecutive years)
• Financial documentation, including review of recent IRS Form 990s or equivalent statements
• Alignment between organizational size, documented impacts, and funding request
• Internal consistency across the application (e.g., staffing levels, budgets, recovery costs)
• Allowable use of funds and basic feasibility of the proposed recovery plan
• Confirmation that proposed use of funds can be completed within the allowable grant period, with all funds spent by December 31, 2026

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements, are incomplete, or raise significant verification concerns will not advance to panel review. ArtsAVL may request clarification from applicants during this stage when appropriate.

Stage 2: Panel Review & Scoring

Eligible applications are reviewed by a panel of volunteer reviewers with arts, nonprofit, and community experience. Panelists independently score each application using a standardized 5-point scale across the criteria below, then meet as a group to discuss scores and make final funding recommendations.

Applications are evaluated holistically, with consideration given to organizational size, capacity, and the varied ways Hurricane Helene impacted the arts sector.

REVIEW CRITERIA

1. Storm Impact (Physical & Economic): Reviewers assess the extent to which the organization experienced physical damage and/or economic harm as a result of Hurricane Helene, including revenue loss, increased operating costs, disruptions to programming, or loss of access to space.
2. Role in the Arts Ecosystem: Reviewers consider the organization’s role in the regional arts and culture landscape, including its mission, who it serves, the public benefit it provides, and its importance to artists, communities, or cultural access.
3. Recovery Plan & Use of Funds: Reviewers evaluate how clearly and realistically the organization describes its recovery plan and whether the proposed use of grant funds is appropriate, well-aligned with identified needs, and supportive of stabilization or reopening.
4. Organizational Stability & Viability: Reviewers consider the organization’s financial context, staffing levels, and readiness to recover, including whether the organization demonstrates a reasonable path toward continued operation after the grant period.
5. Community Access to the Arts: Reviewers assess how the organization’s recovery will restore or sustain public access to arts programming, creative activities, or cultural resources.
   Workforce & Artist Support: Reviewers consider the extent to which grant funds will help retain, rehire, or support staff, artists, or teaching artists, or prevent further loss of paid creative work.

Scoring & Award Decisions

• Each criterion is scored using a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating stronger alignment with recovery goals.
• Scores are combined and ranked by ArtsAVL staff.
• Panelists meet to review results and make final funding recommendations.
• The applicant’s combined scores, as well as any additional notes, will be given to the applicant with their award notification letter.
• Funding amounts may be partial and are determined based on demonstrated need, organizational size, and available funds.
• Those that are selected for funding will be asked to sign a short grant agreement (via DocuSign) that includes their payment details and the completion of a W-9 form.
• All grant funds must be spent by December 31, 2026 and a final report will be due by January 31, 2027.
• Applicants will receive their combined scores and panel comments with award notifications.

Additional Notes

• Organizational size is not a measure of merit. Smaller organizations are reviewed in context.
• Economic impacts alone may warrant strong scores when well documented.
• Leadership & representation information is collected for aggregate reporting purposes only and is not scored.

• March 9, 2026 – Application opens
• April 6, 2026 – Application deadline
• Late May 2026- Awards Announced
• Early June 2026 – Funds distributed
• January 31, 2027 – Final report due

Application Link

Opens March 9 (Question PDF) Deadline to apply was April 6 at 11:59 pm.

Before You Apply – Quick Checklist
Make sure you have these ready:

• Proof that your organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Your EIN and physical address
• IRS Forms 990 for 2023, 2024, and 2025
  (If your 2025 990 is not yet available, a recent profit & loss statement is acceptable)
• Your organization’s total revenue for tax years 2023–2025
• A short description of how Hurricane Helene affected your organization
• Estimated staffing levels before and after the storm
  (It’s okay if you are the only employee)
• The amount of funding requested ($2,500–$20,000)
• A brief plan for how you will use the funds

Support Resources

Grant Guidelines (PDF)
Overview for Applicants (Video | Slides)

If you need help with your application or have specific questions, email Rebecca Lynch at rebecca@artsavl.org. No phone calls, please. If you would like to discuss your application, please email us to set up an appointment.