2025 Grassroots Arts Program for Nonprofit Arts Organizations in North Carolina

The Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) Grant, managed locally by ArtsAVL, is a funding initiative supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, Buncombe County Government, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Since its inception in 1977, the GAP program has aimed to ensure that residents of all 100 North Carolina counties have access to quality arts experiences. The Buncombe County iteration of the program specifically supports nonprofit arts organizations with funding for either programmatic or operational needs. The grant for the fiscal year 2024-2025 offers awards ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on the size of the applicant organization. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations located in Buncombe County and have been operational for at least one year. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status can apply using a fiscal agent, but they are limited to applying for program funding only. Organizations using fiscal agents must ensure both entities are located within the county and follow specific guidelines for financial accountability. Funding may be used for a variety of expenses including professional artist fees, travel, marketing, rental costs, salaries, utilities, and other operating expenses. However, certain expenditures are ineligible, such as fundraising events, school band activities, oral history projects, and food or beverages. Multicultural programs and organizations outside Asheville that support African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American cultures are given special consideration. Applicants must submit their proposals by September 16, 2024, for projects scheduled between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Grants can be used to reimburse already completed projects within that period. Applications will reopen for the 2025-2026 grant cycle on August 15, 2025. No matching funds are required as the County’s contribution satisfies the federal match requirements. However, certain restrictions apply to organizations that have already received other ArtsAVL or North Carolina Arts Council funding. Recipients of National Endowment for the Arts funds through this grant must comply with federal regulations including non-discrimination policies, accessibility mandates, and environmental protections. These organizations must also have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) but are not required to maintain active System for Award Management (SAM) registration.