Grants available for Wake-based Arts Organizations in North Carolina

The Mission Support Grants from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County provide general operating support to eligible arts organizations based in Wake County, North Carolina. These grants are designed to strengthen the capacity of local arts organizations to deliver diverse, inclusive, and accessible arts programs, services, and events throughout the county. Funded by the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the North Carolina Arts Council (a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources), the program aims to promote the long-term sustainability of Wake County's cultural ecosystem. The application period for projects taking place between July 2025 and June 2026 is currently open. Interested applicants must complete and submit the appropriate application through the United Arts Council's online portal. A key requirement for participation was attendance at one of the mandatory informational sessions, which reviewed updated guidelines and allowed for applicant Q&A. These sessions have already concluded for this cycle. In the previous funding year (2024–2025), United Arts awarded $300,000 to 42 arts organizations across Wake County, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting organizations that reflect and engage the community through diverse artistic disciplines. Final reports for current grantees must be submitted by July 9, 2025. Grantees are expected to follow guidelines for acknowledgment, such as use of logos and program ads, and to submit timely reporting. Questions about the Mission Support Grant program may be directed to Ragen Carlile, Vice President of Education and Community Programs. This funding opportunity is targeted at organizations with a sustained presence in Wake County and a track record of providing arts-based programming and services that benefit the local community. The grant supports general operating expenses, which may include staff salaries, rent, utilities, marketing, and programming costs.