Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) 2021-2020
HCAC administers the Grassroots Arts Program in accordance with current guidelines, policies, and requirements outlined by the North Carolina Arts Council.
The Grassroots Grant Program provides financial support for Haywood County-based community and nonprofit organizations that produce programs and projects that enhance the arts for county residents.
The Arts Council retains 50 percent of this money for operating funds and internal programs such as Haywood County Art Camp, Young Artist Concert, and other programs. The remaining 50 percent is distributed to qualifying organizations within Haywood County that work to promote the arts.
Grassroots Arts Program Application Information
Grassroots grants are matching grants that must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the receiving organization. To apply, complete an application detailing the project, along with a budget for the project, and the signatures of parties responsible for the organization. Credit must be given to the North Carolina Arts Council and the Haywood County Arts Council in all printed information or news releases. A final report is due at the completion of the project.
Nonprofit arts organizations or nonprofits planning an arts activity may apply. In order to quality, an applicant must have non-profit 501c(3) status with two years of operation, or an applicant may apply using a fiscal agent that has 501c(3) status with two years of operation. The applicant organization must be based in Haywood County and produce its programming in Haywood County. Subgrants are not awarded to support fund-raising activities.
Eligibility for Subgrants
Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit in nature may also receive Grassroots Arts Program subgrants.
Priorities for Funding
The first priority for awarding subgrants is to provide program or operating support to qualified arts organizations (where they exist), including theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writers groups, and arts festivals, among others. Grassroots funds are not generally awarded to arts organizations that receive funding through the N.C. Arts Council’s State Arts Resources (SAR) Program. SAR organizations must receive prior approval from the N.C. Arts Council staff before applying for Grassroots funds.
The second priority for subgranting grassroots funds is to support arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, after-school summer camps, or adult arts learning classes. Grassroots funds may not be used for activities associated with a school’s internal arts programs such as in-school student performances, the purchase of art supplies, or student arts competitions and publications.
The third priority includes subgrants made to other community, civic, and municipal organizations that provide quality arts experiences for the greater community. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists.
This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.