Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Using a per capita-based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils.
Henderson County serves as the North Carolina Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Henderson County.
Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Henderson County. Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations (theaters, galleries, choral societies, festivals, etc.), arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county. Subgrants may not be awarded to arts organizations that already receive operating support directly from the N.C. Arts Council. Projects must occur between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.
Application forms and grant guidelines are available on the Henderson County website at hendersoncountync.gov. For assistance accessing the application, email GrassRootsArtGrant@hendersoncountync.gov. Applications must be received no later than September 15, 2025, at 5:00pm.
The NC Arts Council is also hosting a Grassroots Arts Program subgrant workshop via Zoom to assist interested applicants in preparing competitive applications. Applicants can sign up for the training by emailing GrassRootsArtGrant@hendersoncountync.gov for a link. New applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Grant applications are evaluated by a diverse panel of community members with awards being announced this Fall.