Grassroots Arts Program Subgrants Available

In 1977, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Grassroots Arts Program to ensure that every citizen has access to high-quality arts experiences. The program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties in North Carolina. Funds are primarily distributed through local arts councils using a per capita-based formula.

The North Carolina Arts Council manages the Grassroots Arts Program for the state and provides technical and program assistance to its community partners. The creation of the Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) increased the number of local arts councils and helped establish North Carolina as a leader in community arts development.

Nationally, North Carolina has one of the largest networks of local arts agencies and also the country’s oldest arts council, which serves Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Grassroots funds support hundreds of arts activities across the state each year.

The Lincoln Cultural Center is proud to be a provisional partner with the North Carolina Arts Council, striving to be a permanent partner, as we learn to navigate and manage the grant distribution process in our community and utilize our portion of allocated GAP funding to encourage and support artists as well as enhance the quality of life for area residents through the arts.

• Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year to be eligible to receive a subgrant. While nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is preferred, organizations that are nonprofit innature may also receive Grassroots Arts Program subgrants. Grassroots partners may require unincorporated nonprofits to have a fiscal agent to receive the funds on their behalf.
• All organizations must reside and carry out projects within the county in which they are applying.
• Projects must take place between July 1 and June 30 of the current fiscal year.
• Only complete applications received by the due date will be considered.
• Subgrants may not be awarded to arts organizations that already receive operating support directly from the N.C. Arts Council

Organizations wishing to apply for sub grant funds should first read the grant guidelines and second, submit their grant by Friday, October 31st, 2025.

Click the link to access the GAP Subgrant information to learn about the GAP program and see if your organization qualifies

Click here to get the 2025/2026 Subgrant application

GAP-Subgrant-Application-8-25-2025.docx

You may email your application to lincolncultural@gmail.com, or mail it to Lincoln Cultural Center, 403 East Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092, or drop it by in person.

If you have questions, please call LCC Executive Director Cathy Davis at 704-240-4989.