Important Dates
Timeline: This year's grant cycle is closed and will not be returning in 2024-2025. To be on the notification list for the Grassroots Arts Program, please email anna@artsinwayne.org.
ARTS COUNCIL OF WAYNE COUNTY AWARDS OVER $35,000 IN GRANTS
The Arts Council of Wayne County recently received a state grant in the amount of $54,402.00 and has awarded 50% to five local arts organizations.
The funds are made available annually through the American Rescue Plan Act Funds by the North Carolina Arts Council. The program provides arts funding to all 100 counties on a per capita basis to ensure all citizens have access to quality arts experiences and benefit from the important role the arts play in their communities. Grassroots funds also support the
sustainability of local arts councils, organizations that are central to community life.
“We’re fortunate that our state leaders continue to support the arts as they have a huge impact on our community's economy. We hope to be able to continue sub-granting funds out to local arts organizations in need.” said Anna Hinson, ACWC Programs Director.
A panel of local artists, ACWC board members and patrons reviewed this year’s sub-grant applications and determined how the funds would be distributed.
2023-2024 recipients are:
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Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation - $7,235.00
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Wayne County Public Schools - $7,000.00
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Goldsboro Ballet - $5,500.00
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Starlight Dance Band - $4,466.00
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Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County - $3,000.00
The Arts Council of Wayne County is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides arts opportunities and experiences for all residents. As the county’s lead agency for the arts, it supports local artists and arts organizations to help them succeed. Its mission is to keep the arts thriving throughout Wayne County.
The North Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s long-standing love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12 billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education.
What is the American Rescue Plan Act?
Grassroots Arts Program Federal Funding (ARPA)
North Carolina legislature has designated $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be distributed through the grassroots network over two years with no match required.
ARPA funds will be distributed into installments:
5 million in FY 2022-2023
5 million in FY 2023-2024
The Grassroots Arts Program is a partnership between local art councils and the North Carolina Arts Council. All 100 counties in North Carolina receive ARPA funds on a straight per capita basis.
In counties with populations of 50,000 or more, the local arts council must distribute 50% of the Grassroots Arts ARPA funds to local arts organizations through a competitive grant process.
Grassroots partners are required to sign a percentage of the funds to support BIPOC* arts organizations and/or multicultural programming.
*Black, Indigenous, and people of color
Strategy for ARPA funds.
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BUILD: sustainability of your arts organization or art programs (beyond projects, investing in operations and staff.)
DEVELOP: new relationships with BIPOC* arts organizations and artists.
INVEST: in capacity building for your organization (shared trainings, specific capacity-building tailored to your organization's strategic planning.)
*Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
Application Eligibility
While nonprofit status is preferred, organizations that have been an operation for at least one year may apply. All organizations must reside in carrier projects in Wayne County. Projects must take place between July 1, 2023 and May 31st, 2024. Only complete applications received by the due date will be considered.
Examples of ARPA fund investments
CAPACITY BUILDING:
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Consultants for strategic-planning
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Developing a fundraising plan
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Professional marketing plan
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Website refresh
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Program evaluation
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Board training
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Staff training or professional development
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Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion training
SUSTAINABILITY:
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Hiring staff or contractors
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Equipment purchases or upgrades
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Small capital expenditures up to $25,000 (total in two years)
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Full financial audit
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Arts & Economic Prosperity (AEP) study participation
EXPANDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH BIPOC* ARTISTS:
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Developing new partnerships, programming, and outreach including: small-scale creative placemaking projects with BIPOC* artists, piloting new events or programs beyond Black History Month or Native American Heritage Month, etc.
*Black, indigenous, and people of color.
Application
How to apply:
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Start a conversation with your local arts council.
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Schedule a meeting to discuss your organizations recent history.
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Prepare a list of organizational needs and intended goals.
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Discuss the possibility of shared trainings with other organizations in your county.
All applications are due Friday, November 10th, 2023 at 11:59 pm digitally submitted to info@artsinwayne.org.
Evaluation
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SUBGRANT PANELS:
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Panel of community members review each grant.
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Panelist base funding decisions on the quality of the grant application, not on their relationship with, or knowledge of, the organization.
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Panelist review overall completeness of the grant and square applications on specific criteria.
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CRITERIA: -
Investment will address specific organizational needs and goals.
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Identification of consultants or community partners to implement project.
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Ability to communicate specific outcomes or goals for the grant.
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Ability to plan and implement.
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Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization.
If your organization is funded...
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Your organization will enter into a contractual agreement with Arts Council Of Wayne County.
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Submittal of No Overdue Tax Debts Form.
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Your organization is required to complete a final report by May 30 with: Audience numbers & Audience demographics
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Demonstrate use of NC arts Council logo and credit line on promotional materials.
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Late final reports = no funding next grant cycle!
Keep the Arts Council of Wayne County updated on the progress of your program. If something changes and you can't use all the funds, the Arts Council of Wayne County must know by April. They will need to roll the funds into one of their programs.