The Arts for Towns Grants program is a funding initiative of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, designed to support public-facing arts programming across municipalities in Wake County, North Carolina. These grants provide up to $5,000 per eligible town to compensate North Carolina-based artists for their services in local arts programs. This initiative aims to foster community engagement, encourage artistic enrichment, and ensure greater access to the arts throughout the county.

Grants can be used to fund artists’ fees for a wide range of programming, including performances by musicians, dancers, and theater groups; workshops and residencies led by teaching artists; and visual art installations such as murals or exhibitions. These programs must be designed for public participation or viewership and should engage the community in meaningful ways.

Each town within Wake County may apply for one grant per year, and the maximum award is $5,000. The application for the 2025–2026 cycle is due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025. Applicants are directed to review the FY 25–26 Arts for Towns Grant Guidelines before applying. All submissions must be completed online through the United Arts Council's application portal.

The program is non-competitive, which means that all eligible applicants that meet the program’s criteria and submit complete applications may receive funding, pending budget availability. Accessibility is a key priority, and applicants who require modifications or alternative formats due to a disability can request assistance at least ten working days in advance of the deadline.

For additional guidance or questions, applicants should contact Kelly Schrader, Program Officer for Grants, at kschrader@unitedarts.org or call (919) 839-1498 x207.

The program is supported by the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.