The Haywood County Arts Council is currently accepting applications for its Grassroots Arts Program, which aims to enhance access to quality arts experiences for citizens in North Carolina. This program, established in 1977 by the North Carolina Arts Council, provides funding to support arts initiatives across all 100 counties in the state. The Haywood County Arts Council acts as a partner in this initiative, specifically awarding grants to local organizations for arts programming within Haywood County. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, a total of $22,645 is available for subgrants, with individual grant amounts starting at $500.

The primary purpose of the Grassroots Arts Program is to foster and support arts activities that enrich the community. The objectives include providing financial assistance for hiring artists, purchasing supplies, and facilitating various arts programs. The funding can also be utilized for equipment purchases, capital improvements, and a range of program expenses such as artist fees, travel, space rental, and marketing efforts. Additionally, operating expenses for arts organizations, including salaries and utilities, are eligible for funding.

To be eligible for this grant, organizations must have been in operation for at least one year and should ideally have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, although other nonprofit entities may also apply. It is essential that the applying organization is located in and serves Haywood County. The funds awarded must be utilized for activities occurring between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and must be expended by June 30, 2025. Organizations that already receive operating support from the North Carolina Arts Council can apply for program or operating support, provided the funds are not used for projects already funded by the Council.

Certain expenses are explicitly excluded from funding. These include costs related to art therapy, the purchase of artwork, fundraising events, and school band or choral activities. Additionally, funds cannot be used for lobbying expenses, tuition for academic study, or any costs associated with litigation. This ensures that the grant is focused on supporting community arts initiatives rather than other unrelated expenses.

The application process requires organizations to submit their proposals by the deadline of September 30, 2024. Interested applicants should prepare to answer specific questions regarding their proposed projects and how they align with the goals of the Grassroots Arts Program. The evaluation criteria will likely include the project's potential impact on the community, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the overall alignment with the program's objectives.

For further information, potential applicants can reach out to the Haywood County Arts Council via email at director@haywoodarts.org or by phone at (828) 452-0593. The website for the Haywood County Arts Council also provides additional details about the grant and the application process. This opportunity represents a valuable chance for local organizations to secure funding for arts initiatives that can significantly benefit the Haywood County community.