The Town Arts & Culture Program offers funding to Orange County, North Carolina-based nonprofits for arts and cultural projects that enhance community life in Chapel Hill. This initiative supports local collaborations with artists to create projects like community festivals, public art, arts experiences, and other events focused on enriching the community's cultural landscape. Funding awards are available in amounts of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000, and applications must be submitted by November 22, 2024, at 5 pm through the OpenGov application portal.

Eligible organizations must be 501(c) nonprofits based in Orange County, and projects must include the participation of Historically Underrepresented Groups (HUGs) such as the Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, LGBTQ+, immigrant, homeless, and disabled communities. While applicants do not need to be arts or culture-focused nonprofits, the proposed project must center on arts and cultural engagement. Certain entities, including departments of the University of North Carolina and affiliates of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, are not eligible to apply.

Projects funded by the Town Arts & Culture Program must take place in Chapel Hill, offer free public access, and directly benefit local residents. Additionally, awardees must include a paid local artist in their project, with compensation funded through the grant. Projects should align with one or more of the following community priorities: community health and well-being, social justice, climate action/environmental justice, or youth engagement and education. At the project’s conclusion, awardees are required to submit a report detailing financial expenditures, program outcomes, and participant feedback; failure to provide this report will disqualify organizations from future funding.

This is not a reimbursement-based grant; instead, the full award amount is provided upfront after awardees sign an agreement with the Town. The total funding pool for this program is allocated annually within the Town's operating budget. Key dates for this cycle include a March 2025 award notification and June 2025 fund disbursement. Funded projects must be completed between July 2025 and June 2026, though dates may adjust as needed.

Applicants are encouraged to have their organizational documents ready prior to applying, including their EIN, IRS tax-exempt determination letter, and Articles of Incorporation. The program’s structured application ensures projects are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the cultural vitality and inclusiveness of Chapel Hill’s community.