The Hurricane Helene Relief Grants for Organizations in Western North Carolina provide funding to nonprofit arts organizations impacted by Hurricane Helene. These grants are administered by the North Carolina Arts Council and are designed to support recovery efforts and help organizations restore their artistic and administrative functions. The funding is flexible, allowing organizations to address various operational and recovery needs, such as salaries, repair and conservation of artistic materials, replacement supplies and equipment, and efforts to re-engage with audiences.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations located in one of the 25 affected counties, including Buncombe, Haywood, and Watauga, among others. Organizations must have been in operation for at least two consecutive years, demonstrate cash operating expenses of at least $20,000 for the prior fiscal year, and dedicate at least 80 percent of their programming to arts activities. Organizations affiliated with municipalities, school systems, or colleges/universities are ineligible.

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on organizational budgets and the number of eligible applicants. The grants cover a broad range of expenses, including salaries, facility operations, programming costs, and marketing. These grants do not require a matching contribution. The project period runs through June 30, 2025, and all funds must be expended by that date. A final report on expenditures and activities is due on July 31, 2025.

The application process opens on January 6, 2025, and closes on January 24, 2025. Applicants must submit their materials through the GO Smart grant portal. Required documents include an organizational mission statement, history, financial statements, and narratives describing the impact of the hurricane, income losses, and the intended use of funds. Arts Council staff will review applications for completeness and eligibility before notifying award recipients by February 14, 2025.

For assistance, applicants can contact program staff, such as Dara Silver or Jamie Katz Court, for guidance on application requirements and accessibility accommodations. Additionally, resources and support for completing the application are available on the North Carolina Arts Council website. These grants aim to provide vital support to the arts sector in Western North Carolina, enabling organizations to recover and continue serving their communities effectively.