The Cary Art Daze Grant, sponsored by the Town of Cary’s Festivals Committee, is a funding opportunity for Cary-based nonprofit organizations to support arts-focused programs or projects that benefit the local community. Each year, proceeds from the town’s Spring Daze and Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festivals are dedicated to this grant program. For the 2024–2025 cycle, the committee will distribute $40,000 in total grant funds to selected projects. Since its inception, the Festivals Committee has provided over $900,000 to various local nonprofits, emphasizing the program's commitment to enriching Cary’s cultural landscape.

The purpose of the Cary Art Daze Grant is to foster arts initiatives within Cary that align with specific community priorities. Projects should emphasize cultural arts and ideally contribute to broader objectives set by the Town of Cary. Initiatives that support the downtown area receive additional consideration, promoting arts accessibility and engagement in central Cary. This focus is structured to create a robust cultural environment that benefits residents and reinforces the town’s investment in arts and culture.

Funding is designated for Cary-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The grant specifically targets projects that highlight cultural arts, advance Cary’s overall civic initiatives, or enhance activities in downtown Cary. Although only one project per nonprofit may be submitted, organizations may collaborate on applications if one partner serves as the official fund manager. Projects tied to fundraising for schools, such as booster clubs or PTAs, will be considered but are a lower priority. Documentation proving nonprofit status is required, as applications lacking this verification will not be reviewed.

Eligible applicants must complete an online application detailing their proposed project, its alignment with funding priorities, and its potential community impact. The application portal opens annually, with this cycle’s submissions due by Friday, November 15, at 11:59 p.m. After submission, applications will undergo a review by the Grants Committee in December, with a final selection confirmed by the Festivals Committee on December 17. Decisions will be based on project alignment with the program’s priorities, feasibility, and anticipated benefit to Cary residents.

Following the review process, all applicants will be notified by email of the final grant awards in January 2025. Applications are a matter of public record according to North Carolina law and may be shared upon request without prior notification to the applicants.

Key dates for the Cary Art Daze Grant include the application opening on October 16, 2024, the submission deadline on November 15, and the final review and approval process, which will be completed by December 17, 2024. Grant recipients can expect notification of their award status by January 2025. Nonprofits interested in applying should ensure compliance with eligibility requirements and prepare to document their projects’ alignment with Cary’s cultural and civic objectives.