Arts Funding Opportunities

The City of Raleigh and our partners offer several funding opportunities related to art in public spaces: 

City of Raleigh Programs

• Neighborhood Art Funds: Funds of up to $1,000 are available to individuals, groups, or organizations for art projects that enhance neighborhoods.  
• SEEK Raleigh Program: An experimental public art program by Raleigh Arts, artists can propose public art projects that engage with the community in City of Raleigh parks, greenways, and/or community spaces. Artists may submit up to four proposals per year. The City will provide space and funding.
• Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program: Business owners can qualify for up to $5,000 or up to $10,000 for exterior improvements like lighting, murals, awnings and art if you are in an Economic Development Priority Area or the University Village District.  

Outside Funding Programs

• The Snapdragon Fund: A partnership between VAE Raleigh and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Snapdragon Fund has three different funding opportunities to meet the continued needs of the creative community. 501(c)(3) non-profits, commercial galleries, LLCs, and incorporated businesses are not eligible to apply.
• Artist Support Grants: Administered by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, these grants fund professional and artistic development for emerging and established artists to create work, improve their studio operations, or bring their work to new audiences. The program is supported by City of Raleigh, Wake County, and the N.C. Arts Council.
• Jandy Ammons Foundation Grants: Grants available to 501(c)(3) public charities recognized by the IRS. The foundation focuses on specific “shovel ready” standalone projects, including wildlife, conservation or hunting projects, educational projects, artistic installations, Christian church mission endeavors, park settings/community areas, and other organizations and projects uniquely within the scope of the Foundation’s mission.
• SouthArts Grant Programs: SouthArts has several grant programs for artists, organizations, and presenters in a nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee). Programs include Cross-Sector Impact Grants, Presentation Grants, Artistic planning grants and professional development funding for Southern presenters, programmers, or curators, Accessibility Grants, and grants to fund tours and infrastructure. SouthArts also offers free online workshops and training for artists and arts administrators. 
• AARP Community Challenge Grants: The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects to help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Funding categories include “Creating vibrant Public Places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.” Applications open in January and are due in early March.