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The City of Raleigh Arts Commission's Grant Program is the official vehicle for municipal support to the City's arts organizations. A major example of the City Council's dedication to the cultural development of Raleigh, the program is supported currently by a $5 per capita allocation, which resulted in grant awards totaling $1,897,634 for 2020-2021.
Eligibility
Subject to eligibility requirements, any nonprofit organization, with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status and whose corporate headquarters are located within the limits of the City of Raleigh, may apply for an Arts Grant. To determine eligibility for these grants, please review the grant guidelines of each category and note the application dates and deadlines.
Application Process
Based on recommendations by the Raleigh Arts Commission, the City of Raleigh awards Arts Grant funding annually to non-profit organizations headquartered in Raleigh. Raleigh nonprofits may request one Arts Grant per year.
Timeline
| Date | Activity | Description |
| November to December |
Required Grant Workshops |
All organizations interested in applying for funding must attend at least one of the annual grant workshops scheduled for November and December. See the grant workshop section for complete information and workshop dates. |
| Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 | Arts Grant Director Meetings | Organizations new to the Raleigh Arts Grant Program, and those interested in applying for a different type of funding than they have in the past must notify the Arts Grant Director of their intent to apply and schedule a meeting with her to discuss their proposals. |
| Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 | 2021 - 2022 Grant Application Deadline | To be considered for 2021-2022 funding, grant applications must be received by this date. |
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July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 |
Grant Funded Programming Occurs | 2021-2022 Arts Grants will support arts programming that runs July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. |
Grant Categories
Program Support 1
For nonprofit organizations headquartered in Raleigh with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.
Learn more about the Program Support 1 Arts Grant
Program Support 2
For nonprofit arts and cultural organizations headquartered in Raleigh who has successfully completed Program Support 1 grant projects for three of the past four years.
Learn more about the Program Support 2 Arts Grant
Operating Support
For nonprofit arts organizations headquartered in Raleigh who has successfully completed Program Support 2 grant projects for three of the past four years.
Learn more about the Operating Support Arts Grant
Workshops
Any Raleigh nonprofit interested in applying for a 2021-2022 Arts Grant must attend at least one or more of the virtual grant workshops this fall.
New Applicant Grant Workshops
Raleigh nonprofits not currently receiving Arts Grant funding are required to attend one of these two virtual sessions. This workshop introduces prospective applicants to the grant program and provides in-depth information about eligibility requirements, the application process, and what happens once a grant has been awarded.
Session #1: Monday, November 30 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Session #2: Wednesday, December 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Register for New Applicant Grant Workshop
Program Support 1 & 2 Grant Workshops
This virtual workshop is required for all new applicants to either the Program Support 1 or Program Support 2 categories. It is also required for returning Program Support 1 & Program Support 2 applicants with new development staff/grant writers who have not previously written these applications in the past. The workshop will walk participants through completing the application forms and writing the grant narrative, as well as strategies for success given the pandemic’s impact on arts programming and nonprofit organizations this year. Be sure to read the grant guidelines and application forms ahead of time. Participants are encouraged to bring draft 2021-2022 applications and questions to this session.
Session #1: Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Session #2: Wednesday, December 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Register for Program Support 1 & 2 Grant Workshop
Operating Support Grant Workshop
This virtual workshop is required for new Operating Support applicants and for returning Operating Support applicants with new development staff/grant writers who have not previously written this application. The workshop will walk participants through completing the application forms and writing the narrative, as well as strategies for success given the pandemic’s impact on arts programming and nonprofit organizations this year. Be sure to read the grant guidelines and application forms ahead of time.
Session: Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to noon
Register for Operating Support Grant Workshop
***NEW FOR 2021-2022*** | Veteran Raleigh Arts Grant Writers Workshops
While there are no changes to this year’s application forms, the pandemic has impacted pretty much everything else. These virtual workshops will cover how to talk about future programming, budgets, and organizational infrastructure in grant applications given the uncertainties caused by COVID-19. Updates regarding electronic application submission processes and grant panel interviews will also be provided. These workshops are optional, and participants must have written a Raleigh Arts Commission grant application last year to attend.
Program Support 1 & 2 Session: Tuesday, December 1 from noon to 1 p.m.
Operating Support Session: Wednesday, December 2 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Register for Veteran Raleigh Arts Grant Writers Workshops
Adaptive Leadership Circles Program
The Office of Raleigh Arts, the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, the Thomas Kenan Institute for the Arts and EmcArts are partnering to offer a six-month peer cohort that uses a collaborative approach to improve organizational resiliency in the face of COVID-19’s constant disruptive change.
Learn more and apply to be a part of the Raleigh/Wake County Adaptive Leadership Circles Program
