ABOUT  The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, in collaboration with High Point Arts Council, offers Grassroots Multicultural Grants for all Guilford County arts-based multicultural organizations. The grant provides operating support and project support.  Funded since 1977, through the North Carolina Arts Council's Grassroots Arts Program (GAP), this program is intended to provide access to high-quality arts experiences for Guilford County citizens. 

Eligibility for Application 

•  Nonprofit (501-c3) Arts organizations that have been in existence for three or more years are eligible to apply for operating support.  Non-profit organizations that have been in existence for one year or more are eligible to apply for project support. 
•  Organizations must have filed all required paperwork with the NC Secretary of State. 
•  Organizations must reside in and carry out programming within Guilford County.
• Applications and support materials must be completed and received by due date. 
•  All projects must take place between January 1, 2026, and June 15, 2026.

Individual artists are not eligible to apply for Grassroots Arts funds.

Primary consideration will be given to multicultural lead organizations, 

Secondary consideration art non-profits serving multicultural citizens 

While non-profit 501(c)3 status is preferred, organizations that are non-profit in nature and offer art programming to the general public but lack IRS designation may receive GAP subgrants if they meet funding criteria.

What the Grassroots Arts Program Funds Grassroots Arts Program funds may be used for expenditures to conduct quality arts programs or operate an arts organization. Typical uses of Grassroots money include: 

• Program expenses such as professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, costumes, scripts, sets, props, music, and equipment rental.
• Operating expenses for qualified arts organizations can include salaries, telephone, office supplies, printing, postage, rent, utilities, insurance, and equipment rental.

Organizations already receiving funding from the North Carolina Arts Council (NCAC) should check with the granting office at The ACGG to determine eligibility. 

Priorities for Funding The priority of the Grassroots program is to provide operating or program support to qualified arts organizations not already receiving or eligible to receive support from the NCAC. These include theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writers’ groups, and arts festivals, etc. Arts organizations are defined with 75% or more of programming being arts based. 

The second priority of the Grassroots program is to support arts learning and arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists. These can be artist residencies in schools, afterschool or summer camps, or adult arts learning classes. 

The third priority of Grassroots Arts sub grants is to community, civic, and municipal organizations. These programs must be conducted by qualified artists and serve Guilford County community. 

 Funding Policies 

• Tribal organizations that receive Grassroots funds must represent the state or federally recognized tribes.
• Colleges, universities, and libraries may receive grants for community-based arts programs or generate      regional arts involvement. Grants may not support internal programs, administration, or operation expenses.
• Sub grants may not be used for prizes, competitions, tuition, or financial rewards.
• Grassroots funds may not be used for art supplies or equipment.
• Culturally religious organizations and churches may not receive Grassroots funding
• Grassroots funds may not be used for activities associated with a school’s internal arts programs, such as in-school student performances, the purchase of art supplies, or student arts competitions and publications.
• Municipalities (city/county governments) may receive grants for arts programs that use qualified artists to conduct programs that involve the greater community. Grants may not support internal programs, administration, or operating expenses.

Grassroots Arts Program money may not be used for the following kinds of expenditures: 

· Academic tuition, scholarships or financial awards

• Art, music, and dance therapists
• Artifacts or purchase of artwork
• Capital expenditures or equipment 
• Contingency funds
• Deficit reduction
• Fundraising events
• Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions
• Lobbying expenses
• Oral history and history projects
• Programming that contains religious content
• Interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs

 Grassroots Program Requirements

Matching Requirement: All subgrantees must match their grant amounts dollar for dollar. The funds must come from other public or private sources. Other NCAC funds cannot be used as a match.

Reporting Requirements: Each sub grantee is required to have a virtual check-in during March of 2026 followed by an interim report with copies of legislative letters. A final report providing a detailed description of the funded project, participation statistics and demographics, sample marketing, and program materials using The ACGG lock up logo and credit line, will be required by no later than June 30, 2026.

Legislative Letters: Applicants will be required to write to their state representatives to thank them for appropriating Grassroots funds. If required, the letter should provide information about how Grassroots funds were used to support your program or project and the community impact of the event. A copy of all letters to legislators must be included in the final report materials. Attendance at Art Day is encouraged.

Listing Events and Programs: Programs and events supported directly or tangentially by Grassroots funding must be listed on The ACGG events calendar. 

How Applications Are Evaluated: Grant applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of community members, including artists, county, public officials, and arts council board members, among others. The panel evaluates each application based on the grant guidelines and the following criteria: 

· Ability to plan and implement programming or specific project

· Financial Stability and Fiscal Responsibility of organization

· Quality of project and programs that align with organizational mission

· Fair and Equitable Access in Programming and Funding

· Community Impact - Strengthen awareness of arts in Guilford County

Outside panelists discuss and score the grant using an established rating system. The panel’s funding decisions are then presented as recommendations to The ACGG Board. The board votes and gives final approval to the grant panel’s recommendations.

Marketing and logo use: 

Recognition Grassroots grantees must acknowledge the North Carolina Arts Council, The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, and The High Point Arts Council and have the lock-up logo present on websites and all promotional materials with the appropriate credit line. 

This project was supported by The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro and High Point Arts Council, a division of the Designated County Partner, with funding from the North Carolina Arts Council. 

Funding organizations will receive a marketing packet outlining use of logo. 

Data Collection: Data Collection: The ACGG will provide a Data Survey Tool which can be completed either digitally (via QR code) or as a physical copy for your event.  The information collected from the survey will be provided to you free of charge within 30 days from the date of the event. 

Questions and Assistance If applicants have questions or need assistance, please contact Grants Coordinator Deb Ruffino 336-279-7081 or grants@theacgg.org. An informational session will be held on September 24th from 12:00 to  1:00.  Please register for the session on The ACGG website in Grassroots Grant informational page.