About: The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, in partnership with the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts/Oak View Group, is proud to offer the Greensboro Arts Stabilization and Enhancement Fund (ASEF).  The ASEF is designed as a tool to strengthen and grow Greensboro’s arts ecosystem by providing micro-loans to help stabilize and enhance operational structure and enhancement. Funding will ensure that high-impact arts organizations have the resources they need to thrive, expand their reach, and better serve the community. ASEF intended purpose is to fuel a more vibrant, resilient and connected Greensboro community. 

 Eligible Requirements: 

• Nonprofit (501-c3) Arts organizations.
• Have been in existence for at least three years.
• Have filed all required paperwork with the NC Secretary of State. 
• Be based in Greensboro and conduct programming within the city. 

To be eligible arts organizations must project adequate cash flow to support repayment or present defined actionable revenue goals. 

What the ASEF Funds: 

 Short Term loans may support organizational sustainability and development through mitigating unforeseen infrastructure needs or strategic planning initiatives.  

• New ventures (based on external viability assessments).
• Development of new revenue streams.
• Large scale collaboration and cross-organizational partnerships. 
• Investment in key Leadership roles or positions. 
• Catastrophic or emergency needs (technical, operational or structural).

 Funding Priorities:

• Clearly document realistic need for funding.
• Show ability to manage and repay a short-term low-interest loan.
• Align their request with short-term and long-term growth goals.
• Show a strong commitment to Greensboro’s arts sector.

Application: Two-stage processes:

1. Stage One: Simple request application.
2. Stage Two: Additional documentation required to assess full viability of the request.

Review Timeline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. The ASEF Steering Committee will review and make funding recommendations to The ACGG Board of Directors. 

Funding:

• The ASEF Steering Committee will make funding decisions twice a year: Mid-December (2025) with funding being distributed in February 2026 and Mid-June (2026) with Funding being distributed in August 2026
• Application will be active for emergency related request through June 30, 2026.

Loan Terms:

• Low Interest rates
• Flexible repayment 
• Expected repayment over a 12 month period

ARPA Sustainability Cohort FY2026

About

Utilizing funds from Guilford County American Rescue Plan Act, The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro will work across the county to provide a framework for a more sustainable arts sector. The investment will provide creatives, artists, and art organizations with the tools and resources to become financially stronger, achieve their mission, excel within their artistic area of expertise, and better serve the community. 

Key Objectives

Strengthen the organization's operational models through diversified revenue streams.

Encourage peer-to-peer learning models and collaboration across organizations.

Strengthening the arts ecosystem to ensure that organizations remain open and viable, and that the community has access to an array of arts and cultural programming.

If part of an organizational cohort, provide ongoing operational support for PUBLIC facing programming (free or minimum fee)

Application Eligibility Requirements

The organization must have: 

• At least one paid staff member
• A Board of Directors that meets, at minimum, three times annually
• An Annual Operating Budget of over $75,000
• Reside in and provide programming for the Guilford County community
• Have completed the a Sustainability Cohort with The ACGG in the past three years. 

Grant Funding 

The FY2026 round of Beneficiary Participation Grant allocations will be made to organizations to underwrite their time and investment in small cohort settings for continued collaborative support. Katherine Mooring with MOKA Partners, LLC, will facilitate fall 2025 cohort designed to strengthen operations through a focus on problem solving, effective communication, and tracking the outcomes of sustainability goal setting. 

Reporting Requirements: 

Participation in the Nonprofit Sustainability Program FY 2026 will require completion of in-person attendance, cohort surveys, content evaluation, and reviews. A second spring 2026 session attendance will be required with cohort surveys, content review and performance evaluation.

Marketing: The Lock-up Logo for the ARPA Sustainability program must be listed on all participant websites acknowledging support from Guilford County, North Carolina Arts Council and The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. A marketing packet will be provided with the participation agreement with guidelines and logo's. 

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. 

How Applications Are Evaluated: 

Grant applications and allocations are reviewed by the New Creative Investment Steering Committee and The ACGG Grants Committee and approved by The ACGG Board of Directors. 

Questions and Assistance: 

If applicants have questions or need assistance, please get in touch with Grants Coordinator Deb Ruffino at 336-279-7081 or druffino@theacgg.org

The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, in partnership with The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts Oak View Group and the City of Greensboro, is proud to offer the Greensboro Venue Access Grant. This grant is designed to support performance-based organizations that deliver high-quality, inclusive, and artistically vibrant experiences reflective of our community’s rich diversity and creativity. By directly offsetting venue-related expenses, this funding enables organizations to allocate more resources toward artistic excellence, fair artist compensation, technical production, community outreach, and audience engagement. Through this support, the grant aims to strengthen the viability, growth, and long-term sustainability of creative projects that enrich the cultural landscape of Greensboro.

 Eligible Organizations: 

• Greensboro Nonprofit (501-c3) Arts organizations that have been in existence for at least three years are eligible to apply.
•  Organizations must have filed all required paperwork with the NC Secretary of State. 
•  Organizations must reside in and carry out programming within the city of Greensboro. 

What the Venue Access Grant Funds: Only the cost of the venue. This includes rental fees for spaces used for performances. 

Priorities for funding:

• Funding will be provided to organizations that have proven track record producing performance programs for the public.  
• Provide a realistic estimate of anticipated audience size.  
• Explain clearly why the venue is necessary and how it supports the growth of your programming. 
• Show how your past performances support the need for a larger or different venue.  
• Provide data success stories to show growth over time. 

Funding Timeline: Deadline for Fall Application October 31, 2025 - Funding for venues February to July 2026 

 Spring Application (April 1 to May 31, 2026) -Funding for venues August to January  

Marketing: Performances supported by the Venue Access Grant must be listed on The ACGG Events Calendar, and acknowledge The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro on all promotional materials. A marketing packet will be provided after funding is approved with all guidelines. 

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

Evaluation: When applying for the Venue Access Grant, your proposal will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

1. Readiness Demonstrates a proven track record of successful artistic programming. Has a pending venue identified for the proposed event or project.
2. Artistic Clarity and Vision  Programming is clearly aligned with your organization’s mission. Exhibits define creative and artistic goals with strong conceptual coherence.
3. Community Impact and Public Benefit Meaningfully engages the local community.  Expands access to the arts through outreach, inclusion, or audience development strategies.
4. Marketing and Audience Development  Presents realistic and appropriate marketing strategies for the project’s scope.  Demonstrates planning for audience engagement and attendance.
5. Financial Stability and Fiscal Responsibility  Includes a clear, balanced, and realistic budget.  Shows how the venue grant specifically supports the program's success and sustainability. Is a non-profit in good standing. 
6. Organizational Capacity   Evidence that your organization has the staff, systems, and structures to effectively carry out the project.
7. Equity and Inclusion  Organization reflects a commitment to access, equity, and inclusive community engagement in both programming and operations.
8. Alignment and Goals  The proposed project aligns with the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro’s mission and the goals of the Venue Access Grant Program. The program has strong artistic merit and contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of Greensboro arts ecosystem.

External review committee will review and score using the following rating system. Committee members are given the opportunity to discuss applications, share thoughts and can provide written recommendations. The ranking process utilizes a scale of 20-100. The ACGG’s Board of Directors review all panel scores and recommendations prior to final awards. 

Example: If the applicant’s score is outstanding on all counts, they will receive a score of 100. The 100-point score is equivalent to the following: (100 Outstanding, 80 Very Good, 60 Good, 40 Fair, 20 Poor.) Scores must receive a rating of 80 or above to be eligible for funding. 

 Reporting:  A final report providing a detailed description of the funded project, participation statistics and demographics, sample marketing, and program materials using The ACGG logo, will be required by no later than 60 days following the performance. Applicants failing to provide final reports will not be eligible for future funding from The ACGG. 

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.