Best Grants for the Arts in North Carolina

North Carolina individual craft, folk, and traditional artists can access funding through the Center for Cultural Innovation to purchase tools and equipment supporting object-based work. Grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000 can cover new or used equipment, repairs, installation, materials to build equipment, or storage, for artists 18+ who have presented work publicly since 2022.

North Carolina nonprofit arts service organizations that support the statewide or multi-state arts community can apply for US $5,000 - US $30,000 to cover administrative and program costs. Focused on arts and culture, the North Carolina Arts Council funds activities like conferences, workshops, consultations, research, publications, and promotional materials benefiting arts groups across North Carolina.

Nonprofits, public schools, and state or municipal organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for community sustainability, inclusive mobility, workforce readiness, and arts and culture programs. Toyota supports qualified 501(c)(3) and public entities in primary counties Randolph and Guilford, emphasizing long-term, sustainable impact for diverse and underserved populations, including arts-focused initiatives.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits, especially Christian organizations, can seek funding for education, scientific, religious, and cultural programs. Focused on arts and culture, the Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust invites eligible organizations in select states, including North Carolina, to apply through the JPMorgan online foundations application system.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving arts, culture, education, health, or human services with measurable impact in Mitchell County, North Carolina may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to improve quality of life, the Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation supports well-prepared, sustainable projects, with possible consideration for surrounding western North Carolina communities.

North Carolina arts and culture nonprofits, educational institutions, and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek capital project and education program support that improves graduation rates. The David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund prioritizes capital improvements and educational institutions in Georgia and neighboring states, including North Carolina, across arts, culture, humanities, and related charitable fields.

Focused on arts and culture, 501(c)(3) organizations in central and western North Carolina can seek $5,000 - $15,000 from the Provident Benevolent Foundation for educational, medical, and human services programming. Eligible nonprofits may request program, general operating, or capital campaign support that includes or complements arts-related activities.

Arts and cultural nonprofits in North Carolina can seek project or capital funding for performances, museums, arts education, and historic venues that enhance community life. Focused on arts, culture, and history, the Philip L Van Every Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $50,000 to established 501(c)(3) public charities in North and South Carolina.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina can seek funding for short-term or non-recurring arts, culture, and humanities projects. Focused on statewide impact with priority for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the John Wesley Hanes and Anna Hodgin Hanes Foundation also considers related work in health, human services, environment, animals, international affairs, and religion.

North Carolina arts and culture nonprofits can access funding through the DeLeon Carter Foundation for charitable, educational, literary, scientific, religious, or animal and child welfare projects. 501(c)(3) organizations, including those focused on the arts in communities like Rocky Mount, Nashville, and Nash County, may be especially well positioned to apply.

North Carolina arts and culture nonprofits can apply for funding to support education, environmental projects, and healthy, vibrant communities in areas where Cleveland-Cliffs operates. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help organizations offering arts programming within these focus areas, including community development, cultural institutions, and programs serving underserved populations near company facilities.

North Carolina arts and culture nonprofits can access funding through the Huffman-Cornwell Foundation to support projects serving local communities, especially in Burke County. Not-for-profit organizations may also propose work in education, children’s services, environment, historic preservation, and community development that incorporates or complements arts-focused programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations presenting Japanese arts and culture projects in North Carolina and other states east of the Rockies can receive up to US $5,000 for program costs. Japan Foundation New York reimburses eligible expenses such as artist honoraria, travel, publicity, shipping, and online production for performances, exhibitions, screenings, and related events.

Early-career LGBTQ+ performance artists creating new avant-garde work in North Carolina and other eligible states can receive US $5,000 to develop new performance art. Focused on performance-based art, Franklin Furnace Fund invites vocational, non-student generative artists with creative authorship and control to apply through the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art.

Arts and culture nonprofits in North Carolina can seek project support for community arts, cultural institutions, and youth arts engagement that advance racial and economic equity. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations within designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color, that may also address housing or economic and workforce advancement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina working in arts and culture, education, healthcare, or human services can seek funding to strengthen programs and organizational capacity. With a mission to create pathways to self-sufficiency, Leon Levine Foundation provides Carolinas nonprofits with support for impactful, sustainable initiatives that benefit local communities.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in North Carolina running arts, culture, or social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which awards up to US $5,000 for project expenses. Eligible U.S.-based projects include performing arts, art for social change, and other youth-led initiatives that build kinder, more connected communities.

North Carolina arts and culture organizations collaborating with artists on new work that advances racial and cultural justice can access funding through the National Performance Network’s Creation & Development Fund. Awards of approximately US $15,000 support early-stage creation, artist fees, research, materials, and other creative needs, with projects culminating in live community exchange.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through arts and culture initiatives, education, environment, family, or health programs across the U.S. can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformative grants that may benefit arts-focused veteran programs in North Carolina.

Immigrant culinary professionals working in food, beverage, or culinary media in North Carolina and across the U.S. can apply for the Vilcek Foundation’s Creative Promise prizes, which award US $50,000 in unrestricted support. Eligible applicants are early-career, foreign-born individuals with at least five years of professional experience who intend to pursue their careers in the U.S.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The Women's Impact Fund Grant aims to provide significant financial support to nonprofits in Mecklenburg County, NC, focusing on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. The grant emphasizes trust-based philanthropy, promoting equity and accessibility while addressing community disparities. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, with applications evaluated based on member votes and overall grant pool size. This year, the fund is offering unrestricted operating support to enhance organizational resilience.