Grassroots Arts Program (GAP)
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Arts Davidson County is proud to be a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, responsible for administering sub-grant awards through the Grassroots Arts Program (GAP). This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Davidson County, helping them expand arts programming, strengthen community engagement, and support arts education.
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Eligible programs include a wide variety of arts initiatives, such as:
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Arts education and artist-in-school residencies
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Concerts, festivals, and performing arts showcases
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Visual arts exhibitions and gallery events
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Literary arts programs, workshops, and readings
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Application Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be accepted.
About the Grassroots Arts Program​
Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has worked to ensure that all North Carolina residents have access to high-quality arts experiences. Through a per capita funding formula, the program supports arts activities in every county across the state, with local arts councils like Arts Davidson County distributing sub-grants to community organizations.
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Who Can Apply?
Nonprofit organizations that promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Davidson County are encouraged to apply.
Priority is given to:
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Qualified arts organizations, such as theaters, galleries, choral societies, and festivals
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Arts-in-education programs led by qualified artists
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Community, civic, and municipal organizations offering high-quality arts experiences
Note: Organizations that already receive operating support directly from the N.C. Arts Council are generally not eligible for GAP subgrants.
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Project Timeline: All programs must take place between July 1, 2025 – June 15, 2026.
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Examples of Fundable Projects
Grassroots Arts Program funds can support:
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Performances, exhibitions, and festivals
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Arts camps, after-school programs, and adult learning classes
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Artist residencies in schools or community centers
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Marketing and promotion for art walks, studio tours, or public programs
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Theater-related expenses, including props, sets, costumes, or royalties
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Website development, research, and essential equipment rental
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Application Requirements
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Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year.
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501(c)(3) nonprofit status is preferred; however, nonprofit organizations without formal IRS recognition may apply using a fiscal agent.
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Application forms and grant guidelines can be found here:
FY 2025/26 Application Guidelines
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Need a copy via email? Contact Arts Davidson County and amanda@artsdavidsoncounty.org, and we’ll send applications and guidelines directly to you.
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Deadline: Applications must be received by Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5 PM.
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Arts Davidson County is hosting two Grassroots Arts Program Grant Workshop to assist interested applicants in preparing competitive grants on Wednesday, September 17, at 11:30am or 5:30pm at Arts | Theatre 202.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST ATTEND, OR SEND A DESIGNATED PERSON FROM THEIR ORGANIZATION, TO ONE OF THESE WORKSHOPS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A SUBGRANT. To secure your spot, kindly pre-register by sending an email to amanda@artsdavidsoncounty.org.
Grant applications are evaluated by a diverse panel of community members and voted on by Arts Davidson County’s Board of Directors. Awards are announced in November each year.
For questions or more information, contact Arts Davidson County at amanda@artsdavidsoncounty.org.
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Each subgrant recipient must complete a final report at the completion of their project. Reports are due to Arts Davidson County by June 30th.
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FY2025/26 GAP Subgrant Final Report Form Due June 30, 2026 by 5pm.
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In FY2024/25, Arts Davidson County distributed a total of 12 subgrants amounting to $54,250.
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2024 - 2025 Sub grant Awardees
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The Arc of Davidson County
Anything For Our Youth Group
City of Lexington Parks & Recreation
Davidson County Senior Services
Davidson County Woodcarvers
Hometown Art Guild
J. Smith Young YMCA
Lexington Book Festival
Lexington Choral Society
Lexington Live Community Theatre
Lexington Pride
Martin Luther King Social Action Committee
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