Grassroots Arts Program (GAP)
Arts Davidson County is proud to serve as the Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council's Grassroots Arts Program(GAP). Through this partnership, ADC administers Grassroots Arts Program grants to support nonprofit organizations and community groups providing quality arts experiences throughout Davidson County.
Grassroots Arts Program funding helps organizations expand arts programming, increase community access to the arts, strengthen cultural engagement, and support arts learning opportunities for residents of all ages.
Application Deadline
Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Late applications will not be accepted.
About the Grassroots Arts Program
Established in 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council's Grassroots Arts Program ensures that residents in every county across North Carolina have access to high-quality arts experiences.
Through a per capita funding model, GAP provides annual support for local arts activities statewide. Designated County Partners, including Arts Davidson County, distribute these funds through competitive grants programs that support nonprofit organizations and community-based arts initiatives.
Who Can Apply
Grassroots Arts Program grants are available to eligible nonprofit organizations and community groups that provide arts programming benefitting Davidson County residents. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and funding guidelines before applying.
Click here for Eligibility, Funding Policies, Priorities, and Criteria
Application Process and Timeline
The Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) grant process is designed to provide applicants with guidance, tansparency, and support throughout the application process.
1. Submit Application
Eligible organizations must complete and submit the FY2026/27 Grassroots Arts Program application by the published deadline.
Applications must include all required information and supporting materials to be considered complete. Late applications will not be accepted.
Application Deadline:
Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5:00pm
2. Attend Grant Workshop
Arts Davidson County will host Grassroots Arts Programs Grant Workshops to assist applicants in understanding program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and best practices for preparing a competitive application.
Applicants MUST ATTEND ONE WORKSHOP or designate a representative from their organization to attend in order to be considered for funding.
Workshop Dates: August 31, 2026, 11am and 6pm
Preregistration is required. Contact Arts Davidson County at info@artsdavidsoncounty.org to reserve your spot.
FY2026/27 Application
How to Apply
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Download the FY2026/27 Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) Application.
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Complete the application and save the finished PDF.
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Email the completed application and any required supporting documents to info@artsdavidsoncounty.org.
Application Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Applications must be received by the deadline to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Application Review Process
Submitted applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of community members. Applications are evaluated based on:
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Alignment with Grassroots Arts Program funding priorities
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Artistic quality and merit
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Community impact and accessibility
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Strength of the proposed project
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Organizational capacity to complete the project
Funding recommendations from the review panel are presented to the Arts Davidson County Board of Directors for final approval.
Award Announcements
Grant awards will be announced in November 2026.
Selected organizations will receive a grant agreement outlining funding requirements, reporting expectations, and other responsibilities associated with accepting Grassroots Arts Program funds.
Organizations not selected for funding will be notified after the award process is complete.
FY2026/27 GAP Subgrant Final Report Form Due May 28, 2027 by 5pm.
In FY2025/26, Arts Davidson County distributed grants amounting to $56,066.00.
2025 - 2026 Sub grant Awardees
Anything For Our Youth Group
Black Butterfly Network Lexington
City of Lexington Parks & Recreation
Hometown Art Guild
J. Smith Young YMCA
Lexington Book Festival
Lexington Choral Society
Lexington Youth Theatre
Lexington Pride
Martin Luther King Social Action Committee