The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County (ACFCC) has unveiled a significant expansion and restructuring of its funding initiatives with the launch of two new grant programs: the Mission Based Grant and the Grassroots Art Project Grant.

This dual approach ensures financial support for both the region's core cultural institutions and smaller, community-focused art projects.

“One of the best parts of being a local grantmaker is responding directly to what our community needs. Over the past several years, we've gotten to know the organizations doing the work to drive arts-focused tourism, education and programming in our region,” expressed Director of Grants and Allocations Michael Houck in a press release. “That experience has shown us where support makes the biggest difference, and we're excited to expand our general operating support opportunities with the Mission Based Grant program to give 501(c)(3) arts organizations the foundational resources they need to thrive and serve our community.”

Mission Based Grant: Bolstering Core Cultural Institutions

The Mission Based Grant is designed to provide essential general operating support to established 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary services have a high artistic, cultural or historical merit. This grant stabilizes the organizations that serve as the backbone of the region's cultural landscape and whose missions align with the ACFCC’s core tenets: Connecting Communities, Embracing Diversity, Promoting Individual Creativity, Fostering Lifelong Learning, and Advancing Tourism & Economic Development. 

The purpose of this grant is to provide foundational funding for proven organizations with three or more years of successful arts-based programming. Applicants must be based in Cumberland County and committed to engaging tourism. The deadline to apply is March 5. 

Grassroots Art Project Grant: Investing in Local Creative Projects

The Grassroots Art Project Grant is dedicated to proliferating the arts through smaller-scale, high-impact projects and is supported in part by the North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Allocation and the National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Art Projects program.

The purpose of this grant is to support diverse programs and activities that produce arts, culture, or history-focused content through any artistic discipline (visual, performing, literary, public art, etc.). Eligible entities may request up to $15,000 per project.

Applications are open to 501(c) organizations, institutions of higher education, municipalities and unincorporated groups (via a Fiscal Agent) based in Cumberland County. The deadline for the first cycle of funding is March 5. The deadline for the second cycle is Sept. 1. 

“We in Cumberland County have one of the most robust arts granting programs of any regional arts council across the State of North Carolina,” said Bob Pinson, president/CEO of the Arts Council, in a press release. “As we strive to be a regional arts and cultural destination, we can be justifiably proud of our emerging talent and growing arts opportunities that the Arts Council continues to build and support through strong grant programs.”

For more information on these programs, visit www.theartscouncil.com/grants or contact Michael Houck (michaelh@theartscouncil.com).