Sustaining Support for Arts Organizations

Overview

Sustaining Support provides flexible funding to arts organizations in North Carolina that consistently produce arts programs and services that engage audiences and reflect their communities. These organizations provide work opportunities for artists and arts professionals, are well managed and financially accountable, are committed to diverse and inclusive practices, and contribute to the state's creative economy.

Eligible Disciplines & Schedule

• FY2026-27: Literature, visual arts, film, and dance. Applications due March 2, 2026. Awards cover FY2026-27, FY2027-28, and FY2028-29.
• FY2027-28: Theater and multi-arts. Applications due March 2027. Awards cover FY2027-28, FY2028-29, and FY2029-30.
• FY2028-29: Music, folklife, and arts in education. Applications due March 2028. Awards cover FY2028-29, FY2029-30, and FY2030-31.

Key Dates

• Application opens: January 5, 2026
• Application due: March 2, 2026
• Project period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Eligibility

Arts organizations must meet the North Carolina Arts Council's general eligibility criteria and have maintained an average organizational expense budget of at least $75,000 over the past three fiscal years, and employ at least one half-time equivalent staff person. Colleges, universities, and arts organizations that are part of another entity (such as a municipality) are not eligible. Organizations receiving Statewide Service Organizations funding or county Grassroots allotment are generally not eligible. Fiscal agents are not allowed.

Award Amount

Grants range from $7,500 to $65,000, based on the organization's application rating and budget size. Grant awards may not exceed 10 percent of the organization's cash operating expenses, averaged over the past three fiscal years.

Allowable Expenses

Grants support the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of arts organizations, including salaries, artists' fees, production, travel, promotion, office expenses, and facility operation.

Application Requirements

Organizations must create or confirm an organization profile in the grant system with details such as the authorized signatory, EIN and UEI numbers, mission statement, and nonprofit status documentation. All applicants must set up a separate user profile. Applications must include a narrative providing an overview of programs and activities for the proposed grant year, including information about location(s), date(s), price range, details about artists/arts leaders and their compensation, and information about audiences served.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated on the artistic value of programs, involvement of qualified and equitably paid artists and professionals who reflect demographic diversity, demonstrated benefit to audiences and community, strength of audience engagement and outreach strategies, and evidence of sound management practices and financial accountability.