Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) Grants

Overview

TAPS provides funding to community organizations for after-school programs that connect North Carolina students with local traditional artists. Students receive instruction in art forms with deep cultural roots in their communities, taught by experts utilizing traditional instructional techniques. Programs may focus on Indigenous arts such as carving, basket making, and storytelling, or music-based traditions like those offered through the JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) network, which teaches banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, voice, and dance.

Eligibility

• Nonprofit organizations in good standing with North Carolina
• Must have been producing quality arts programs for at least two years
• Prior-year organizational cash operating expenses of at least $20,000
• North Carolina municipalities, schools, and universities are eligible unless otherwise noted in guidelines
• Tribal organizations must represent North Carolina or federally-recognized tribes
• Community organizations must receive an invitation to submit an application

Program Requirements

• Matching funds: 1:2 cash match (50% of grant amount); waived for Tier 1 counties
• Artist compensation: Teaching artists $30–$40/hour with at least one hour paid prep time per semester; Teaching assistants $15–$20/hour
• Classes: Meet weekly for at least 30 hours per year; may include rehearsal and performance time
• Enrollment: Maintain minimum of 20 students; programs with fewer students at Fall semester start are placed on probation
• Age: Programs accommodate students aged 8–18
• Faculty: Hire local traditional artists trained within a vernacular tradition; previous teaching experience recommended but not required
• Program manager: Assign a manager for administration; administrative costs (including manager fee) cannot exceed 25% of grant award
• Supervision: Students must be supervised at all times until picked up by a listed caregiver

Application Timeline

• Online applications open in early January
• Applications must be submitted electronically by early March
• Arts Council conducts preliminary review; incomplete applications or those not meeting evaluation criteria will not be considered
• Award notifications may not be issued until the state budget is approved
• Funded activities must take place between July 1 and June 30 of the following calendar year

Award Amount

Minimum grant awarded is $5,000 unless otherwise noted in guidelines. The range of grant amounts is listed in the guidelines for each category.

Use of Funds

Arts Council grant funds support qualified TAPS instructors and can also be used for supplies such as musical instruments and art materials. Grant funds may contribute to transportation costs, entrance fees, and administration.

Funding Restrictions

Grant and matching funds may not be used for deficit reduction, capital expenditures, contingency funds, food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions, fundraising events, art sales events and auctions, interest on loans, fines or litigation costs, lobbying expenses, tuition for academic study, or indirect costs.

Organizational Requirements

Organizations must be nonprofit with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A copy of the IRS determination letter must be on file with the Arts Council. Organizations must maintain nonprofit status by filing appropriate IRS reports including Form 990. All organizations applying for grants are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) available at SAM.gov.