In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants

Overview

In These Mountains: Central Appalachian Folk Arts & Culture FY27 Infrastructure Grants provide funding to support non-programming expenses that are often not fundable by most grants or are financially out of reach for organizations. Funds may support staff and volunteer professional development, emergency readiness planning, minor equipment purchases or software upgrades, staff travel and registration for conferences or research, marketing, strategic planning, and other infrastructure needs.

Key Dates

• Open Application: July 15, 2026
• Close Application: September 30, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
• Award Announcement: December 1, 2026
• Funds must be used by: June 15, 2027
• Final Report due: June 30, 2027

Award

Non-match grants of $30,000. Two organizations from each eligible state (Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee) will be selected, for a total of six recipient organizations.

Eligibility

• Not-for-profit organizations located in Appalachian Regional Commission counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, or Tennessee
• Must have 501(c)3 status in good standing or work with a fiscal agent
• Must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Previous ITM Partners (FY19-FY26) are not eligible
• Colleges and universities are not eligible

Eligible Uses of Funds

Staff and volunteer professional development, emergency readiness planning, minor equipment purchases or software upgrades, staff travel and registration for conferences or research, marketing, strategic planning. Up to 10% of grant funds may be used for overhead, including staff salaries. Capital improvements and fundraising events are not eligible expenses.

Folk Arts Focus

The program supports organizations engaged in handcrafts/material culture, foodways, and music of Central Appalachia, including African American, Anglo American, Native American, and newer immigrant traditional artists and communities.

Contact

• Taylor Burden (Director, Traditional Arts): [email protected]