Strategic Investment Grant
Strategic Investment Grant supports Charlotte-Mecklenburg cultural nonprofits with one-time capacity-building projects that strengthen organizational sustainability, growth, and community impact.
This grant was recently updated
FY27 applications are now closed due to the number received by the first rolling deadline. The application button has also changed from “Start Your Application” to “Application Now Closed.”
Funder: Arts and Science Council
Due Dates: October 5, 2026, noon (Preferred deadline) | February 1, 2027 (Final deadline, or earlier if funds are allocated)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 for projects taking place October 1, 2026–December 31, 2027; matching requirements apply
Summary: Supports one-time capacity-building projects that strengthen Charlotte-Mecklenburg cultural nonprofits’ growth, sustainability, and community impact.
Key Information: Applicants must be Mecklenburg County-based 501(c)(3) public charities with at least two years of local service.
Description
The Arts and Science Council’s Strategic Investment Grant supports established nonprofits whose primary missions center on arts, science, history, or heritage. It funds one-time strategic opportunities to improve management, develop audiences, strengthen fundraising, provide distinctive learning opportunities for staff and boards, or achieve operating efficiencies. The emphasis is organizational capacity and long-term sustainability, rather than ongoing public programming.
The program grew out of the City of Charlotte Arts & Culture Plan and is principally funded by the City of Charlotte, with additional support from Mecklenburg County and the North Carolina Arts Council. ASC encourages projects that expand an organization’s reach and impact, engage future audiences, stakeholders, volunteers, and supporters, and foster collaboration within the creative ecosystem and across sectors.
