Sustaining Support
Forecasted
The Sustaining Support grant from the North Carolina Arts Council funds ongoing artistic and administrative work at established arts organizations in North Carolina.
Funder: North Carolina Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Theater & multi-arts, update applications) | March 2028 (Music, folklife, arts in education, update applications)
Funding Amounts: $7,500–$65,000 per award; grant may not exceed 10% of average cash operating expenses over past 3 years; 3-year funding cycle by discipline
Summary: Flexible operating support for established North Carolina arts organizations to sustain artistic and administrative activities.
Key Information: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) arts organizations with ≥$75,000 annual expenses and at least one half-time paid staff; no fiscal agents allowed.
Description
This grant provides flexible, multi-year operating support to North Carolina arts organizations that consistently deliver programs engaging audiences and reflecting their communities. The funding is intended to help organizations maintain their artistic and administrative operations, supporting salaries, artist fees, production costs, outreach, and more. The program operates on a three-year cycle by artistic discipline, with different disciplines eligible each year. Award decisions are based on artistic value, community engagement, leadership, and financial accountability.
