Venue Access Grants Nonprofits
The Venue Access Grants Nonprofits program from the Arts and Science Council funds venue rental costs for Mecklenburg County nonprofits presenting arts, science, or history public events.
Funder: Arts and Science Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027: Application deadline — applications accepted on a rolling basis until May 4th, 2026 @5pm (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per award; award size and subsidy percentage based on nonprofit’s operating budget; typically supports one-time venue rental/event costs.
Summary: Supports small to mid-sized Mecklenburg County nonprofits in arts, science, or history to access affordable venues for public cultural programming.
Key Information: Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits with operating budgets under $1.25M and two years’ history are eligible.
Description
The Venue Access Grants Nonprofits program, administered by the Arts and Science Council (ASC), is designed to reduce financial barriers for small to mid-sized nonprofit arts, science, and history organizations in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The grant enables these organizations to access public and private venues for cultural programming, fostering increased public engagement and expanding access to arts, science, and history experiences throughout the county. Funding is specifically targeted to cover direct venue rental costs and essential venue-related fees for public-facing events that align with the county’s goals of community connectivity and economic opportunity.
