mini grants
applications
are now open. Deadline: may 1st
Mini Grants are Small Project Grants for independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals. Mini Grants build capacity for Cumberland County artists by supporting one-time cultural arts events with a focus on growing the local arts economy, engaging new or innovative programming, and providing support to diverse artistic mediums to Cumberland County.
Save Your Spot
Upcoming Workshop:
April 2nd, 5:30pm
To RSVP, email Kashia Knight (kashiak@theartscouncil.com)
2024-25 artist mini grant guidelines:
Mini Grants are Small Project Grants for independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals.
Program Guidelines & FAQ’s
What is a Mini Grant?
Arts Council Mini Grants build capacity for Cumberland County artists by supporting one-time cultural
arts events with a focus on growing the local arts economy, engaging new or innovative programming,
and providing support to diverse artistic mediums to Cumberland County.
Who May Apply?
• Artist/Lead Artist in an Ensemble, Collective, or Guild who resides in Cumberland County
What Projects, Activities, and Events are Eligible?
• Arts, culture, and history projects, activities, or events that take place in Cumberland County, NC
led by a participating artist or cultural/historical professional that can be completed within 6
months of the grant award
• Creation of a new work with a public display within 6 months of the grant award
What Projects, Activities, and Events are NOT Eligible?
• Projects that do not take place in Cumberland County, North Carolina
• Projects led by an applicant who is not in good standing with the Arts Council
• Projects led by an applicant who has already been awarded 2 Arts Council artist grants within a
fiscal year
• Fundraisers
• Projects led by a producer or sponsor and not a lead participating artist or cultural/historical
professional
• Public art projects that do not have a signed agreement or permits at the time of the application
• Projects NOT accessible by the general public (free or otherwise)
• Projects that promote a particular religious dogma or faith
• Projects that have previously been reviewed twice and were not funded
• Projects that have previously been funded in the same fiscal year
Artist Kristi Howard photographed by Stephanie Perez
What are the Allowable Expenses and Restrictions for Artists?
• Allowable Expenses for Artists include:
o Requests between $500.00-$2,000.00
o Contract Artist Fees
o Other Contracted Services
o Project supplies/materials
o Space/equipment rental, etc.
o Marketing/outreach expenses up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant budget
o Applicant Artist Fees up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant budget
• Restrictions for Artists include:
o Requests for awards exceeding $2,000.00
o Food and Drink expenses
o Capital expenses
o Funds for subgranting or awards/scholarships
o Expenses for projects that are educational/curriculum requirements
photographed by Stephanie Perez
How do I Apply for a Mini Grant?
• Apply online on Foundant.
• Apply online by the following deadlines :
o August 1, 2024 for a September 15, 2024 Project Start Date
o November 1, 2024 for a December 15, 2024 Project Start Date
o February 1, 2025 for a March 15, 2025 Project Start Date
o May 1, 2025 for a June 15, 2025 Project Start Date
How many applications can I submit?
• Applicants can submit only one application per Quarter.
• Applicants can only be awarded an Arts Council artist grant twice within one fiscal year, and
projects and budget items may not overlap.
What’s in the ‘Application’?
• The application consists of 3 primary sections: the Narrative, the Attachments, and the Budget.
What is in the 'Narrative' section?
• When will your Mini Grant event/project take place?
• Tell us about your proposed Mini Grant project, activity, or event.
• Why is this project, activity, or event important for Cumberland County and its residents?
• What goals do you have for this project, activity, or event?
• How do you plan to market this project, activity, or event?
What is in the ‘Attachment’ section?
• Work Samples
o Work samples must be created by the applicant
• Artist Resume
• Current W9
What is in the ‘Budget’ section?
• Amount Requested
• What will the Amount Requested be used for?
• Total Mini Grant Project Expenses
• Total Mini Grant Project Income
The Arts Council encourages applicants with questions to attend our grant workshops, publicized on our website. While not required, workshops lead to more competitive requests. Potential applicants can also schedule a time to speak with staff by contacting KashiaK@theartscouncil.com or by phone at 910-323-1776.
photographed by Stephanie Perez
What are the Evaluation Criteria for Artist Applicants?
• Mini Grant evaluation panels are comprised of community members with a wide variety of
experience in the arts, project management, education, and finance. The Committee uses the
following criteria, which align with the Arts Council Mission Statement, to evaluate the strength
of an Artist Mini Grant application and makes a formal recommendation for funding to the Arts
Council’s Board:
o Artistic Excellence – 50 points (10 points each)
- Work samples show high artistic, cultural, and/or historical merit.
- Artistic Resume highlights past experience in artistic discipline detailed in the
project narrative.
- Project uses local professional artists or cultural professionals.
- Project narrative shows high artistic, cultural, and/or historical merit.
- Project benefits the artist’s professional growth.
o Project Merit – 30 points (10 points each)
- Budget is feasible and matches the artist’s experience.
- Goals are clearly articulated and attainable.
- Marketing strategies are clear and effective.
o Project Impact – 20 points (10 points each)
- Project represents the racial, cultural, and/or location diversity of Cumberland
County.
- Project addresses a need in Cumberland County.
questions?
For questions regarding the Artist Mini Grant application or your proposal, contact: KashiaK@theartscouncil.com or SarahB@theartscouncil.com.
Fund
Partners
The Mini Grant program is supported locally by the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the Cumberland County Occupancy Tax. Additional funds are provided through the generous support of individual donors to the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County.
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Financial information and a copy of its license are available from the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at (888) 830-4989.
The license is not an endorsement by the State.