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Rapid Response Funding: Quick Financial Support for Arts in Cumberland County

Logo for Rapid Response Funding, featuring a stylized upward-growing arrow composed of purple, orange, red, and lime green lightning bolt shapes.

Fayetteville, N.C. - The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is seeking proposals for its Rapid Response Funding (RRF) program to enrich the county's cultural landscape and drive tourism. RRF offers a streamlined application and expedited review process to support timely arts opportunities.


What the Fund Supports

The RRF program's objective is to provide quick-turnaround financial support for projects that enhance cultural vibrancy and tourism in Cumberland County.

  • Maximum Funding: Up to $5,000 per project.

  • Submission: Rolling submissions are accepted.

  • Project Deadline: All funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026


Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be based in and serving Cumberland County:

  • 501(c) organizations

  • Unincorporated art collectives/guilds using a fiscal agent with 501(c) status.


What Kind of Projects are Eligible?

The program supports public-facing projects with a goal to drive cultural tourism in Cumberland County.


Examples include:

  • Festivals, performance series, and exhibitions.

  • Community arts engagement activities.

  • Projects that respond to current community needs through artistic expression.


Note: Funding is for project-specific expenses, not general operating costs, capital expenditures, or activities completed before the award notification.


Two people viewed from behind sitting in blue lawn chairs watching an outdoor concert at night. The stage is illuminated in the distance, and the text "AMERICA'S CAN DO CITY" is visible above the stage.
Image Credit: Ellis Image Consulting

Proposal & Evaluation

Proposals are limited to 2 pages (max 3,000 characters) in PDF format and must address five key areas:

  • Project Overview and Artistic Significance.

  • Community Impact and Tourism.

    • What's the specific impact on Cumberland County community?

    • How the project will drive cultural tourism?

  • Project Goals and Outcomes

    • Must be specific and measurable.

  • Implementation Timeline

    • Detailing completion within 6 months of award.

  • Use of Funds

    • Including requested amount, total project budget, and matching funds.


Proposals are evaluated based on:

  • Program Excellence (artistic quality, mission alignment)

  • Community Impact (benefits to residents, cultural tourism)

  • Project Feasibility (clarity, budget, and capacity)


Review Process

The review timeline is approximately 6 weeks from submission to the funding decision.

  • Arts Council staff will work with applicants to refine competitive proposals.

  • Staff presents eligible proposals to the Arts Council Board of Directors.

  • The Board reviews and votes to fund the activity.

  • Awards are made on a rolling basis as funds are available.


If funded, recipients must complete the project within 6 months of the award, acknowledge the Arts Council in all materials, and submit a final report with documentation and expense receipts.


Ready to Apply?


Click here to view the full RRF guidelines.


For questions regarding RRF, contact Michael Houck, Director of Grants and Allocations

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