Raleigh Arts Commission Grants

Based on recommendations by the Raleigh Arts Commission, the City of Raleigh awards arts grant funding annually to nonprofit organizations headquartered in Raleigh. Raleigh nonprofits may request one Raleigh Arts Commission Grant per year.

These arts grants are the official vehicle for municipal support to the City's arts organizations. A major example of the City Council's dedication to the cultural development of Raleigh, the program is currently supported by a $5 per capita allocation, which resulted in grant awards totaling $1,955,803 for 2026-2027.

Apply for Funding

Subject to eligibility requirements per grant category, any nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status and whose corporate headquarters are located within the limits of the City of Raleigh may apply for an arts grant.

For complete eligibility requirements, please use the links below to read the guidelines for each grant category.

How to Apply

Application requirements vary depending on the Raleigh Arts Commission Grant category. Use the links below to read 2026-2027 guidelines, which are for reference only—guidelines for 2027-2028 grant applications will be posted by the end of October.

• Program Support 1
  For nonprofit organizations headquartered in Raleigh with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.
• Program Support 2
  For nonprofit arts and cultural organizations headquartered in Raleigh that have successfully completed Program Support 1 grant projects for three of the past four years.
• Operating Support
  For nonprofit arts organizations headquartered in Raleigh that have successfully completed Program Support 2 grant projects for three of the past four years.

Timeline

Workshops

Any Raleigh nonprofit interested in applying for a grant must attend one or more of our grant workshops listed below.

2027-2028 Arts Grant Workshops

New Applicant Grant Workshop

Raleigh nonprofits new to the Raleigh Arts Commission grant program are required to attend one of these two sessions (either in-person or virtual). This workshop introduces potential applicants to the grant program and provides in-depth information about eligibility requirements, the application process, and what happens once a grant has been awarded.

Session #1: 

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Halifax Community Center, 1023 Halifax St., Raleigh, NC 27604   

Session #2: 

• Date: Monday, November 9, 5 – 6 p.m.
• Location: This workshop will be held virtually on Zoom.

Register for a New Applicant Grant Workshop

Program Support 1 Grant Workshop 

All new Program Support 1 applicants and grant writers are required to attend the Program Support 1 Grant Workshop. The workshop will walk participants through completing the application forms and writing the grant narrative, as well as strategies for success. Be sure to read the grant guidelines and other application information ahead of time. Participants are encouraged to bring all their questions to this session.

Session #1:

• Date: Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Kiwanis Neighborhood Center, 2525 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608

Session #2: 

• Date: Monday, November 16, 4 – 6 p.m.
• Location: Kiwanis Neighborhood Center, 2525 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608

Register for a Program Support 1 Grant Workshop

How to Write It Right - New Grant Writers Workshops

This workshop is required for returning Program Support 2 and Operating Support applicant organizations whose development staff/grant writers are writing the application for the first time and for returning applicants applying in a new grant category. Workshops will walk participants through completing the application forms and writing the narrative, as well as strategies for success. Participants are encouraged to read the grant guidelines and other application information ahead of time then bring their questions to the workshop.

Program Support 2 Session:

• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
• Location: Kiwanis Neighborhood Center, 2525 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608

Operating Support Session: 

• Date: Wednesday, November 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Halifax Community Center, 1023 Halifax Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

Register for a How to Write It Right – New Grant Writers Workshop 

Returning Arts Partner Grant Workshops

Designed for City of Raleigh Arts Commission grant writers who have successfully written these applications multiple times in the past, these virtual workshops will give returning applicants an opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the application and funding process. These workshops are optional and participants must have written a Raleigh Arts Commission grant application two or more times before to attend. 

Currently funded organizations with development staff/grant writers for whom this will be the first or second time writing a Raleigh Arts Commission grant application should register for either the Program Support 1 grant workshop or the "How to Write It Right" grant workshop (Program Support 2 and Operating Support applicants only) instead.

Program Support 1 and 2 Session:

• Date: Wednesday, November 18, 4 – 5 p.m.
• Location: This workshop will be held virtually on Zoom.

Operating Support Session: 

• Date: Tuesday, November 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: This workshop will be held virtually on Zoom.

Register for Returning Arts Partner Workshops