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Rockingham County is full of people doing meaningful creative work — and the Grassroots Arts Program exists to help fund it.

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Since 1977, North Carolina has invested in arts experiences in all 100 counties through the Grassroots Arts Program, administered locally by arts councils like ours. These grants support organizations bringing high-quality arts programming to Rockingham County residents — from performances and exhibits to workshops, residencies, and arts education.

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2026/2027 Grassroots Art Program Grant applications open September 2026.​ Have questions before then? We're glad to help. Email us at director@rcarts.org.

 

What Grassroots Are Program Funds

Grassroots grants support arts programming that is open to the public and serves Rockingham County residents. Awards average $4,500 and must be matched dollar for dollar.

 

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and government entities with a track record of delivering arts programming in the community.

 

How Proposals Are Evaluated

Applications are reviewed by the Grassroots Review Panel and rated on four criteria:

• Artistic quality of the proposed project or program

• Community impact — who is served, and how broadly

• Ability to plan and implement the project

• Organizational stability and fiscal responsibility

 

The panel makes recommendations to the full RCAC Board of Directors, which makes final decisions.

 

What You'll Need to Apply

Once you begin the application, you won't be able to save and return to it — so gather everything before you start. Here's what you'll need:

• Applying organization name and address

• Tax ID number

• Name of person submitting the application

• Amount requested

• Project/program title or summary description

• Project/program start and end dates

• Description of project/program goals

• Description of intended participants/audience, including estimated numbers and racial and cultural composition

• Location where the project/program will take place

• Description of project/program activities

• Description of artists to be involved

• Description of how you will publicize the project

• Description of how you will evaluate the project

• Project budget

 

Ready to Apply?

Applications open September 2026. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out — especially if this is your first time applying. We're here to help you put together a strong proposal.