Grants for Sustaining Heritage through Infrastructure and Innovation in North Carolina (USA)
GrantID: 74781
Grant Funding Amount Low: $3,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $30,000
Summary
An annual infrastructure grant provides support to nonprofit organizations located in designated rural counties across three adjacent states in Appalachia. The funding is designed to help organizations sustain cultural programming by covering operational and capacity-building needs that fall outside typical programming budgets. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt nonprofits (or those working with fiscal agents) with formal organizational status and a valid federal identifier.
Each grant offers $30,000 in non-matching funds, delivered in two equal installments. Recipients may be selected from each state, with up to two grants awarded per state. Funds must be used to support needs such as professional development for staff or volunteers, emergency planning, minor equipment or software upgrades, strategic planning, travel for research, marketing efforts, or related infrastructure priorities. A portion—up to 10%—can be allocated toward overhead costs.
The grant is limited to organizations serving counties designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission in the three states. Colleges and universities are not eligible, nor are entities that have previously received similar infrastructure grants under this initiative. Projects must be complete and funds used by mid-June following the award period, with final reporting required.
This opportunity aims to strengthen the operational backbone of organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional cultural practices—including folk arts, crafts, foodways, and music. By investing in behind-the-scenes capacity, the funding helps ensure organizations can sustain essential operations, respond to challenges, and continue engaging communities in meaningful cultural heritage work across a rural Appalachian region.
Organizations and individuals based in North Carolina who are engaged in Arts, Culture, History & Humanities may be eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. To discover more grants that align with your mission and objectives, visit The Grant Portal and explore listings using the Search Grant tool.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
