Statewide Service Organizations

Reminder: Please review General Grant Information and Eligibility Requirements before proceeding.

About

This category supports organizations that provide leadership and services to a particular sector of the arts industry. Funded services include newsletters, conferences, workshops, consultations, and resource publications. SSOs must serve the entire state or a multi-state region inclusive of North Carolina.

Application dates

  • Open: January 6, 2025
  • Due: March 3, 2025

Grant amount

  • Range: From $5,000 to $30,000

Who may apply

North Carolina-based organizations that provide programs and services to the arts community on a statewide or multi-state regional basis are eligible to apply. First-time applicants to this category should consult with staff to determine eligibility.

Scope and allowable expenses

Grant funds support administrative and program expenses directly related to the proposed programs and services. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $30,000 and must be matched dollar for dollar by the organization. Grant amounts are based on the organization’s application rating, operating budget size, and N.C. Arts Council funding history.

Funded programs and services may include newsletters, listserv and website management, conferences, workshops, classes, consultations, research, resource publications, presentations, and the development and distribution of promotional materials.

Application information

Submit your application through the GO Smart grant portal.

The following questions and documents will be required for the application. Reach out to your staff contact for questions or application assistance.

Profile questions

In addition to contact information, you will be asked to submit your organization’s mission statement, an organizational history, and both an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.

Application narrative

All Statewide Service Organizations will submit a full application for FY2025-26 grant funds. The following information will be requested in the application. 

  1. Provide a brief summary of your organization’s overall programs and services. If you serve constituents outside the state, indicate which of your programs and services are targeted to North Carolina artists and audiences. Specify the portion of your budget that serves North Carolina artists and audiences.
  2. Give a clear and concise overview of your programming plans for the grant year.
  3. Provide a description of the key personnel involved including facilitators, speakers, presenters, consultants, and artists. Explain how and why they were chosen and the rate of payment for their services.
  4. Provide a description of your membership and other recipients of your services. Include estimated numbers and provide an overview of the demographics. Describe strategies to engage participants that have limited opportunities due to factors such as educational background, geography, ethnic or cultural diversity, or economic constraints.
  5. Describe your organization’s financial condition. Include information about any accumulated debt, deficits, endowments, surpluses, and cash reserves. Describe your principal sources of revenue and plans for long-term financial stability.
  6. Upload your audit for your most recently completed fiscal year (2023-24), a 990, or a financial statement for the period:
  7. Describe your organization's planning and evaluation process.
  8. If some of your operations serve audiences outside of North Carolina, or SSO is designated for a specific service you provide, please upload a 2023-24 itemized budget showing NC or designated impact only.
  9. What genre best describes your statewide activities?

Staff contact

Dara Silver 
Senior Program Director  for Artists & Organizations
(919) 814-6531 
Email Dara about about visual arts, craft, and film

Jamie Katz Court 
Music and Dance Director  
(919) 814-6502 
Email Jamie about music, dance, accessibility, and multi-disciplinary presenting

Khalisa Thompson
Theater and Literature Director  
(919) 814-6512 
Email Khalisa about theater and literature

Lizz Wells 
Arts in Education Director 
(919) 814-6515
Email Lizz about arts in education

Zoe van Buren 
Folklife Director 
(919) 814-6518 
Email Zoe about folk and traditional arts

Grant Application Assistance

North Carolina Arts Council staff are here to assist with grant applications. Visit our application assistance page for resources and grants staff contact information. 

Accessibility

For accessibility questions or accommodation requests, please contact the North Carolina Arts Council's Music and Dance Director, Accessibility Coordinator Jamie Katz Court at jamie.katzcourt@dncr.nc.gov or (919) 814-6502.

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