Raleigh nonprofits can apply for 2027-28 city arts grants until 4 p.m. Jan. 6. New applicants must attend a workshop Nov. 7 or 9. This year 39 groups share $1.96 million.

Raleigh nonprofits can now apply for city arts grants for July 2027 through June 2028. Applications are due at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027.

The city announced the new round in a news release. The grants are awarded each year on the recommendation of the Raleigh Arts Commission.

How much the city gives

The program is funded at $5 for every Raleigh resident. That paid for grants totaling $1,955,803 for 2026-27, according to the city’s grant program page.

Thirty-nine nonprofits are receiving city arts money this year, the city’s list of Raleigh Arts Partners shows. They range from the North Carolina Symphony and Carolina Ballet to Raleigh Little Theatre, El Pueblo, PineCone and the Raleigh Youth Choir.

The city’s announcement says the program provides grants of as much as $15,000 a year to Raleigh-based nonprofits. Program grants can cover up to 50% of a program’s costs, the city’s guidelines say.

Who can apply

Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its headquarters inside Raleigh city limits can apply, the city said. Each group may seek one grant a year. There are three categories:

  • Program Support 1: for new applicants and for groups that are not arts organizations
  • Program Support 2: for arts groups that completed Program Support 1 grants in three of the past four years
  • Operating Support: for arts groups that completed Program Support 2 grants in three of the past four years

Guidelines for the 2027-28 round will be posted by the end of October, the city said. The 2026-27 guidelines are online for reference.

Key dates

Date What happens
Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to noon New applicant workshop, Halifax Community Center, 1023 Halifax St.
Monday, Nov. 9, 5 to 6 p.m. New applicant workshop on Zoom
Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to noon Program Support 1 workshop, Kiwanis Neighborhood Center, 2525 Noble Road
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 to 4 p.m. “How to Write It Right” workshop for new grant writers, Kiwanis Neighborhood Center
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to noon “How to Write It Right” workshop, Halifax Community Center
November and December New applicants meet the arts grant director
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027, 4 p.m. Applications due
July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028 Funded programs take place

Workshops are free, but you must register. Raleigh nonprofits that have never had an Arts Commission grant are required to attend one of the two new applicant sessions. New groups must also tell the arts grant director they plan to apply and set up a meeting.

Smaller grants for other groups

Groups that do not qualify can look at other city programs, the release said:

  • Neighborhood Art Funds: up to $1,000 for individuals, groups or organizations doing art projects that improve neighborhoods
  • Community Enhancement Grants: yearly grants to nonprofits for work that benefits low-income people or neighborhoods in Raleigh
  • Human Services Agency Funding: yearly grants to Raleigh nonprofits serving low-income residents who are elderly, young, disabled, homeless or who use substances

What it means for you

  • Run a Raleigh nonprofit with an arts program? Book a November workshop now. First-time applicants cannot skip it.
  • Mark Jan. 6. The deadline is 4 p.m., and late applications are not considered.
  • Questions go to the city’s arts grant director, S.A. Corrin, at sarah.corrin@raleighnc.gov or 919-996-4686, as listed on the city’s Raleigh Arts Partners page.
  • Looking for something to see this season? Our things to do page lists events around Raleigh.