The United Arts Council of Catawba County offers numerous opportunities for individuals and organizations to receive funding to promote arts, science and history. The State of North Carolina has named the UAC as the Designated County Partner for Catawba County. The Designated County Partner has the responsibility to redistribute funds received from the state and local governments. In addition, individuals, corporations, foundations, as well as local and state government agencies, contribute money to grants listed below. The United Arts Council also strives to provide opportunities for the youth of our community.
You may access the appropriate acknowledgment wording for grant awards, here.
Deadline: September 30, 2022 by Midnight
Artists from Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and McDowell Counties are now eligible for Artist Support Grants. The grant, operated by local arts councils, will fund professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve business operations, or bring work to new audiences. The Artist Support Grants replaces the Regional Artist Project Grants (RAP-G).
How to apply:
Email the contact for your county to set up an appointment to begin your process.
Alexander County: Donna Latham, donnahiddenitearts@gmail.org 828-632-6966
Burke Arts Council: Deborah Jones, director@burkearts.org 828-433-7282
Caldwell Arts Council: Ellen Ball, ellen@caldwellarts.com 828-754-2486
United Arts Council of Catawba County: Ingrid Keller, executivedirector@artscatawba.org 828-324-4906
Iredell Arts Council: John Koppelmeyer, jkoppelmeyer@gmail.com 704-880-2101
McDowell Arts Council Association: Susan Pyatt-Baker, mcdowellarts@gmail.com 828-652-8610
Rock School Arts Foundation: Sharon Bowman, rsaf1893@gmail.com 828-838-9806
Arts Improvement Grants
The North Carolina legislature has designated $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be distributed through the Grassroots network over two years. Nonprofit arts organizations in Catawba County may apply for funds within the following strategy pillars: capacity building, sustainability and the expanding of relationships with BIPOC arts organizations and artists. All project requests must be received by October 13, 2022.
To apply, you must email and meet with Executive Director, Ingrid Keller at executivedirector@artscatawba.org to discuss your project.
View the Guidelines and Application
A new grant initiative, called Collaborative Arts Projects (CAP), has been established by the United Arts Council of Catawba County to encourage collaborations among cultural and/or community nonprofit organizations for arts, science and history projects reaching underserved audiences.
The Community Cultural Fund promotes cultural activities, throughout Catawba County enabling municipalities and non-profit organizations to provide cultural programs at community and heritage festivals and events for their respective communities. Special priority is given to the municipalities that fund UAC, organizations representing diverse populations, events that feature artists of diversity, organizations that target special population groups and events that will potentially reach large segments of Catawba County residents.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 29, 2022
NOTE: We are ONLY accepting electronic submissions.
View Application and Guidelines
Seeking to support area artists, the UAC has created a funding opportunity known as Innovative Project Grants from the monies raised during a silent art auction held each year as part of our annual fundraising event, the Jingle Bell Bash. These grants are available for innovative and creative projects, with collaborative efforts encouraged. The purpose of these grants is to create exposure and a focus on Catawba County’s support of its artists.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 29, 2022
NOTE: We are ONLY accepting electronic submissions.
View Guidelines
View Application
Final Report for 2021-2022
Nonprofit organizations are awarded grants for projects that encourage innovative arts projects and will enhance and strengthen the cultural community and broaden the services offered to Catawba County citizens. Projects Pool Grants, which are administered by the United Arts Council of Catawba County, are made available by the North Carolina Arts Council through the North Carolina Grassroots Arts Program. Additional dollars are added by Catawba County government and five municipalities, including Maiden, Catawba, Claremont, Conover, Hickory, and Newton.
Deadline: Thursday, October 13, 2022
PLEASE NOTE: The guidelines have changed. Panels will be Monday, October 24, 2022.
Electronic submissions only.
View Guidelines
View Application
For new organizations or organizations who received less than $10,000 from Projects Pool in the spring who might be interested in applying for an additional project.
Deadline: 30 days before conference or workshop
Print and complete application
Staff and board members of UAC member organizations, with the exception of public and private school teachers, qualify to receive this type of grant to attend workshops and conferences that will strengthen their professional skills and expand their capabilities.
View Guidelines and Application
The TAG (Theatre Arts Grant) is available to help defray costs for theatre productions at public high schools in Catawba County. Qualified applicants can apply for a maximum of $500. These grants are available throughout the school year or until the funds are exhausted. Applications may be sent to Kathy Greathouse, Executive Director, at kgreathouse@artscatawba.org
Deadline: Tuesday, March 29, 2022
NOTE: All submissions must be made electronically.
View Guidelines and Entry Form
Created by the family of Edna Bost Barringer in her memory, this scholarship is awarded annually by the United Arts Council to area youth under the age of 21. The competition is alternated each year between visual/literary artists and performing artists. Judges from the North Carolina School of the Arts select the winner(s). The total amount awarded each year is $1,000. This amount may be given to an individual or broken into two awards of $500 each. This award goes to students planning to pursue career in the arts.