Durham Arts Catalyst Grant FY27
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This page provides an overview of the grant program. To access the application, use the link at the bottom of the page to set up a free account.
Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Overview The Durham Arts Catalyst Grant program supports the operations and programs of Durham nonprofit arts organizations to provide a range of professional and amateur arts opportunities for Durham residents. The program provides funding opportunities for organizations without extensive grant writing experience and encourages partnerships or collaborations between agencies, communities, and neighborhoods.
The Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Criteria listed below define the qualities of a strong grant application. The panel will also consider to what degree the full slate of recommended grant applications fulfills the intent of the grant program.
Who may apply? Non-profit organizations with arts as their core mission based in Durham County and which have not been funded previously by the DAC Season Grant Program are eligible to apply. Applicant can receive up to two Durham Arts Catalyst Grants within a five-year period. Applicant must be non-profit with 501(c)3 status or apply under a fiscal sponsor other than the Durham Arts Council. Arts nonprofits may request operating or project support. Nonprofit cultural/humanities organizations who are not arts organizations may apply for project support for an arts activity. NEW FOR THIS CYCLE: Organizations who are funded by North Carolina Arts Council Sustaining Support Grants are not eligible to apply to this program.
DAC’s priority will be funding organizations with an arts-specific core mission.
If you are a new applicant, you should review your application with Margaret DeMott, Director of Artist Services, (mdemott@durhamarts.org) before submitting your application
An information session will be held on-line on March 19 at 6 pm. Email mdemott@durhamarts.org for the link. The session will also be recorded and posted on the DAC Durham Arts Catalyst Grant web page.
If you applied last year and would like to know your scores from last year’s review, you are also encouraged to email Margaret DeMott. All applications must be submitted through Submittable.com by 11:00 PM, May 17, 2026.
What activities are eligible? Arts nonprofits may request support for general operations or a project. Cultural/Humanities nonprofits may request support for an arts project. The activity must occur between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Durham Arts Catalyst Grants are not awarded to fundraising activities/events.
Funding. The Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Program is funded by the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund and the Grassroots Program of the NC Arts Council. In FY2027 organizations that receive Sustaining Support Grants or Project Grants from the NC Arts Council cannot also receive Grassroots Funds. Applicants who are funded by North Carolina Arts Council Sustaining Support Grants are not eligible to apply for Durham Arts Catalyst Grants. If you have questions, email mdemott@durhamarts.org.
What can I request? You may apply for up to $3,000 in cash. If you are interested in applying for use of space at the Durham Arts Council, look at the Creative Spaces Grant applications to find the right fit for your needs. Information and links for all grants are on the DAC website.
What is required of Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Recipients? Each Durham Arts Catalyst Grant recipient will:
- · Complete the Durham Arts Catalyst Grant contract and submit to DAC with appropriate attachments.
- · Use the DAC and NC Arts Council logos and grant acknowledgment line in all relevant publicity, including listing in print materials, email blasts, web pages, and news releases.
- · Thank the state elected officials representing Durham for supporting state funding for the arts either in email or letter.
- · File final reports on the use of the grant by July 14. 2027.
Criteria for Evaluating Grant Applications (each application will receive a numeric score for each of the criteria ranging from 1 to 5; 1 being lowest, 5 being highest: ·
- History of strong, consistent arts programming
- Community impact of activities ·
- Ability to plan and implement ·
- Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization ·
- Promotion of cross-cultural or community collaboration or partnership