Season Grant Application for 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. Season Grant Overview
If you are a first time applicant to the Durham Arts Council use the Durham Arts Catalyst Grant. The Season Grant program supports the operations and programs of nonprofit arts organizations based in Durham, NC to provide a range of professional and amateur arts opportunities for the people of Durham. The Season 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 are eligible to apply. 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. DAC’s priority will be funding organizations with an arts-specific core mission.
NEW FOR THIS GRANT CYCLE: Organizations who receive a Sustaining Support Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council are not eligible to apply to this program.
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. If you are new to grant writing we recommend that you consider the Durham Arts Catalyst Grant which is designed for applicants who are just starting to apply for grants.
An information session will be held on-line on March 24, 2026 at 6 pm. Email mdemott@durhamarts.org for the link. The session will also be recorded and posted on the DAC Season 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. We encourage arts nonprofits to request support that will help them strengthen capacity and infrastructure. The activity must occur between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Season Grants are not awarded to fundraising activities/events.
Cultural/Humanities nonprofits may request support for an arts project.
FUNDING. The Season Grant Program is funded by the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund and the Grassroots Program of the North Carolina Arts Council. In FY2026 organizations that receive Sustaining Support Grants from the NC Arts Council cannot also receive Grassroots funds.
What can I request? You may apply for up to $6,000 in cash. If you are interested in use of the DAC building you may apply through one of the Creative Spaces Grants listed on the Durham Ats Council website.
What is required of Season Grant Recipients? Each Season Grant recipient will:
- · Complete the Season Grant contract and submit to DAC with appropriate attachments.
- · Use the DAC and North Carolina 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 consistent strong arts programming
- · Community impact of activities
- · Ability to plan and implement
- · Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization