Creative Growth Grants (Project Support, Professional Development, Operational Support)

Creative Growth Grants (Project Support, Professional Development, Operational Support) is sponsored by City of Charlotte (administered by Charlotte Is Creative). This public funding initiative is designed to fuel local talent, celebrate culture, and support individual creatives living and working in Mecklenburg County.

Frequently Asked Questions - Charlotte is Creative F. A. Q.

FOR CREATIVE GROWTH GRANTS These questions were developed from inquiries submitted by prospective applicants for the 2025 Growth Grants, administered by Charlotte Is Creative in partnership with the City of Charlotte. Where can I find the full Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan? A copy of the Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan (in English and Spanish) can be found here .

Who will review my application? In partnership with Civility Localized, Charlotte Is Creative will assemble and train review panels of community members that will evaluate eligible proposals and vote to award final grants. No one from Charlotte Is Creative (employee or contractor) or Civility Localized will serve as review panel members.

Nor will they vote on applicants who are selected to receive a grant. Staff members from the City of Charlotte will also monitor review panel discussions. What makes an application stronger?

The Creative Growth Grant administrative team will offer a variety of free training and Q&A sessions in person and online to help applicants prepare. Click here to register or view a recording of the info and training sessions . And, applicants may ask questions at any time to applications@charlotteiscreative.

com Local grant writing company Scribe will lead free group sessions to help applicants develop strong applications and budgets. A limited number of 30-minute online one-on-one sessions with Scribe. Registration for those sessions begins June 19, 2025 at cltgov.

me/CGG. When are applications due? Applications and all requested documents must be submitted through Submittable no later than 5 p.

m. ET on Monday, August 4. How is the review panel selected?

The review panel will be made up of individuals from the creative, business, and non-profit communities. Partners like Civility Localized, Crown Keepers, and Casa de La Cultura are working to identify suitable community members for the review process. When will applicants be notified of award decisions?

When will grants be paid out? Organizations and individuals selected for a grant will be notified in late September 2025, and grant contracting and payment of funds will be dispersed in November 2025 after grantees sign a letter of agreement. Must the applicant be based in Mecklenburg County?

Yes. The lead applicant must live in Mecklenburg AND the project must take place in or benefit the county. Providing services in Mecklenburg County or doing business here without residence or a main office here is not sufficient.

Must all collaborators be Mecklenburg County residents? No. But, the lead applicant must live in Mecklenburg County. May I apply for more than one Creative Growth Grant?

No. An organization or an individual may be the lead applicant on only one application. Will Creative Growth Grants continue after 2025? There is no confirmation yet on future Creative Growth Grants.

Can I combine two unrelated project ideas into one proposal? No. Choose the idea that best fits the criteria of the Creative Growth Grant category for which you are applying. Can I use this grant to meet matching fund requirements for another grant?

Yes, if timelines align and both projects are eligible. Is a direct service nonprofit eligible if it uses art in programming? Can my project be a continuation of an existing project?

How much administrative fee can I factor into my project budget? No more than 15% of the grant amount. If we are a new non-profit and have not filed a fiscal tax year, what other documents would you accept instead of the 2024 990?

The IRS letter of determination is required. An example of what this looks like will be made available on the application page. If you have an extension for your 2024 990, you may be able to submit your 2023 990 if you can show proof of the extension.

If a non-profit is applying for operational funding, even if it’s for a new component to their operations, is it eligible? Yes, it would be eligible. Can I propose a series of events?

Yes, as long as the activities occur between Nov. 14, 2025 – Nov. 14, 2026.

Can projects begin before Nov. 14, 2025? No. Projects must begin on/after Nov.

14, 2025. Our event is scheduled before Nov. 14, 2025, but funding decisions and releases are in November.

Would we then apply for our next annual event in September 2026? While the answer is yes, the event cannot take place before November 14th, 2025. Can I apply for multiple projects or grants?

No. Only one application per applicant or organization is allowed. That said, you can be a collaborator on a project application submitted by someone else. If an organization has two projects, do they need to focus on one and apply for a single project grant, or can they apply for both?

You should keep your vision and your ask focused on applying for one project. Does this affect other operating grants I may receive? Not directly.

However, we cannot speak for other funders’ criteria. Will I be responsible for a post-grant report? Final reports from all grantees are due by January 31, 2027.

Is this grant related to the Infusion Fund? If we were an Infusion Fund recipient, does that disqualify us from this grant? This grant is not specifically related to the Infusion Fund as that fund ended according to plan on 6/31/2024.

Receiving an Infusion Fund grant in the past does not disqualify you. The only disqualifying criteria would be if the City Council voted for you to receive operating support through the Foundation For The Carolinas in the 2025-2026 budget adopted on June 9, 2025. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not use the “$” (dollar sign) or any commas when inputting numbers into the budget table.

Click here to view a sample budget for Project Grants . Click here to view a sample budget for Professional Development Grants . ALSO, PLEASE NOTE: On the project grant, admin expenses covered by Growth Grants may be UP TO (but not exceeding) 15% of the total budget.

Fiscal Sponsorship & Collaboration If you are not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization , you must apply for the Creative Growth Grant with a fiscal sponsor . A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit organization that agrees to receive and manage grant funds on your behalf . They are legally responsible for ensuring the funds are used as outlined in your grant application and in compliance with nonprofit reporting standards.

We understand that fiscal sponsorship can feel like a big step – but it’s important that both you and your fiscal sponsor fully understand what this relationship involves before applying . It is your responsibility to identify and confirm a fiscal sponsor before you apply. If your sponsor is unsure about the responsibilities involved, we encourage them to review the resources below and speak with a legal or financial advisor if needed.

The fiscal sponsor is responsible for tracking and distributing the grant funds appropriately. You may be required to enter into a formal agreement with the sponsor outlining roles, responsibilities, and any administrative fees. You must secure your fiscal sponsor before the application deadline (August 4, 2025).

The fiscal sponsor must provide a letter of support and a copy of their IRS Determination Letter confirming 501(c)(3) status.

Here are a few resources to help you (and your potential sponsor) understand what’s involved: Propel Nonprofits’ Guide to Fiscal Sponsorship Fiscal Sponor FAQ from the Council of Nonprofits You can also search online for “How to be a fiscal sponsor” or “Fiscal sponsorship for artists” to explore additional perspectives and models. Can a non-profit be a fiscal sponsor and also apply for their own grant? Yes.

It will not affect their application in any way. Do I need a fiscal sponsor if I am already a 501c3 nonprofit? No. But, if you are an individual or a loose collection of creatives, you will require proof that you have secured a fiscal sponsor PRIOR to applying.

Are non-profits able to be fiscal sponsors to multiple individual artists? Can my for-profit business apply? Should I include information about a larger project?

Focus mainly on the portion this grant would fund. Provide context only if space allows. Can the grant cover the full cost of the project?

Are matching funds required? Is collaboration required? No, but it is encouraged when it strengthens the project.

Do you recommend or suggest a specific Fiscal Sponsor? While we cannot suggest or recommend a specific fiscal sponsor, fiscal sponsors who have collaborated with prior grant recipients are listed below. Please reach out to the fiscal sponsors for specific information on how to apply.

This is not an exhaustive list and you may research online for additional fiscal sponsors. Can funds be used to become a 501(c)(3)? Can recipients accept in-kind donations (e.g., supplies)?

Yes. These should be listed as revenue in your budget template, if applicable. Can the project take place in a nontraditional space (like a brewery)?

Can a house of worship apply? Yes, if it’s a 501(c)(3), or via a fiscal sponsor or collaborator. And, that the project or purpose meets other requirements of this grant.

Can I bring in a national or international artist? Yes, but the primary benefit must be for the local community. If a project support grant is awarded, can the project sell tickets or does it have to be a free event?

You are absolutely welcome to sell tickets. There’s even a line item in the budget to indicate earned revenue sources, including ticket sales. Can the grant go towards marketing materials and administrative costs?

Yes. For project budgets up to $20,000, there is a 15% cap for administrative costs, which can include personnel or administrative fees. The budget template has fields for various categories, including marketing, and blank spaces for additional costs.

You are encouraged to devote budget toward marketing and promotion, especially for public events. If we ask for a smaller dollar amount, are we more likely to receive the grant? The amount of money being asked is not a scoring criterion for the review panel.

You should ask for the amount of money you believe is right for your project and make a strong case for it in your application. My project starts in January 2026, but funds won’t be allocated until November 2025. If I spend funds on the project before receiving the grant, can the grant act as a reimbursement?

Yes, you can reimburse yourself for project-related expenses incurred prior to receiving the funds, as long as they are indicated in your proposed budget. However, there is no guarantee you will receive the grant. Can you elaborate on the operational expenses allowed for a project support grant?

The project support grant allows up to 15% of your request to cover admin-related expenses. This can include rent, staffing costs, and even fiscal sponsor fees if you’re an individual working through one. These are expenses not specifically related to the project itself, but more operational in nature.

The remaining 85% should be for project-related expenses specific to the creative project. Email: applications@charlotteiscreative. com Charlotte Is Creative is the City of Charlotte’s administrative partner for managing the application process and review panels for the 2025 Creative Growth Grants.