Festival Grant
The heart of every vibrant community beats to the rhythm of culture and art, especially in Guilford County.
We believe in the power of festivals and cultural events to preserve our unique traditions, foster communal pride, and strengthen our local economy. This Festival Grant Program is the cornerstone of our strategy to ensure these valuable cultural experiences continue to thrive and expand in Greater Greensboro.
About the Festival Grant
The Festival Grant supports one to three-day (consecutive days) festivals that build community engagement through artistic expression, music, craft, and cultural traditions. By providing financial assistance ranging from $500 to $3,000, the grant ensures that an organization can strengthen its festival programming while building community engagement and cultural awareness through artistic means.
The spring Festival Grant cycle will be open for applications in January 2026. Festival period March 1 to August 30, 2026.
The fall Festival Grant cycle will be open for applications in May 2026. Festival period September 1 to February 28, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Festival Grant?
A: Guilford County Non-Profit 501(c)3, LLC, B Corp, C Corp. See below for more eligibility details.
Q: Can an organization submit multiple funding requests in a fiscal year?
A: No, the program only considers one funding request from the same organization within a 12 month cycle to ensure a wide distribution of funds.
Q: What types of events does the Festival Grant support?
A: Festivals must offer a unique and vibrant experience highlighting the artistic community and enjoying artistic expression, music, food, and traditions.
Q: Are there any event types not eligible for the grant?
A: Yes, fundraising events, sporting or athletic events, church, religious organizations, government agencies or offices, businesses or private clubs that exclude minors as patrons, and residential projects. Additionally, events used for political purposes, demonstrations, marches, rallies, or protests, as well as trade shows, trade fairs, business conferences, workshops, employee training, professional development activities, and events involving scholarships, prizes, cash awards, additions to endowment funds, deficit or debt reduction, lobbying, building construction or renovation, equipment or real property purchases, hospitality, and re-granting.
Q: How much funding can be awarded to successful applicants?
A: Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and are intended to complement the event’s budget without exceeding 50% of the total projected expenses.
Q: What are the strategic focuses of the Festival Grant?
A: Community engagement, and building cultural awareness through artistic measures, with a focus on sustainability of the arts in Guilford County. We encourage a focus on economic and social development while providing safe community centric programming.
Q: How will my event be evaluated for a grant?
A: Applications are meticulously evaluated by community panelist based on several criteria to ensure that the selected festivals align with the grant criteria. See below for more evaluation details.
Q: When and how are grant funds disbursed?
A: Grant funds will be distributed in one installment upon the contract’s execution.
Q: Are there any post-award requirements for grantees?
A: Grantees must secure all necessary permits, provide updates on funding status, and submit a final report within 30 days of the festival’s completion. They must also display The ACGG logo on event materials and receive approval for its use. See marketing packet for logo requirements.
Q: How can I apply?
A: Complete the application form to submit your event for consideration.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be Guilford County Non-Profit 501c3, LLC, B Corp, C Corp. Priority will be given to Arts 501(c)3 Non-Profits that support and promote the arts.
- Applicants must demonstrate experience in planning and execution of a one-to-three-day festival event. Festival experience must have a consistent track record of three consecutive years.
- Festivals must take place in Guilford County and benefit residents, encourage visitors, and enhance the local artistic culture and vitality. Guilford County includes Gibsonville, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Pleasant Garden, Sedalia, Stokesdale, Summerfield, Whitsett and Greensboro.
- Festival dates must be between:
- March 1, 2026 – August 30, 2026 for the spring Festival Grant.
- September 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 for the fall Festival Grant.
- Frequency of Requests: The program will not consider more than one funding request from the same organization in a single fiscal year.
Excluded from funding: fundraising events, sporting or athletic events, church, religious organizations, government agencies or offices, businesses or private clubs that exclude minors as patrons, and residential projects. Additionally, events used for political purposes, demonstrations, marches, rallies, or protests, as well as trade shows, trade fairs, business conferences, workshops, employee training, professional development activities, and events involving scholarships, prizes, cash awards, additions to endowment funds, deficit or debt reduction, lobbying, building construction or renovation, equipment or real property purchases, hospitality, and re-granting.
Award Amount
The Festival Grant offers awards ranging from $500 to $3,000, ensuring that the financial support complements the event’s budget without exceeding 50% of the total projected expenses.
Proposed use of funding is marketing your festival to the public, hiring artists, and securing necessary permits and fees for a safe festival.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are meticulously evaluated by community panelist based on several criteria to ensure that the selected festivals align with the grant criteria.
- Organization and Festival Information: Organization is clearly established and has a proven track record of producing festivals and working with the community. (10 Points)
- Audience Fit and Community Support- Has the ability to reach a broad audience and encourage participation and growth. (15 Points)
- Festival Objective: Festival uniquely celebrates Guilford County’s cultural Identity and aligns with the goals of The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. (15 Points)
- Programming Operations and Logistics: Planning outlines are well established and comprehensive to support a successful festival. (10 Points)
- Viability of Execution: The planning supports a festival that can be easily executed and shows thoughtful consideration for safety and community. (15 Points)
- Marketing Power: Strong marketing plan utilizing promotional partners, website presence, social media campaigns and the potential for increased media coverage and public attention. (15 Points)
- Funding Sources and Financial Information: Support from additional funding sources, including ticket sales, sponsorships, grants, and organizational contributions. The proper use of grant funds and demonstrated support from the local community, local businesses, and public-sector partners. (10 Points)
- Sustainability of Event; The ability for the festival event to be repeated on an annual basis and the ability to expand through awareness and attract and engage new audiences. (10 Points)
Applicants can receive up to 100 points. Funding will be based on a scale to score basis. Scores of 60 points or below will not qualify for funding.
Festival Partnerships
Got a Question?
The Festival Grant is supported by funding from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and Guilford County.
Help us celebrate Greensboro’s unique culture through festivals and events in our communities.
