CULTURE BLOCKS FUNDING CALL FOR CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS OPENS JANUARY 5, 2026
Purpose and overview
ASC Culture Blocks is a vital piece of ASC’s mission to actively remove barriers to access and connect communities across Mecklenburg County with free arts, science, and history experiences. Culture Blocks is funded by Mecklenburg County and administered by the Arts & Science Council in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Libraries and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.
The program organizes funds and supports cultural experiences shaped by residents, close to where they live, and delivered through our partnership with public libraries, recreation centers, parks, and other community spaces. These programs are focused within historically underserved neighborhoods, with minimal opportunities or access to arts, science, and history experiences.
Culture Blocks offers a wide range of programs, including though not limited to workshops and experiences in visual arts, dance, theater, writing, photography, culinary arts, music classes, film screenings, concerts, festivals, and multicultural events. These programs serve neighborhoods in Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville.
FUNDING HIGHLIGHTS
- Application Opens: Monday, January 5, 2026
- Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with preference to applications received by Monday, February 9, 2026, by NOON at 12:00pm/Noon.
- Programming must take place: Between July 1 – December 31, 2026.
- Funding allowed: The total funding request should not exceed $20,000. Culture Blocks awards may be partially funded based on available resources and the goal of providing a variety of programming across the community. Funding decisions consider access at all of the partner facilities, diversity of age groups and program types, alignment with Block population size, and the significant role of local creatives and nonprofits in offering programs near where residents live.
- One Application Per Cycle Policy: Culture Blocks is now implementing a one-application-per-cycle policy. The new policy is designed to support a more equitable review process and ensure fair distribution of funding across our community. We encourage applicants to submit their strongest proposal each cycle.
- Timeline: Applicants will be notified of approval or decline no later than April 30, 2026. Declined applicants will have four weeks from the date of the email notification to request feedback.
HOW DO I APPLY?
All applicants are required to apply through our online application system (Blackbaud). Have questions about your Blackbaud account? Reach out for support at grants@artsandscience.org. The Culture Blocks application will be available on January 5, 2026.