Special Project Guidelines & FAQs

Purpose: Special Project grants provide one-time, matching and restricted support for special opportunities that arise during the fiscal year.  Special opportunities are defined as projects that are not part of the applicant’s annual budget, regular programming or annual event.  An example could be the opportunity to present an artist or performance that was not included in an annual season; unanticipated invitation to perform or exhibit as part of conference or meeting; or the opportunity for one-time exposure in national or regional media campaign.

Who is Eligible: Any Mecklenburg County-based not-for-profit organization that uses arts, science or history to address one-time special opportunities (granting priority will be given to non-profits whose primary mission includes arts, science or history).  Projects that work with Public and Independent Schools, after school programs, and camps are not eligible. Institutions of Higher Education may apply provided the project reaches the broader community and not just the faculty and student body. Applicants who have previously submitted their project to ASC under any granting program may not resubmit.

Grant Amount: Grants of up to $5,000 are available. In FY11, ASC awarded 32 Special Project Grants ranging in amount from $1,000 to $5,000.

Frequency: Organizations are limited to one award during any given fiscal year.  ASC may provide partial support to any grant request. Applicants are encouraged to plan their projects and manage their expectations accordingly.

Matching Requirement: To maximize the limited resources available, applicants are required to cash match ASC’s investment dollar for dollar.

Narrative Draft Review: ASC staff does not review drafts for this granting program but would be happy to confirm the eligibility of an application.

Support Period: Opportunities must occur after the award date and must be completed by June 30th.

Application Deadlines: Grant applications will be accepted two times during the ASC fiscal year (July-June). ASC staff will accept, review and approve requests as long as funds are available.  Generally applicants will be notified within three weeks of the deadline. Requests for funding will be competitive.  As a result, potential applicants are encouraged to submit complete and well conceived proposals.

Deadline 1: Monday, September 12, 2011 at 12:00pm
Deadline 2: Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:00pm

Grant Funds May Not Be Used For: ASC will not entertain requests for the following:

  • Ongoing programs and expenses
  • Multi-year requests
  • Capital Improvements
  • Debt reduction
  • Events or projects that have already taken place or completed (no retroactive funding)
  • Professional development of arts, science or history or business skills (please consult the Technical Assistance/Professional Development program)

A Note on Websites: While applying for assistance with a website is eligible, make sure it meets all the criteria.  Good requests would include one-time upgrades or advancements to the current website.  Strong applications will connect this to an incoming exhibit or performance.  For example, applications may upgrade the website to include online donations, video for an upcoming performance or the ability to purchase tickets.  This category does not fund new media pages (Facebook, etc.).  To hire consultants to help design an aspect of the website see the Technical Assistance/Professional Development Grant Program.

Review Criteria: ASC staff will accept and review all applications and make funding decisions based on the following criteria:

  • The unique opportunity is clear and budget is realistic
  • The outcomes and measures of success are clearly defined

How to Apply: To request a grant, the organization must submit an application online using the link below.

Click here to begin a new application
Click here to continue a previously started application

Application Checklist: Only completed applications that contain all required documents will be considered. All items should be uploaded and submitted electronically. The following documents are required:

  • A narrative document of 1 page (12-point font with one-inch margins) should address the following:
    • Describe the special opportunity to be addressed with the grant.
    • What is the desired outcome (i.e., how will you define and measure success)?
    • Who from your organization will be involved in the activity (i.e., who is the project lead)?
  • Budget using the ASC template (can be downloaded through the online system)
  • Up to 3 pages of relevant supplementary materials

Required Reporting: Most important to ASC is learning how your Special Project Grant helped improve or change the organization. All grantees will be required to submit a final report that describes the impact and outcome of the project.  Final reports must be filed through the online process within 30 days of the activity’s completion.

Questions: If you have any questions, please contact the Cultural & Community Investment office Program Assistant at 704-335-3036.

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