Operating Support Grants
Making unrestricted investments in cultural organizations is about ensuring access to an excellent, relevant, and sustainable cultural community.
Purpose
The Operating Support program provides unrestricted investments in the general operations, administration and programs of eligible arts, science and history/heritage organizations. Operating Support partners demonstrably advance ASC’s mission of ensuring access to an excellent, relevant and sustainable cultural community for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. These investments are intended to supplement other revenue, both earned and contributed, generated by the organization.
Funding Partners
The Operating Support program is funded through ASC’s Annual Fund Drive, ASC’s endowment, Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte.
Support Period
July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022.
Application Deadline
Applications for FY22 Operating Support are open to returning Operating Support grantees. Nonprofit cultural organizations interested in pursuing Operating Support through ASC are encouraged to explore funding through Cultural Vision Grants or Culture Blocks. Applicants for ASC Operating Support must have previously received ASC Cultural Vision Grant(s), Culture Blocks funding, or Technical Assistance/Professional Development Grant(s) at least twice in the past three fiscal years and be in compliance with all requirements.
Award Notification
TBD.
Grant Recipient Resources
- Log-in to the Online System
- ASC Marketing & Communication Guidelines
- Policies Referenced in Grant Contract
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Operating Support I

Operating Support partners demonstrably advance ASC’s mission of ensuring access to an excellent, relevant and sustainable cultural community for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. The Operating Support I grant is for organizations with budgets less than $300,000 annually.
Operating Support II

Operating Support partners demonstrably advance ASC’s mission of ensuring access to an excellent, relevant and sustainable cultural community for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. The Operating Support II grant is for organizations with budgets $300,000 - $1M annually.
Operating Support III

Operating Support partners demonstrably advance ASC’s mission of ensuring access to an excellent, relevant and sustainable cultural community for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. The Operating Support III grant is for organizations with budgets greater than $1M annually.