These grants are designed to support arts projects focused on serving North Carolina’s military service men and women, veterans, and their families.

North Carolina has the fourth largest military population in the U.S. with over 100,000 active duty service men and women stationed at five military bases, a military ocean terminal, and a coast guard base. North Carolina also hosts over 43,000 National Guard and reserve members. North Carolina’s veteran population resides in every county in the state and numbers over 620,000, ranking fifth highest in the nation. In addition, there are over 39,000 active-duty spouses and 69,000 active-duty children living in North Carolina. Four federal VA medical centers and 14 state veteran service centers are the foundation of support for veterans in the state, but other resources are available through universities and community colleges, and nonprofit organizations.

In addition to the intrinsic value that the arts possess to enhance the quality of life for all citizens, they provide important support for the unique needs of service men and women, veterans and their families. For these military audiences engaging in arts activities:

Enhances healing and provides important health benefits in every stage from recovery to wellness Strengthens a sense of self, and creates opportunities to tell one’s story in different ways, including nonverbal means of expression Builds a connection with the community and diminishes feelings of isolation, both by making art in a group setting and also by instigating a public discussion about topics relevant to servicemen and veterans An array of arts projects with an emphasis on serving military and veterans audiences are eligible for support. Examples include:

A single exhibition, performance, or two to three related events, such as a reading series A series of workshops An artist residency A literary publication or documentary film All projects must include appropriate outreach activities. Additionally, projects that contribute to the development of this field of work through technical assistance are eligible for support.

Application dates

Open: January 6, 2025

Letter of intent due: March 3, 2025

Application due: May 1, 2025