Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. The program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils. The Buncombe County Grassroots Grant Program is made possible by ArtsAVL, the North Carolina Arts Council, Buncombe County Government, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Grassroots Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations in Buncombe County. Grants for FY27 will range from $2,500-7,500 dollars depending on the size of the organization. Applications will open on August 17, 2026 and the deadline to apply is September 14, 2026.