Culture Blocks for Non-Profit Organizations will open applications on July 13, 2026.
Programming takes place between January 1 and December 31, 2027.
Purpose and overview
The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Local Arts Agency and the cultural catalyst, driving economic growth and community retention through the arts, sciences, and culture. ASC leads as the voice of culture in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, fueling community retention and upward mobility for all our residents.
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
- Fee: Free
- Application Opens: Monday, July 13, 2026
- Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026 at noon EST
- Programming must take place: Between January 1 – December 31, 2027.
- Funding allowed: The total funding request should not exceed $40,000. 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.
*Applicants will be notified of approval or decline in early October 2026
CULTURE BLOCKS INFORMATION SESSIONS
CULTURE BLOCKS INFORMATION SESSIONS
- Monday, May 11 @ 12/Noon – Virtual – Register here
- Wednesday, July 29 @ 5:30 pm – Virtual – Register here
- Thursday, August 6 @ 10 am – Virtual – Register here
CULTURE BLOCKS IDEA INCUBATOR: SPARK DAYS
Have a new idea you’re excited to explore? Spark Days are first‑come, first‑served, one‑on‑one sessions for creatives and nonprofit organizations to develop new Culture Blocks program concepts. Use this time to test, refine, and explore fresh ideas for community‑based experiences. Past programs or existing proposals are not eligible—Spark Days are all about what’s next.
Interested? Email a draft of your application and budget to cultureblocks@artsandscience.org, and we’ll send you a link to schedule a 25‑minute one‑on‑one in person meeting.
DRAFT APPLICATION AND BUDGET REVIEWS
Staff will receive draft applications and budgets by email between May 12 – August 7, by 5pm.
Applicants are welcome to reserve only one time slot for a feedback meeting. Please do not reserve more than one meeting.
Assistance
If you have any further questions, please email cultureblocks@artsandscience.org.