ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — ArtsAVL, the Asheville area arts council, has opened applications for eligible nonprofits to receive between $3,000 and $10,000 to hold free public events along Asheville streets, in Asheville parks or other outdoor spaces around the city.
The application window for the Event Support Grants will be open from Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, to Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, with award announcements slated for mid-November. Programs funds by the ESGs may take place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2027.
For the 2027 calendar year, eligible events must take place on public spaces within the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, ArtsAVL said.
For more information about the boundaries of the ADID, visit www.ashevilledowntown.org/improvementdistrict.
What is covered by an Event Support Grant?
ArtsAVL will serve as the contracted administrator of the ESGs for the city of Asheville.
Awards usually range between $3,000 and $10,000, though awarded amounts may vary based on need. Past awards have funded concerts, parades, arts festivals and other cultural series.
“The Event Support Grant offers a competitive process for nonprofits to access financial assistance to events that promote cultural heritage and the creative arts,” ArtsAVL said. “Priority will be given to events that increase access to the arts, strengthen community engagement, and enhance the quality of life for Asheville residents through arts and cultural programming.”
Eligible expenses that may be covered by an ESG include:
- Application and alcohol permit fees
- Property use fees
- Street closure and temporary use permit fees
- Transit impact fees
- Barricade and cone rentals
- Parking closure fees
For the ESG application and full eligibility guidelines, visit www.artsavl.org/esg.
What are mini-grants?
In addition to the standard ESGs, the city of Asheville is in the midst of a pilot program for ESG “mini-grants.” These grants will provide up to $2,500 for pop-up and small scale events.
The application window for the mini-grants opened on Sept. 8, 2025, and will close on Nov. 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the event, which must take place by Dec. 31, 2026.
For more information about the mini-grant program, visit www.artsavl.org/esg and scroll down to “Rolling Mini Grant Application Process.”
