Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) Grants

About this program

The North Carolina Arts Council’s Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) awards grants to community organizations—such as county arts councils, schools, and community centers—to fund after‑school programs that connect students aged 8–18 with local traditional artists for instruction in culturally rooted music, crafts, storytelling and related arts. Grant funds may be used for instructor compensation, instruments and supplies, transportation, entrance fees and administrative support, and many music programs participate as JAM affiliates. Applicants must be invited to apply and meet NC Arts Council eligibility; grants require a 1:2 cash match (50%) unless the project is in a Tier 1 county, and administrative costs paid with grant funds are limited to 25% of the award. Programs must provide weekly instruction totaling at least 30 hours annually, maintain a minimum enrollment of 20 students, pay teaching artists competitive hourly rates, assign a program manager, set annual goals, and submit evaluations and final reports.