GrassRoots Grants

Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. The program distributes funds for the arts in all 100 counties of the state primarily through partnerships with local arts councils. The Sampson Arts Council serves as the N.C. Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Sampson County. Visit NCAC's website for more information.

Sampson Community Theatre – Musical production of Annie, summer of 2025

The Coharie People – Coharie Youth Cultural Enrichment project: weekly classes (beading, pottery, regalia construction, dancing) designed to engage Native American Indigenous youth in meaningful cultural, artistic, and educational activities.

City of Clinton - Musical Performance featuring The Rhythm Express Band and advertising for the 2025 Square Fair.

Sampson County CVB - Musical performance by the Chocolate Chip and Company Band (rock, R&B, soul, funk, reggae, pop) for the 2026 Ag Day event at Sampson Community College.

Community Uplift Initiatives, Inc. Musical entertainment by "The Mickens" and "Chukk Gregory & the 803 Band" for the 2026 Sampson County Juneteenth event.

Helping Hands Change Makers, Inc. - "Creative Confidence: A Summer Arts Program for Empowerment"

A week-long summer art camp for children ages 6-11 to engage in artistic activities and find new ways to express themselves, connect with others and experience personal success. This program addresses the gap in accessible creative outlets for youth from economically disadvantaged communities providing a space for them to discover and develop their talents, boost self-esteem, and enhance their social and emotional well-being. Three African American artists will be hired to teach the camp including Robert Hall, Ty Peterson, and Bobbie Simmons.

Sampson Community College Foundation – cultural music performance by Larry & Joe on June 29, 2026

Town of Roseboro – Bloomfest - Musical Performances for the 2026 Bloomfest Festival by Frank Grant & the Feelin, Mr. James Howard (saxophone), and First Missionary Baptist Church (gospel).

Town of Roseboro – aLive in the ‘Boro - Music performance by Carl Newton’s Review for the 2026 concert season

Class Acts - Sampson CenterStage for Students - (2) performances of Super Scientific Circus for Sampson County and Clinton City School students in grades 3 and 4.

YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina - Sampson County YMCA - Spring Break Art Camp for ages 5-12 during their week-long youth camp scheduled for April 6–10, 2026. Grant funds will allow them to bring in local art instructors to lead a variety of hands-on art experiences for children.

See application information below. Call 910.596.2533 or email director@sampsonarts.org with questions. 

• Class Acts-Sampson CenterStage for Students: Performances of Dar He: The Story of Emmitt Til, by NC Actor and playwright, Mike Wiley, for 2,000 students in grades 7 and 8.
• Class Acts-Sampson CenterStage for Students: Performances of “Sankofa” by The Beast for approximately 2,000 students in grades 5 and 6.
• Coharie Intra-Tribal Council: Coharie Youth Cultural Enrichment classes in American Indian beading, dancing, pottery, regalia building, and singing.
• City of Clinton – Main Street Program: Cultural music performances by LaTeisha Boykin (Gospel), Ray Silva (Coharie Tribe), and the Impacto Band (Hispanic) at the Square Fair in downtown Clinton.
• Community Uplift Initiatives: Music performance for 2025 Sampson Juneteenth Celebration.
• First Methodist Church Music Ministry: Performance of the oratorio “Elijah” with a symphony orchestra of 32 musicians and a choir of 60 Sampson County residents.
• Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church: Grand piano rental fees for “Five Grand Pianos” community concerts.
• Sampson-Clinton Public Library: Bollywood dance performances by Indigo Dance Performance Academy for students and community members.
• Sampson Community College Foundation – Viva Vikings: Cultural music performances by six-piece Mexican music group, 6xto Latido Musical at the Viva Vikings event in May of 2025.
• Sampson County History Museum: Museum Day on October 12, 2024. Grant funds will be used to pay craftsmen and musician groups.
• Sampson County Schools: Artist fees for Sampson County Arts Camp, a week-long culturally diverse summer program that serves Sampson County students in grades K-8. Students receive specialized instruction from local and professional artists in Theater, Dance, Visual Art and Music.
• Town of Roseboro – Bloomfest: Musical Performance for the 2025 Bloomfest Festival by the Carl Newton's Review Band.
• Town of Roseboro – Latin American Culture Night: Salsa Dancing Lessons by Fayetteville Latin Dance, LLC, for Latin American Culture Night held at the Roseboro Common.
• Town of Roseboro – aLive in the ‘Boro: Music performances by various artists for the 2025 concert season.
• Town of Salemburg: Willie Weeks Day event

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.