Each year, the North Carolina Arts Council invests in non-profit organizations to ensure that North Carolina citizens enjoy a wide array of rich arts experiences.

The deadline for 20072008 Organizational Grants is March 1.

Funding areas include arts in education, community public art, arts facility design, audience development, operating support, organizational development and Grassroots Arts Program grants.

The Grassroots Arts Program, established in 1977 by the General Assembly, ensures that every citizen has access to quality arts experiences by funding hundreds of arts activities each year. Funds are distributed on a per capita basis for all 100 counties.

Funded programs include community festivals, choral society concerts, community theater productions, art guild exhibitions, arts in education programs in schools, classes, workshops and craft fairs.

Nonprofit organizations producing quality art programs for at least two consecutive years are eligible for funding for upcoming projects.

"Our goal is to support a wide range of exemplary arts programs that reach every corner of the state," said Nancy Trovillion, deputy director of the N.C. Arts Council.

Organizations interested in a grant should review the guidelines available on the Arts Council's Web site at www. ncarts.org and contact the staff member listed to verify the eligibility of their project. Staff members are available to help organizations make their applications as competitive as possible.

The deadline for submitting applications is March 1.

Applications must be received in the Arts Council office by 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted in the guidelines. Fax transmissions and late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must use the Arts Council's online application system and submit a print version of the application form, narrative and attachments to the Arts Council office by the deadline date.

For more information on the North Carolina Arts Council or Organizational Grants, visit www.ncarts.org or call 919-807-6500.