Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund offers financial assistance to events that enrich the lives of Buncombe County residents and invite visitors to experience the authentic and welcoming spirit of Asheville and Buncombe County. Since 2016, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority has invested nearly $1 million in local festivals and events through this fund.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

• Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
• Stimulate the creation of new or expansion of existing festivals and cultural events; and
• Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events. 

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund operates on an annual basis through a competitive application and selection process. The number of grants awarded each year depends on the funds available, which may not always be fully distributed. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 and cannot exceed 50% of the total budget for the event. Grant funds are disbursed to recipients following their event and submission of final report.