Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) Grant

The Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) Grant, administered by the North Carolina Arts Council (NCAC), is designed to support after-school programs that provide youth in North Carolina with hands-on instruction in traditional art forms deeply rooted in their communities. These programs are conducted in partnership with local artists and are hosted by community organizations, such as arts councils, schools, and community centers. The objective of the TAPS program is to preserve, transmit, and encourage appreciation for North Carolina’s diverse traditional arts by connecting students with experienced local artists who teach using vernacular methods passed down through generations. TAPS programs are grounded in the recognition that North Carolina has a rich history of shared artistic traditions, influenced by Indigenous cultures and the various communities that have migrated to the region over centuries. The Arts Council’s commitment to cultural preservation is evident through their support of music-based programs, especially in mountain counties where many TAPS initiatives are part of the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) network. JAM programs offer students weekly instruction in instruments such as banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, as well as opportunities to perform in community events and competitions. To ensure program quality and consistency, all TAPS-funded initiatives must fulfill specific requirements. These include a minimum of 30 hours of instruction per year, consistent weekly classes, student enrollment of at least 20 participants, and structured supervision and communication with parents. Programs must be managed by a designated program manager and utilize instructors with lived experience in traditional art forms. These instructors must be compensated fairly, with a minimum rate of $30–$40 per hour, while assistants receive $15–$20 per hour. Additional funds can be used for supplies, instruments, and modest administrative and transportation costs. A critical component of the TAPS grant is its requirement for matching funds. Organizations are generally required to provide a 1:2 cash match, equal to 50% of the grant amount received. However, this requirement is waived for applicants located in Tier 1 counties as designated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Despite the waiver, programs in Tier 1 areas are encouraged to contribute matching funds where possible, since county designations may shift over time. The maximum portion of the grant that can be used for administrative costs is capped at 25%. TAPS is an invitation-only funding opportunity. Interested organizations must receive an invitation to apply and are encouraged to contact the Folklife Program Director, Zoe van Buren, to express interest and determine eligibility. The application period opens in early January and closes in early March, with funded activities scheduled to take place between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Award notifications are typically sent by early August, though this may be delayed pending state budget approval. In addition to meeting baseline requirements, TAPS programs are expected to commit to three yearly goals selected from six categories: program development, evaluation, local support, community connections, professional development, and public communication. These goals help ensure program sustainability and ongoing community impact. The Arts Council evaluates program performance not only based on compliance with foundational criteria but also on the successful implementation of these self-identified goals. Repeated noncompliance may result in suspension of funding.

Set yearly program goals across six impact areas; maintain minimum enrollment of 20; use traditional instructional techniques.