Craft Catalyst Grant
Center for Craft and Etsy Partner to Invest $10 Million in Craft Communities Nationwide, including Haywood Community College
July 15, 2026
(Asheville, NC) – In partnership with Etsy, the Center for Craft is proud to launch the Craft Catalyst Initiative, an ambitious new program that will invest $10 million over three years in craft hubs across the United States. The funding will unleash capacity for regional craft ecosystems that support craft artists.
“As the Center for Craft celebrates its 30th anniversary, partnering with Etsy to recognize the value of craft organizations marks
a particularly
significant milestone,” said Center for Craft Executive Director Stephanie Moore.
“In an increasingly AI-driven and digitized world, human connection through craft
is more essential than ever. This initiative will fortify craft’s place by investing
in spaces, relationships, and infrastructure that encourages artists, sustain creative
careers, and strengthen communities across the country.”
In its first round, the Craft Catalyst Initiative will award $2 million to 20 nonprofit organizations in five craft hubs nationwide, with each receiving unrestricted grants of $100,000. Grounded in research previously commissioned by Etsy, “craft hubs” are defined as areas where artisans and cultural organizations intersect to cultivate strong communities through craft.
The Asheville/Western North Carolina hub will include Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program, North Carolina Glass Center, Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, and Toe River Arts.
Organizations were selected based on their public commitment to supporting craft in their communities, research and interviews conducted in each hub, and guidance from a distinguished panel of national advisors with expertise in the field of craft. Additional hubs will receive support in future rounds.
Haywood Community College intends to use the funds to create a structured Professional Crafts Alumni network and online resource platform to connect graduates from over 48 years of experience. Amy Putansu, Professional Crafts Fiber Instructor shares “We believe this alumni element has been missing, and that our graduates will benefit from staying connected to each other and the HCC community. We also look forward to collaborating with our Hub partners on programming we have yet to imagine.”
In addition to funding, leaders from recipient organizations will participate in a yearlong cohort to navigate challenges, strengthen support systems for makers, and build pathways to ensure craft’s continued importance in daily and cultural life. The cohort will encourage connection and collaboration to create long-lasting effects within and across craft hubs.
For more details about this initiative, visit craftcatalystinitiative.org; for more information about Haywood Community College or to register for fall classes, visit haywood.edu.