Artist Entrepreneurial Grants

The Artist Entrepreneurial Grants program is offered by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA) to support individual professional artists, makers, and creatives in their career advancement and business development. Recognizing the vital role of artists in the state’s economy, this program provides funding for career-advancing opportunities, such as professional development, marketing enhancements, and new market access initiatives. Applicants may request funding between $250 and $2,000. While no match is required for Fiscal Year 2026, applicants must demonstrate the total cost of their proposed opportunity. Grants are competitive and subject to the availability of state and federal funds. Projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, with application deadlines on April 25, August 1, and October 31, 2025, and February 6, 2026. Artists may only receive one grant per fiscal year and must skip a year after receiving three successive grants. To be eligible, applicants must be professional artists at least 18 years old, reside in New Hampshire for at least one year, and dedicate the majority of their time to practicing, performing, or teaching in an arts discipline. Artists living within 10 miles of the state border may qualify if they conduct over 50% of their work for New Hampshire audiences. Organizations, corporations, and students are not eligible, nor are artists who received an award earlier in the same fiscal year. The grant supports participation in trainings, workshops, conferences, and classes to enhance artistic or business skills; opportunities to present work to new audiences; and the creation of promotional materials such as websites or digital portfolios. Ineligible uses include creation of new work, equipment purchases, subscriptions, recording production, framing, and international travel. All projects must be accessible, and travel costs must align with state per diem rates. Applications are submitted via the Submittable platform and must include a narrative, budget, documentation of the opportunity, résumé, and work samples. First-time applicants are encouraged to submit drafts for review. Review panels evaluate proposals based on project impact, planning, and budget clarity. Notifications may take up to 10 weeks following the deadline. Grantees must return signed agreements within 60 days of award notification. Funds are disbursed by the State of New Hampshire’s Administrative Services, typically within 4 to 6 weeks for grants under $10,000, or up to 10 weeks if the total annual award exceeds $5,000. Final reports are due within 30 days of project completion, no later than July 31, 2026. Extensions may be granted. Failure to report may result in ineligibility for future grants. Questions may be directed to program director Adele Sicilia at Adele.C.Sicilia@dncr.nh.gov or (603) 271-8418.

Submit early, watch tutorials, draft responses encouraged. Avoid vague budget lines. Use Submittable only.