The Tennessee Arts Commission's Rural Arts Project Support (RAPS) grant program provides funding for diverse arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in Tennessee's rural counties. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status and entities of local government legally chartered and headquartered in Tennessee. K-12 schools are not eligible. Organizations may apply for up to $25,000 per project, with no matching funds required for the FY26 RAPS cycle. Each organization may submit only one application for a single project per fiscal year, and applications for the same project cannot be made in other grant categories.
Projects must involve recognized art forms such as visual arts, music, theater, dance, or literary arts. Examples of appropriate activities include public performances, art exhibitions, festivals, workshops, residencies, and technical or production support. Funds cannot be used for capital improvements, office space rental, endowments, or other restricted expenses. Applicants are encouraged to include other funding sources in their budget projections, although a match is not mandatory.
Applications require detailed information about the proposed project, organizational structure, and community impact. Supporting documentation such as a list of board members, proof of arts advocacy, and annual financial reports are mandatory for nonprofit applicants. Advisory panels evaluate applications based on their artistic, cultural, and educational value, the organization's community engagement and advocacy efforts, planning procedures, financial stability, and ability to execute the project.
The application process is managed through the Tennessee Arts Commission's Online Grants System, and applications must be submitted by January 13, 2025, for projects occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to complete spending by June 1, 2026, and provide final reports detailing the project's outcomes. For additional support or clarification, applicants can contact program staff directly.
