Community Roots Grant

The Cultural Sustainability Grant Program, a collaboration between the six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) and The Wallace Foundation, offers general operating support to arts and cultural organizations rooted in communities of color. Administered by Mid Atlantic Arts, the program supports organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000, providing unrestricted funds to sustain and grow their work. The program also fosters cross-cultural arts experiences and collaboration among artists, communities, and regional arts organizations. Eligible organizations must have at least three years of programming focused on historically underserved communities of color and demonstrate leadership and practices that address systemic inequities. Applicants can be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, for-profit entities, or artist collectives with a tax ID or fiscal sponsor. They must not have received ArtsHERE funding from their RAO and must operate in one of the ten states and territories served by Mid Atlantic Arts (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, PR, USVI, VA, WV). Up to 20 organizations will be selected to receive grants for the program period of May 2025 through June 2026. Applications open on November 12, 2024, and close on January 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Informational resources include program guidelines and an October 31 webinar. Drop-in sessions in English and Spanish are available on November 13 and 14, respectively. This program supports organizations that uplift communities of color, focusing on sustainability, collaboration, and cultural equity. Detailed program guidelines and application materials are accessible online, with resources available in English and Spanish.