Community Arts Grant

The Community Arts Grant (CAG) Program, administered by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission, was established in 1991 to support the local arts community in Lawrence, Kansas. Funded through transient guest tax (TGT) revenue collected from hotel guests, the program has awarded 252 grants totaling over $400,000 in support of art-related programs and projects. The CAG Program is designed to foster creative initiatives that align with the City’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing the Unmistakable Identity outcome area and commitment areas such as community engagement, equity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects support Unmistakable Identity and contribute to key progress indicators UI-2, UI-6, and UI-13. These alignment requirements are embedded into the grant evaluation process, with the Cultural Arts Commissioners using a scoring matrix that reflects these priorities. The FY2026 grant cycle introduces enhancements to emphasize equity and environmental sustainability. A portion of the grant budget is earmarked for projects that advance equity and inclusion, particularly those addressing disparities in funding distribution among diverse communities. Likewise, environmentally sustainable art practices and awareness-building are now scoring criteria in the evaluation process. The FY2026 grant cycle offers two funding tracks: Community Arts Mini Grants and Community Arts Grants. Mini Grants provide up to $500 for start-up equipment aligned with an artist’s practice, while Community Arts Grants offer awards ranging from $500 to $10,000 per project. These larger grants require a 50% match in cash or in-kind contributions, which must be clearly documented in the budget proposal and supported with letters of commitment. Only one grant may be awarded per project, and applicants may not apply for both categories in the same year. Proposed projects must begin no earlier than January 1, 2026 and conclude by December 31, 2026. For the FY2026 cycle, the Community Arts Grant application will open on December 31, 2025 and close on February 2, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. Applicants may optionally submit a pre-application by January 15, 2026 for early feedback on eligibility and completeness, with responses expected by January 26, 2026. Informational meetings are scheduled for January 8 and January 16, 2026 to assist applicants. Final recommendations will be reviewed by the Cultural Arts Commission on February 11 and sent for approval by the City Commission on February 17. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and based in Lawrence, Kansas. Projects must take place at least partially in the city and demonstrate collaboration among local artists or organizations. Ineligible activities include capital projects, academic requirements for college students, and projects lacking collaboration or local impact. Only one application is permitted per project, and past recipients who failed to submit final reports are disqualified. Applications are submitted online and must include signed letters confirming financial and collaborative commitments. Projects will be evaluated on community value, project quality, equity, sustainability, and the clarity of the application. Successful applicants are required to acknowledge City of Lawrence support in all promotional materials and submit a final report no later than December 31, 2026.

Clearly document collaboration and match funding; ensure letters of commitment are signed and current; incomplete applications will be disqualified.