Project Support Grants

The Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Project Support Grants program offers targeted financial support to artists, groups, and nonprofit organizations engaged in arts-based initiatives that serve the Salt Lake City community. Designed to encourage public participation and visibility in the arts, the program funds specific projects such as performances, festivals, readings, workshops, concerts, and murals. The Council emphasizes projects that demonstrate community benefit through public accessibility and direct engagement. While all projects—excluding murals—must incorporate community engagement components, murals are exempt from this requirement if they are prominently displayed in public spaces. The Council also welcomes applications from Community Councils, particularly for $2,000-level projects that are open and accessible to the general public. The grant structure includes two tiers of funding: $2,000 or $4,000. Projects requesting the higher $4,000 tier must provide a 50% cash match of at least $2,000, while the lower-tier grants do not require a match, although additional funding or in-kind support is encouraged in both cases. The Council aims to allocate approximately $70,000 in total funding through this grant category. The number of grants awarded is not fixed and will be determined based on the volume and quality of submissions. Funding decisions are made using a review committee’s evaluation scores based on the published criteria, which applicants are advised to follow closely to improve competitiveness. Eligibility for this program is extended to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, individual artists, and artist collectives. All funded projects must occur within Salt Lake City boundaries and must include public access. Applicants are limited to submitting one application annually and cannot apply for both Project Support and General Operating Support grants in the same year. Additional grant opportunities may be made available under different guidelines. To be considered for mural projects, applicants must secure a high-visibility location on private property and submit a property owner’s letter of agreement. The mural must comply with public safety and ADA standards, along with relevant city ordinances. The application for Round 1 of the next grant cycle will open in March 2026 and close May 1, 2026, covering projects occurring from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. Applications are evaluated by the Salt Lake City Arts Council Committee during June and July, with final decisions made at an August board meeting. Award notifications will be issued in September 2026, followed by a two-phase disbursement of funds: 50% in October 2026 and the remainder upon approval of the final report. Application components include evidence of community support, such as letters of endorsement, a list of project partners, or examples of past engagement. Projects must not include fundraising events, private or membership-only activities, capital expenditures, or previously completed initiatives. Restrictions also apply to projects already funded by the Arts Council or those heavily subsidized (more than 50%) by Salt Lake City Corporation. Additionally, projects involving education tuition, debt repayment, or research without immediate community benefits are ineligible. The Project Support Grants reflect Salt Lake City’s commitment to promoting arts and culture through projects that build community, encourage public involvement, and foster artistic expression. By requiring community-focused outcomes, the grant ensures that funded efforts have lasting and meaningful impact within Salt Lake City.

Follow the published Evaluation Criteria closely to improve scores; mural projects must meet specific location and regulatory conditions.