Wisconsin Special Project Grants

The Ruth Foundation for the Arts offers its only open-application program—the Wisconsin Special Project Grants—exclusively to visual and performing arts nonprofits and Tribal Nations based in Wisconsin with operating budgets under two million dollars. The program launched in 2024 and has since committed $3.5 million to ambitious arts and culture initiatives statewide. The initiative is designed to support organizations rooted in their communities and invested in expanding artistic discourse and equity within the region. This grant program funds special projects rather than general operating support, though up to 25 percent of each award may be applied toward operational expenses. Eligible uses include new artistic commissions, archival projects, publications, cultural revitalization initiatives, and structural capacity-building plans. Projects should bring new voices into the arts landscape and deepen community engagement with creative practices, history, identity, and cultural self-determination. Applications must clearly demonstrate long-term impact, innovation, and relevance to local communities. Organizations may request either $100,000 or $200,000 in funding, disbursed evenly over two years. All awards are made through a juried process conducted by a national panel of arts professionals, with final decisions approved by Ruth Arts. Projects are evaluated against key criteria including equity, cultural sustainability, public engagement, partnerships, and artistic ambition. Selected applicants will receive two equal installments—either $50,000 or $100,000 per year depending on the total request. The program is open to Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and fiscally sponsored projects. The $2 million budget cap does not apply to Tribal Nations or fiscal sponsors. Ineligible applicants include municipal governments, K–12 schools (public or private), university departments, and organizations whose missions do not center on arts and culture or arts education. Organizations receiving a Special Project Grant are not eligible for other Ruth Arts programs in the same year. Applications for the 2025 cycle are now closed, with the next cycle anticipated to open in 2026. Proposals must request either $100,000 or $200,000; no other amounts are accepted. The application is only accessible through the Ruth Arts grant portal, and the foundation does not provide proposal feedback or review drafts ahead of the deadline. However, technical support is available via wsp@rutharts.org. Successful applicants are expected to submit annual narrative and financial reports, with specific requirements determined after awards are made. Funded projects may include regranting, staff hiring, or infrastructure improvements when tied directly to the goals of the special initiative. Previous recipients include a range of Wisconsin-based arts groups working in theater, dance, music, visual arts, and interdisciplinary fields, demonstrating the program's broad support for creativity across communities.

Emphasize project alignment with equity, cultural relevance, and artist-centered innovation. Avoid excessive reliance on supplementary materials.