State Cultural Facilities Grant Program

The State Cultural Facilities Grant Program (SCFG), administered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), is a capital improvement matching grant initiative aimed at supporting the renovation, restoration, and construction of nonprofit and public arts, culture, and heritage facilities throughout Rhode Island. Established through multiple voter-approved bond referenda, the most recent in 2024, the program was allocated an additional $10 million, of which $4 million was designated to support SCFG awards and administration. SCFG funding supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating artistic or cultural venues such as museums, theaters, historic sites, and art centers. Organizations must own or lease their facilities and use them primarily for cultural programming, including exhibitions, performances, and educational activities. To qualify, leaseholders must have a 20-year lease or an equivalent long-term agreement. Organizations that are past recipients may reapply if their previous projects have been completed and closed out. The 2025 SCFG application round will close on October 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Approximately $3.5 million in grant funds are available in this round. Applicants may request up to $500,000 per proposal. This is a 1:1 matching grant program; however, requests under $100,000 may be matched entirely with in-kind contributions. For requests exceeding $100,000, only 25% of the match may be in-kind. Some restrictions apply to match sources and expenditures, including limitations on using operating funds, state funds, or previous SCFG or Preservation grants for match. Grants must be used for capital improvements such as facility renovations, preservation, or new construction. Funds cannot be used for general maintenance, administrative costs, predevelopment studies, or general operating expenses. Projects must begin within one year of grant award and be completed within three years, with extensions available in one-year increments for up to three years. Reimbursement is provided for eligible expenses incurred after the grant agreement is executed. Applicants will be evaluated on three criteria: need for the project (30 points), project impact on community and cultural vitality (40 points), and capacity to succeed in execution and fundraising (30 points). Preference is given to projects that improve accessibility, support underserved communities, enhance sustainability, and demonstrate broad economic and cultural impact. Applications must be submitted through RISCA’s online grant portal. Required materials include IRS nonprofit documentation, proof of facility ownership or lease, financial records, architectural plans (if available), resumes of key personnel, and a detailed project timeline and budget. Award decisions will be made by a review panel and finalized by a vote of the Council by December 31, 2025. Grantees must comply with minority and women-owned business participation requirements, Rhode Island’s prevailing wage laws, and historic preservation review when applicable. They must also acknowledge RISCA and the Rhode Island General Assembly in public communications and install a project sign at the funded site. Questions about accessibility or accommodations may be directed to RISCA’s designated coordinator.

Projects under $100,000 may use in-kind for full match. Applications must begin work within one year and complete within three.