Arts & Culture Grant Program

The Arts & Culture Grant Program, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, is designed to provide programming support for nonprofit arts organizations operating within a 27-county service area in southern Missouri. The fund specifically supports agencies with a primary mission in the arts, and eligible activities include events, performances, classes, readings, outreach, exhibitions, public art projects, and collaborative efforts. The program encourages innovation and partnership in its approach to community arts programming. This funding round offers a total of $120,000 in available grant funds. Of this, $30,000 is allocated specifically for agencies operating in Springfield, Missouri, while $90,000 is reserved for organizations serving the broader regional service area. Agencies may request up to $10,000 in support; however, applicants cannot request more than 50% of their organization’s total annual operating budget. Matching funds are not required but are encouraged to strengthen the proposal. The program is not open to fiscally sponsored organizations or current recipients of the foundation’s Operating Support multi-year grant. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, school districts, or tax-exempt faith-based organizations with an arts-centered mission. In addition to meeting eligibility criteria, applicants must also be current members of the Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC). Organizations not primarily working in the arts are ineligible for this opportunity. The application includes detailed narrative sections about the agency’s mission, project purpose, expected impact, evaluation strategies, collaborative partnerships, and historical funding outcomes. Applicants are also required to address access and inclusion, particularly how their organization connects with and serves historically marginalized communities. A full budget submission is required, including the grant-funded portion and any supplemental costs. Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. on April 9, 2026. The grant process is facilitated through an online system, with questions or support provided by Ashley Fleming (Director of Community Impact) at 417-864-6199 for program questions and Latesa Carter (Community Impact Coordinator) at [email protected] for technical assistance. Funding decisions will be announced in early June 2026. There is no indication that the grant is recurring, so applicants should monitor the funder’s site for future cycles.

Applicants must confirm SRAC membership. Requests cannot exceed 50% of annual budget. Clarify tourism benefit if Springfield-based.