Creative Asset Program

The Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program is administered by Pennsylvania Creative Industries, the public-facing brand of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency. This program seeks to uplift small- to mid-sized creative organizations that contribute to the state’s creative economy. The overarching mission of Pennsylvania Creative Industries is to position the state as a national leader in creative communities and workforce by empowering and connecting creators across diverse sectors. Its current strategic plan focuses on five core areas: Asset Development, Workforce Development, Community Development, Visibility, and Policy. Through the Creative Asset Program, the Council provides direct support to creative organizations that align with these strategic pillars, encouraging sustained innovation, cultural expression, and economic engagement across the Commonwealth. This grant program is specifically targeted toward nonprofit organizations whose missions center around producing, promoting, or serving the creative sector in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants must demonstrate annual revenues between $100,000 and $2,000,000 over a two-year average, and they must be incorporated and registered in Pennsylvania. The eligible scope includes a wide variety of creative industries such as visual and performing arts, architecture, advertising, digital games, music, media, design, and publishing. Notably, applicants must be independent nonprofit organizations; colleges, universities, fiscally sponsored entities, and arts programs embedded within non-arts organizations are not eligible. Additionally, applicants who were funded under the Creative Sector Flex Fund for the 2025–2026 cycle are ineligible to apply for this grant in the 2026–2027 cycle. Funding is disbursed through a reimbursement model, where grantees incur expenses upfront and are reimbursed upon submission of valid documentation, such as receipts and proof of payment. Awards will range from $10,000 to $15,000 per organization. Matching funds are not required, making this a non-matching grant opportunity. The use of funds must occur within the defined performance period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Funding cannot be used for religious activities, hospitality expenses, lobbying, competitions, or academic credit-based activities. Additionally, all events or services funded by this grant must be open to the public and not tied to benefit functions or private performances. The application process requires submission via the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Electronic Single Application (ESA) portal. Applicants must also register for a Keystone Login if they do not already have one. Incomplete applications, or those missing mandatory attachments such as IRS 501(c) determination letters, financial statements, or IRS Form 990, will not be considered. The program does not include any pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers, simplifying access for potential applicants. Upon successful submission, applicants are reviewed based on eligibility, completeness, and financial stability, with final award decisions made during the July Council meeting. Application opens on February 2, 2026, and closes on March 16, 2026. The final report and reimbursement materials are due by July 30, 2027, with a hard cutoff on September 30, 2027, after which awards may be terminated if documentation is incomplete or unsatisfactory. This grant is issued annually, with awards typically approved in July. For questions about the content of the application, applicants can contact Ian Rosario, Seth Poppy, or Amy Gabriele at the Pennsylvania Creative Industries office. The program emphasizes transparency and allows for an appeals process in the event of administrative error, though missed deadlines or incomplete applications are not eligible for appeal. This annual opportunity reflects the state’s commitment to sustaining and expanding its vibrant creative sector through accessible, impactful investment.

4 hours