City of Austin Thrive Grant Program 2025

The City of Austin's Thrive Grant Program is designed to provide intentional investment in arts organizations and cultural institutions that serve communities at risk of cultural erasure and displacement, or those that have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to support and develop Austin's diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that various cultures are visible and accessible. By providing sustained funding, peer leadership, and networking opportunities, the program seeks to bolster organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of these communities, fostering their growth and cultural preservation. The program primarily targets arts organizations and cultural institutions that are community-centered and responsive to the social and cultural needs of Austin's diverse communities. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, organizations serving Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. The goal is to address historical underfunding and systemic barriers, supporting entities that demonstrate a critical need for meaningful investment and are prepared for long-term sustainability. The impact goals are to counter cultural erasure and displacement, promote equity in cultural representation, and enhance the overall visibility and accessibility of diverse cultures within Austin. Key priorities for the Thrive Grant Program include funding organizations that are accountable to and invested in their communities, with intersectionality in proposals being encouraged. The program also focuses on supporting organizations in obtaining cultural institution status through a cohort experience that includes peer leadership and networking opportunities. Organization improvement goals, such as expanding public programming and audiences, establishing reliable spaces for work, and diversifying revenue sources, become part of the contract deliverables. All activities funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue must be open and advertised to Austin residents and tourists, promote Austin as a cultural destination, and occur within Austin or its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The expected outcomes of the Thrive Grant Program include the long-term sustainability and growth of recipient organizations, increased public programming and audience engagement, and the establishment of more stable operational foundations. Measurable results will be tied to the organization improvement goals outlined in the contracts, such as the expansion of public events like exhibitions, performances, and workshops, as well as the successful implementation of new revenue strategies. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits direct investment in marginalized and underfunded cultural organizations, coupled with capacity-building support, will lead to greater cultural equity, community resilience, and a more vibrant and inclusive cultural arts sector for the City of Austin.