The Wavemaker Arts Grant, offered through the City of Tempe’s Community Arts Grants Program, provides funding to nonprofit arts organizations that deliver inclusive and community-focused arts and cultural programming within the city of Tempe, Arizona. This grant supports the city’s vision of being a progressive and culturally vibrant place by aligning with key recommendations from Tempe’s Arts and Culture Plan. These include increasing community-initiated arts projects, supporting cultural festivals, and expanding informal arts programming in accessible community settings.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organizations with verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. No matching funds are required. Projects must take place between September 1, 2025, and July 30, 2026, and all funded activities must occur within Tempe. The grant is intended to support a wide array of arts-related expenses including artist and creative worker fees, production and venue costs, licensing, insurance, supplies, food, permit fees, marketing, and contracted services. All proposals must clearly benefit the Tempe community and reinforce the city’s commitment to equity, diversity, and cultural celebration.
Only one Tempe Community Arts Grant may be awarded per applicant per fiscal year (September 1 to June 30). Applications for the Wavemaker Grant are due by July 1, 2025. Full guidelines and the application form will be available starting April 15, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, for personalized support and clarification about their projects. Appointments can be booked via calendly.com/artsgrants/arts-grants.
This grant opportunity is part of Tempe’s broader strategy to foster equity in access to arts and cultural participation, promote creative expression across all neighborhoods, and elevate underrepresented voices through community-driven art.
