Small Grants

The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County has announced its annual Small Grants Program, which is designed to support projects initiated by non-profit organizations located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. This program aims to provide financial assistance for various arts-related activities, with a maximum grant amount of $1,000 available to each selected organization. The funding is intended for projects that may not be self-sustaining but align with the Council's goals and contribute to the cultural landscape of the community. The primary purpose of the Small Grants Program is to offer limited support for small or pilot arts activities, new and developing programs, or special projects of high artistic quality. Eligible projects may include exhibits, festivals, residencies, consultations, attendance at seminars, workshops for artistic or administrative staff, and productions. Additionally, organizations may apply for funding to provide free tickets to economically disadvantaged individuals, enabling them to attend public arts events they might otherwise miss. Organizations interested in applying for the grant must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be recognized as arts organizations or demonstrate that arts programming is a significant part of their overall activities and services. Importantly, organizations do not need to be affiliated with the local arts council to qualify for funding. However, applications for certain types of projects are discouraged, including those aimed at deficit financial support, political campaigns, fundraising events, and undergraduate student projects from colleges and universities. The application process requires organizations to submit a proposal detailing their project and how it aligns with the goals of the Council. A matching requirement of 1:1 is also in place, meaning that organizations must provide an equal amount of funding or in-kind contributions to the project. This requirement emphasizes the importance of community investment in the arts. Evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria, including the artistic quality of the proposed project, its potential impact on the community, and the feasibility of the project plan. The Council seeks to support projects that not only enhance the arts in Tuscaloosa County but also engage and benefit the local community. The deadline for submitting applications for the Small Grants Program is October 1, 2024. Organizations are encouraged to prepare their proposals well in advance of this date to ensure they meet all requirements and can provide the necessary documentation. For further information, interested parties can contact the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County via email at education@tuscarts.org.