New Works Grants Program

The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation's New Works program is an initiative that celebrates the transformative role of artists and small arts organizations within the Bay Area. Rooted in the legacy and vision of Phyllis Wattis, a renowned philanthropist known for championing bold artistic expression, this grant program seeks to support innovative and diverse creative projects. It emphasizes the foundation's long-standing commitment to fostering boundary-pushing and community-engaged art, particularly projects that embody the unique cultural fabric of the Bay Area. The New Works program is designed to assist smaller organizations in producing new and distinctive artistic experiences. The foundation provides financial support for projects across a variety of disciplines, encouraging applicants to present ideas that are daring, collaborative, and community-informed. While the artistic medium is not restricted, there is a clear preference for projects that uplift marginalized voices and incorporate inclusive practices. The program aligns with the foundation’s broader mission of ensuring that creative expression remains vibrant and accessible, especially in a region undergoing rapid socio-economic shifts. Funding for the New Works program is tailored to be both impactful and targeted. Grants range from $15,000 to $35,000, and they cannot exceed 35% of the proposed project budget. The total project budget must be $100,000 or less, and only organizations with an annual operating budget of no more than $1,500,000 are eligible. All funded projects must be completed within one year of receiving the award. Furthermore, recipients are required to observe a 12-month rest period after their project’s completion before reapplying. For example, a grantee funded in 2024 would next be eligible to apply in the 2026 cycle. Eligibility for the program is restricted to small organizations and does not extend to current Legacy grantees. However, artists or organizations fiscally sponsored by a Legacy grantee may still apply. Competitive applicants will have a demonstrated history of working with Bay Area-based artists and contributors, particularly those with ties to Alameda, Marin, and San Francisco Counties. While current residence in these counties is not required due to the pandemic’s displacement effects, a strong geographic and community connection is expected. The program further prioritizes applicants who support Black, Indigenous, and other artists of color and promote equity across racial, cultural, and economic lines. The application window for the 2025 New Works grant cycle is from July 7 to July 18, 2025. During this period, eligible organizations may submit their applications through the foundation’s website. There are no pre-application deadlines such as Letters of Intent, and the grant is not currently offered on a rolling basis. Additionally, the program is recurring, and the next anticipated cycle would be in July 2026. The foundation has noted that no funding is available for festival support in the 2025 and 2026 cycles, indicating that any requests of this type will not be considered. Applicants with questions about the scope of their project or type of request are encouraged to contact Tiffany Wood, Senior Program Officer, via email at twood@pfs-llc.net. Prospective applicants are advised to consult the How to Apply page and the overview of the application on the foundation’s website to prepare a competitive proposal.