ArtsBuild Mission Support Grant Program

Founded in 1969 as the Allied Arts Fund of Greater Chattanooga, ArtsBuild has grown into a central figure in arts funding and advocacy in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Its mission centers on building stronger communities through the arts by promoting year-round access and cultural engagement across the region. ArtsBuild aims to enhance participation in arts and cultural activities, ensure accessibility for all communities, and increase financial resources supporting the arts. The Mission Support grant is one of its key funding mechanisms, designed to deepen the impact of local arts organizations through operational support. The ArtsBuild Mission Support grant program provides general operating funds to eligible local arts organizations. Its primary intent is to support institutions that offer continuous, year-round programming in the arts, contributing meaningfully to the cultural fabric of Chattanooga and the broader Hamilton County area. These grants are not tied to specific projects; instead, they aim to supplement other earned and contributed income, helping organizations maintain and expand their programs and services. Successful applicants serve as vital contributors to the area's quality of life and economic vitality. Grants are awarded to organizations meeting several key eligibility criteria. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of operational history and a primary mission centered on the arts. They must have a minimum operating budget of $50,000 from the most recently completed fiscal year and be based in Hamilton County, TN, or a neighboring county. However, all grant-funded programming must occur within Hamilton County. Additionally, qualifying organizations must demonstrate active board governance, inclusive program access, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to diversity and community engagement. Eligible expenses under the grant include personnel costs, fees for outside services, space rental, marketing, local travel, and other operating costs related to arts programming. Excluded expenses include costs associated with touring outside the metropolitan area, scientific exhibits, capital projects, fundraising events, loan repayments, and endowment contributions. The grant amount can be up to 10% of an organization's annual operating budget, and while multi-year details are not specified, the funding period spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The review process includes evaluation by a volunteer community panel based on specific criteria, including program quality, community access, collaboration, support for ArtsBuild and the arts community, and financial and organizational sustainability. The evaluation process includes a 25-minute meeting with the applicant organization, and in some cases, further review by a Financial Sub-Committee may be required. Scoring emphasizes innovation, engagement with underserved communities, financial health, and alignment with ArtsBuild's strategic goals. The application opens on January 29, 2026, with a deadline for eligibility determination by February 12, 2026. Full applications are due by March 19, 2026. The panel review occurs in April 2026, with funding announcements expected by mid-June. Questions about the application can be directed to Melissa Astin, Director of Grants and Community Engagement, at [email protected] or 423.777.4214. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full guidelines to ensure eligibility and prepare for the evaluation criteria used in the selection process.

Focus on demonstrating access to underserved communities, financial sustainability, and alignment with ArtsBuild’s strategic goals.