Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund

The Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund, administered by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, aims to support artists and arts organizations in integrating digital technologies into their practices. The initiative is rooted in the Foundation's broader mission of fostering vibrant cultural ecosystems and civic engagement through strategic investments in the arts. The Knight Foundation has been a major supporter of the arts since 2005, contributing over $490 million to strengthen communities through artistic initiatives. This grant opportunity focuses on enhancing the digital capacity of arts practitioners in three specific cities: Akron, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Miami-Dade County, Florida. Eligible applicants include individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and arts collectives who are based in these regions. The primary goal is to enable recipients to expand their digital practices, deepen community engagement, and sustain creative ecosystems by leveraging technology. Funding through this program can be used for a wide array of technology-related purposes. These include the purchase and installation of hardware and software, development of digital infrastructure such as live streaming and networking tools, and outdoor projection setups. Additional allowable expenses include hiring developers, videographers, and digital content managers, as well as undertaking digitization projects and digital preservation efforts. Website and mobile app development are also supported. Individual artists may apply for grants up to $25,000, while organizations and collectives are eligible for funding of up to $100,000. The application period for this round is open from May 1 through June 20, 2025. During this window, the Foundation will host virtual information sessions and provide one-on-one office hours to guide applicants through the process and address any questions. Evaluation criteria and application specifics are accessible through the Foundation’s website. The application process includes answering specific questions about the digital goals of the project and how the proposed funding will contribute to achieving them. No information about application length or estimate of completion time is provided, but support is offered to ensure clarity and accessibility for all interested parties. For further details or to ask questions, applicants may contact JennyLee Molina, Director of Communications at the Knight Foundation, via email at molina@kf.org. This grant cycle is not offered on a rolling basis, and it is not explicitly stated whether it will recur in future years, although past activity suggests ongoing commitment to the arts by the Knight Foundation.