Allied Arts Capacity-Building Program

Allied Arts, a central Oklahoma-based arts funding organization, offers Capacity-Building Grants to support nonprofit arts and cultural institutions in the region. Established to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the cultural community, the program provides targeted assistance aimed at strengthening organizational infrastructure. Eligible applicants include Allied Arts member agencies and other nonprofit entities operating in the arts and cultural sector, provided they meet specified criteria such as geographic location, nonprofit status, and operational history. The Capacity-Building Grant initiative allows organizations to apply for funding of up to $5,000. There is no matching requirement, and Allied Arts may fully fund submitted project proposals. However, organizations with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or more are limited to one funding request per Allied Arts fiscal year. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a tangible impact and measurable outcomes, especially those centered on enhancing internal capacity. Projects commonly funded under this initiative include organizational and board development, volunteer management strategies, strategic planning, and other professional development activities. Requests for professional development within Oklahoma or surrounding areas receive additional consideration. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations with current 501(c)(3) status and at least three years of operational history. They must provide high-quality cultural programming, maintain current financial records, have an active volunteer board of directors, and operate primarily within the 10-county central Oklahoma region. Additionally, they must be registered as charitable organizations in Oklahoma and identify their primary mission under the “Arts, Culture, and Humanities” category according to the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) system. The application process includes two annual deadlines: August 13, 2025 (Fall cycle), and December 12, 2025 (Winter cycle). While the application open date is not specified, these fixed submission dates define the application periods. Proposals must be submitted by the deadline to be considered, but submission does not guarantee funding due to the competitive nature of the program and limited funding availability. Allied Arts evaluates proposals based on potential impact and alignment with program goals. There is no indication of a requirement for letters of intent or pre-application materials. Applicants are encouraged to focus on delivering clearly defined and practical project outcomes. The review process favors those initiatives that strengthen organizational capacity and extend the impact of cultural programming within the eligible region. For more information or specific questions regarding the Capacity-Building Grants program, applicants are directed to contact Jennifer Bryan via email at [email protected]. This point of contact is available to provide guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and program goals.

Priority is given to projects with measurable impact and Oklahoma/regional professional development