South Arts’ Cross-Sector Impact Grants–2026

The South Arts Cross-Sector Impact Grants provide up to $15,000 in funding to support projects developed through partnerships between one arts organization or artist and one non-arts organization. This grant program is designed to harness the transformative power of collaboration by leveraging the arts to address community challenges in innovative ways. South Arts, an organization committed to advancing Southern vitality through the arts, has launched this initiative as part of a strategic effort to support projects that are artist- and community-centered, particularly at the intersection of the arts and other critical sectors of society. Beginning in 2025, the program will focus on the impact area of Health and Wellness. Eligible projects must demonstrate how they address health and wellness challenges in their communities using the arts. This includes, but is not limited to, areas such as mental health, physical health, emotional well-being, social cohesion, and occupational wellness. South Arts plans to fund approximately 18 projects in this cycle, each expected to span three years. These projects will receive up to $15,000 in the first cycle, and up to $10,000 for each of the following two cycles. Funding is conditional upon continued project development and submission of streamlined renewal applications for the second and third years. To apply, partnerships must consist of one arts partner and one non-arts organization, both located within South Arts’ nine-state region: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. At least one partner must be a nonprofit, a governmental unit, or a federally recognized tribal community with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The application process is conducted in two phases: an initial Letter of Interest (LOI) followed by a full application for invited candidates. The LOI is due by July 30, 2025, with invitation notifications issued by August 27, and full applications due by October 1, 2025. All funded projects must include at least two public-facing activities—one of which must be open and marketed to the general public—and at least one must serve an educational or community engagement function. Grantees must also participate in quarterly peer learning sessions throughout the grant period. A 1:2 matching requirement applies, with at least half of the match consisting of cash and the remainder allowed as in-kind contributions. Funding can be used for a range of project-related costs including artist and consultant fees, event production, travel, marketing, and temporary public art installations. Permanent public art, construction, and other capital expenses are not allowed. South Arts will host an informational webinar on July 2, 2025, to assist applicants. Questions can also be directed to Program Director Nikki Estes, who will be available for one-on-one consultations between July 7 and 18, 2025. Award notifications will be made in late November 2025, with project periods running from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, across three cycles. A final report is required at the end of each cycle detailing outcomes, expenditures, and documentation of grant-funded activities. Applications will be evaluated based on artistic merit, artistic excellence, project impact, and organizational capacity. The program is especially interested in new projects and partnerships, and strongly encourages applications from rural and isolated communities or small cities with populations under 50,000. Former grantees of this specific grant program are not eligible for this new three-year cycle. All activities must comply with federal accessibility standards and include acknowledgment of both South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Participate in July 2 webinar or view recording; engage early with staff; ensure clear roles and shared authority between partners