Arts and Culture Grant Program

The City of Peoria Arts & Culture Grant Program is a municipally administered funding opportunity designed to support, enhance, and expand the presence of arts and culture throughout the city of Peoria, Arizona. Managed by the City’s Arts & Culture Division under the Department of Arts, Culture and Library Services, the program aims to fund innovative projects, performances, and events that promote artistic expression, cultural inclusion, and community engagement. Rooted in the City’s Arts and Culture Plan, the initiative encourages local organizations, businesses, and homeowner associations to design impactful programming that aligns with the City’s broader vision of creating a culturally vibrant and accessible community. For the FY27 grant cycle, the funding period spans from September 1, 2026, through May 30, 2027. The application portal opens on January 30, 2026, and closes on March 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Applications undergo a multi-stage evaluation process: first reviewed by City Arts & Culture staff for eligibility compliance, then scored by an independent review panel composed of community members with arts experience. Recommendations from the panel are forwarded to the Arts and Culture Commission for further evaluation and subsequently reviewed and approved by the Peoria City Council by August 2026. Successful applicants are notified before the grant activity period begins. The program funds various grant categories: Arts Projects, Community Events, and HOA Events. For Arts Projects, Peoria-based organizations can request up to $5,000 for a single project, while programs and performances are eligible for up to two awards of $7,500 each, totaling a maximum of $15,000. Community Events funding is split into Tier I and Tier II. Tier I offers a single grant of up to $20,000 for one event, whereas Tier II allows for two grants of $10,000 each, not exceeding a combined $20,000. HOA applicants may apply for up to $3,000 per event. Grant funds must support direct programmatic costs such as facility rentals, permitting, infrastructure, and audience accessibility services; however, capital expenses, general operating support, and debt reduction are not permitted. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, allowing applications from nonprofits, for-profit organizations, schools, and HOAs operating within the City of Peoria. While solo artists are not directly funded, artist participation is required for all arts-related projects. All events must be held within Peoria, and organizations participating in City-sponsored events must carry insurance naming the City as an additional insured. Programs must be accessible to the general public and prioritize inclusivity across demographic lines, including age, ability, gender, race, and income. To apply, applicants must submit their proposal via Submittable, including a complete budget using the City's required budget form, a marketing plan, media samples, and supporting documents such as letters of support and a 501(c)(3) letter or business license. First-time applicants are encouraged to attend the grant workshop scheduled for February 19, 2026, or book an individual review session. All grantees are expected to submit a final report on Submittable no later than June 30, 2027, detailing project execution, financial documentation, and community impact outcomes. Inquiries can be directed to Suzzanne Anicette, Arts & Culture Supervisor, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (623) 773-5254. Kristen Miologos and Bill Moss are also listed as program contacts. The program’s competitive and recurring nature makes it a significant funding source for sustaining and initiating arts programming in the region, with a clear emphasis on transparency, community value, and alignment with municipal arts objectives.

Tell a strong, dynamic story about your project’s value and uniqueness; align closely with category guidelines to improve scoring.