Arts & Culture Organization Grant Program

The Arts & Culture Organization Grant Program is a municipal funding initiative introduced by the City of Sedona for the fiscal year 2025–26. With a total allocation of $200,000, the program aims to support local nonprofit organizations whose primary focus is arts and culture. The overarching goal is to strengthen Sedona’s community identity, promote creativity, and enhance the city's cultural vibrancy through diverse artistic and cultural programming. This grant opportunity is open to Sedona-based nonprofit organizations holding 501(c)(3) status. Eligible applicants must have arts and culture as their primary mission, provide year-round or recurring programming, and be capable of demonstrating a minimum annual budget of $1,000,000 through their most recent financial statements. The initiative focuses on funding events, festivals, marketing, and creative projects that directly serve Sedona residents and may also attract visitors. Grants range between $50,000 and $100,000 per recipient. These funds are intended to support programs that align with the objectives of the Sedona Community Plan Chapter 3. Specifically, activities should contribute to public health, safety, and the general welfare of the community, offering services that would be costlier or less practical for the city to deliver directly. The application window opens on November 1, 2025, and all completed submissions must be sent via email to kturck@sedonaaz.gov by 12 PM on November 14, 2025. Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Applications should be emailed with the subject line “Arts and Culture Grant Application.” Recipients of this funding are not eligible for other City grant programs during the same fiscal year. Following the submission deadline, an Evaluation Committee will review and score the applications in late November. The committee will then make recommendations to the City Council, which is expected to approve final funding awards in December 2025. The program emphasizes community impact and mandates that all funded activities demonstrate benefits to Sedona residents. This grant is distinct from but complements the city's Small Grants Program, which will reopen for applications in February 2026. While the Small Grants Program accommodates a broader range of 501(c) organizations with awards ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, the Arts & Culture Organization Grant Program is specifically designed for established arts and culture entities that meet stringent eligibility requirements and provide substantial public value to the city of Sedona.

Ensure applications are complete and submitted by deadline; incomplete applications will not be reviewed; clearly document Sedona-based programming and demonstrate community benefit.