The Community Arts Grant (CAG) Program, administered by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC), supports art-related programs and projects that enhance the local arts landscape in Lawrence, Kansas. Established in 1991, the program has awarded 240 grants totaling $339,000, funded through transient guest tax (TGT) revenue collected from hotel guests. The initiative is designed to foster community engagement, equity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the City of Lawrence's Strategic Plan—specifically the Unmistakable Identity outcome area and its key progress indicators UI-2, UI-6, and UI-13.
The overarching aim of the CAG Program is to implement goals identified in the City Wide Cultural Plan. These include promoting local identity, celebrating community, enhancing public spaces, building a creative brand, and encouraging lifelong learning. The program is structured around two types of grants: Community Arts Grants and Mini Grants. Community Arts Grants range from $500 to $10,000 and may fund up to 50% of the total cost of a proposed project or activity, with the remaining match provided through cash or in-kind contributions. Mini Grants offer up to five awards of $500 each, specifically targeting artists 18 and older for equipment aligned with their practice.
The FY2026 Community Arts Grant application will open on December 31, 2025, and close on February 2, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. The Mini Grant application will open on January 26, 2026, and close on March 6, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. Applicants are encouraged—but not required—to participate in an optional pre-application review process by submitting materials by January 15, 2026, with feedback returned by January 22, 2026.
Eligibility is open to individuals and organizations based in Lawrence, Kansas, proposing projects to be sited within the city and designed to benefit the local community. All artistic disciplines are welcome. Applicants must provide letters of commitment for collaborations and matching contributions. Prior recipients who failed to submit final reports, as well as certain educational and capital projects, are ineligible.
Applications are evaluated based on community value, project quality, equity, sustainability, and application completeness. Emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate collaboration, impact, and alignment with city values. Applications must be submitted online by the specified deadlines. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Awardees must acknowledge City support and submit a final report by December 31, 2026, to remain eligible for future funding cycles.
Ensure the application is complete, match amounts are fully documented, and project alignment with city goals is clearly articulated.
