Community Arts Projects Grant

The City of Tacoma’s 2026 Community Arts Projects Funding program offers support for organizations and groups producing inclusive, accessible, arts-focused community projects within the city limits of Tacoma. Administered by the Tacoma Arts Commission, this program provides seed funding for public-facing artistic presentations, events, workshops, festivals, and performances that promote diversity, equity, and cultural participation. Projects must occur between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofit corporations with 501(c) status, organized groups with a shared mission, for-profit businesses and educational institutions producing non-profit oriented projects, and tribes or Native nonprofit organizations. All applicants must either be based in Tacoma or demonstrate that the majority of their project activities take place within the city. Projects must be open to the general public and occur within Tacoma city limits. Applicants may request $4,000 or $6,000. If applying for $6,000 and not selected at that level, applicants may be considered for $4,000. Funding is determined through a competitive review process and is subject to the availability of city-allocated funds and final budget approval. Evaluation is based on programming merit, equity, community impact, and organizational capacity. Funding cannot be used for general operating support, travel, food, alcohol, religious or political promotion, or commercial ventures. Applications must be submitted online via Submittable no later than October 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM. A free virtual workshop is offered on October 8, 2025, to guide applicants through the process. Optional preliminary feedback is available for applications submitted by October 17, 2025. Selected grantees will be notified by December 12, 2025, with contracting occurring between December and January. Funding is disbursed in phases, with final payment contingent on project completion and submission of final reports. Applicants are required to submit a budget, narrative responses aligned to evaluation criteria, confirmation of location or plan, commitment letters from collaborators, and work samples. Insurance and a City of Tacoma business license are required upon award. Questions about the process may be directed to Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@tacoma.gov or (253) 591-5191.

Align project with community equity, accessibility, and public benefit goals; consider fair artist compensation; review evaluation criteria closely.