Rural Arts Initiative

The Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Rural Arts Initiative: General Operating Support Program supports small arts organizations operating in rural communities to enhance their ability to provide exceptional artistic experiences. This initiative reflects Laura Jane Musser’s enduring commitment to arts excellence and her belief in the transformative power of arts engagement. The program's primary aim is to expand participation and appreciation for the arts among both children and adults, especially in underserved rural settings. This funding opportunity focuses on nonprofit arts organizations situated in rural communities with populations under 15,000. Only organizations whose primary mission is arts-related and that are physically located within these rural areas are eligible to apply. Eligible states and regions include all counties in Colorado, Hawaii, and Wyoming, and the Mountain Region counties of North Carolina, including Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, and others. Ineligible applicants include organizations with fiscal sponsors, those with budgets over $350,000, and organizations whose programming does not center on the arts or that primarily host festivals or advocacy efforts. Priority is given to organizations that actively work to increase public access to the arts through creative and inclusive strategies such as community workshops, scholarships, discounts, and public venues. Applicants must also demonstrate community engagement through volunteerism, membership, or in-kind support, and show evidence of their ability to foster participatory art-making. Funding of up to $12,000 per year is available per organization. While applications are accepted for only one year at a time, organizations may apply for up to three consecutive years. Continued funding in subsequent years is contingent on demonstrated progress in access, sustainability, and community support as reported in the organization’s previous application cycle. After three consecutive years of funding, a two-year hiatus is required before an organization may reapply. The application process is online and will be open from February 5 to March 5, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the application questions in advance to prepare a complete submission. All applicants must also provide evidence of current anti-discrimination policies or practices. Grant decisions will be announced by July 2026.