Tools & Equipment Program

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment grant program is an initiative administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), supported through funding by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation. CCI is a long-standing intermediary organization focused on improving the economic conditions for individuals in the arts. First established in 2007, the Investing in Artists portfolio has historically served California-based artists working across various disciplines. In 2024, with renewed support from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, CCI revived the tools and equipment focus of the program with a national scope and an emphasis on individual craft, folk, and traditional artists. This expanded focus includes a geographic rotation model spanning from 2024 through 2026. The purpose of this grant program is to support individual artists by enabling the purchase of tools and equipment critical to their craft. Awards of $1,000 to $5,000 are available for eligible applicants to acquire, repair, or install tools and equipment necessary for their object-based artistic practices. The total funding available in the 2025 cycle is $60,000. Awards are competitive and will be granted to applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to their craft, articulate a clear and compelling use for the funds, and show how the support will serve as linchpin investment in their practice—whether by improving safety, increasing productivity, or elevating craftsmanship. Eligibility for the 2025 funding round is limited to full-time residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and have presented their work publicly, including online, at least once since 2022. Applicants must also meet CCI’s definition of a “working craft artist,” meaning they dedicate at least ten hours per week to their practice and seek income from their artistic work. Applicants can be self-taught or have received formal training through apprenticeships or academic programs. Ineligible applicants include collectives, nonprofits, full-time students, previous recipients of the Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Craft, and those with conflicts of interest. Applicants are required to complete a detailed application through CCI’s Submittable platform. The application includes sections for contact information, a narrative proposal, resume, budget, and work samples. Image or video samples are accepted, with limitations on number and video duration. A final report is required of grantees, to be submitted by November 2026, documenting the use of funds and including related visuals or media evidence. The application opens June 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. PT and closes August 8, 2025, at 11:59 a.m. PT. Notifications will be sent by October 14, 2025, and the funding period runs from November 2025 to November 2026. Support resources are offered, including an information session on July 9, 2025, and open office hours on July 16, 23, and 30. These events provide prospective applicants with a chance to ask questions and clarify requirements. Technical support is provided via Submittable’s help system, and general inquiries can be directed to grants@cciarts.org or 213.870.7129. For Deaf applicants, CCI is accessible via the California Relay Service. Additional application materials, including a preview of the application, FAQs, and tips for using Submittable, are available through CCI’s website.

Review the application preview in advance and attend office hours or the information session for clarification.