Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission Grant Program

The Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission (BFAC) offers annual arts grants to area non-profit organizations and K-12 schools to foster artistic and cultural development within the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support projects and arts-related activities taking place between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. The BFAC's mission is to encourage new works of art, educational programs, exhibits, presentations, performances, and other arts-related endeavors that enrich the community. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are registered 501(c)(3) or non-profit organizations and K-12 schools that are either arts-related in their mission or propose an arts-related project. The impact goal is to stimulate artistic activity and engagement primarily within Bethlehem. Projects must take place in Bethlehem, and organizations are limited to one proposal per funding cycle, ensuring a broad distribution of support across various artistic initiatives. The BFAC prioritizes proposals that focus on creating new works of art, developing educational programs, organizing exhibits, presentations, and performances, and other activities that align with their mission of promoting the arts. Excluded from funding are capital campaigns, annual operating expenses, building purchases, or debt reduction. This strategic focus ensures that the grants directly fund artistic projects and programs rather than organizational infrastructure. Previous grant recipients are eligible to reapply, provided they have submitted their required final reports, which underscores the commission's commitment to accountability and impact measurement. The expected outcomes of the grant program include an increase in diverse arts projects, enhanced arts education opportunities for K-12 students, and a more vibrant cultural scene in Bethlehem. Measurable results will be assessed through project timelines, budgets, and the acknowledgment of BFAC's support in publicity materials, as outlined in the required proposal contents. By fostering these activities, the BFAC aims to strengthen the local arts ecosystem and make art more accessible to the community, reflecting a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to increased artistic output and community engagement.