Grants for Individuals - Arts

The Nexus Grant, offered by the City of Austin, is designed to support new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses in producing creative public projects. With an award of $5,000, the program aims to nurture the creative community by funding activities that enrich the city and its tourists through community-centered arts and collaboration. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural vibrancy and accessibility within Austin. The primary beneficiaries of the Nexus Grant are new and emerging applicants within the creative community, including artists, culturally specific groups, LGBTQIA and disability communities, nonprofits, and social advocacy organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting creative public activities, encouraging community engagement, and promoting cultural collaboration. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to strengthen Austin's artistic landscape and provide diverse cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The program prioritizes applicants who represent, serve, and are accountable to communities at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin, and those that have been historically marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This includes communities such as Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. Additionally, priority is given to applicants who have not received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years, emphasizing support for truly emerging entities. Eligible activities for funding include exhibitions, performances, workshops with a performance or exhibition component, and public art projects accessible to the public. Grant funds can cover various expenses such as administrative and artist payments, space and equipment rentals, supplies, marketing, insurance, and fiscal sponsor fees. The expected outcomes are the successful production of these creative public projects, increased community engagement in the arts, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices within Austin's cultural sector. Measurable results would include the number and type of projects produced, audience reach, and the diversity of communities served, contributing to the city's strategic priorities of cultural equity and inclusion.

This grant provides financial support to filmmakers and production companies creating projects in Montana, with a focus on boosting the local economy and engaging the community.

This funding initiative provides $5,000 to support independent animation worker cooperatives in California that focus on creating inclusive stories and promoting equity in the creative industry.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County offers Mini Grants to support independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals within Cumberland County, North Carolina. This grant program aims to build capacity for local artists by funding one-time cultural arts events. The council's mission, as reflected in this program, is to foster the local arts economy, encourage new or innovative programming, and provide support to diverse artistic mediums within the county. The primary beneficiaries of these Mini Grants are artists and cultural/historical professionals residing in Cumberland County, NC. The impact goals are centered on growing the local arts economy, engaging the community through novel artistic expressions, and supporting a variety of artistic disciplines. The program prioritizes projects that take place in Cumberland County, are led by participating artists or cultural professionals, and can be completed within six months of the award. It also supports the creation of new works with a public display within the same timeframe. Funding requests can range from $500 to $10,000, with specific guidelines for allowable expenses. For requests between $500 and $2,000, allowable expenses include contract artist fees, other contracted services, project supplies/materials, space/equipment rental, marketing/outreach expenses (up to 25% of the budget), and applicant artist fees (up to 25% of the budget). For awards exceeding $2,000, restrictions apply, prohibiting expenses for food and drink, capital expenses, subgranting or awards/scholarships, and educational/curriculum requirements. Expected outcomes include an increase in cultural arts events, the development of new artistic works, and enhanced engagement within the local arts community. Measurable results would likely include the number of projects funded, the reach of public displays, and the economic impact on local artists and the arts economy. The Arts Council's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with empowering local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of Cumberland County through accessible and impactful grants. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and guidance to local artists, they can stimulate artistic production, community involvement, and economic growth within the arts sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Lebanese not-for-profit organizations, private educational institutions, and individuals to create programs that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence while fostering U.S.-Lebanese cultural exchange and partnership.

This funding initiative provides financial support to individual artists and cultural professionals in Pennsylvania who have experienced economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), offers crucial support to museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. This program is designed to facilitate half-day museum site assessments, providing professional expertise to help organizations better care for and exhibit their collections. The grant directly aligns with the broader mission of both NYSCA and GHHN to preserve and promote New York's rich cultural heritage by strengthening the foundational capacity of its cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This also includes federal and municipal museums and historic sites upon consultation with the grant administrator. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are particularly encouraged to apply, indicating a focus on empowering smaller institutions. The grant's impact goal is to enhance the professional care and management of cultural collections across the state, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of these vital historical assets. The grant prioritizes support for professional services from a Site Assessment consultant who will conduct a half-day site visit, focusing specifically on a collections-related topic. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is directly applicable and addresses specific needs within the organizations' collections management. There is also a clear focus on organizations that have not previously received funding from this specific site assessment program, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the grant to a wider range of institutions. This strategy helps distribute resources equitably and strengthens a diverse array of cultural organizations. The expected outcome of the grant is that recipient organizations will benefit from expert guidance, leading to improved collections care practices and enhanced organizational capacity. Measurable results include the completion of funded consultancy work within one year of the grant award date, demonstrating the timely application of professional advice. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies that by providing expert site assessments, organizations will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to address collections challenges, leading to stronger, more resilient cultural institutions that can better serve the public. The strategic priority is clearly to invest in the operational and collections-based health of New York's cultural sector.

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Paul Robeson House & Museum (PRHM), has launched the West Philadelphia Creative Grants, a funding opportunity designed to bolster the creative community within West Philadelphia. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of supporting artistic and cultural endeavors that directly benefit the local community. The program offers two distinct grant types: Project Grants, which fund art projects and cultural activities up to $5,000, and General Operating Grants, which provide ongoing operational support for artists and organizations, up to $2,500. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a commitment to fostering both specific creative projects and the sustained health of the artistic ecosystem. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are individual artists and community and civic groups residing in or with significant ties to West Philadelphia. A crucial eligibility criterion is that applicants must be at least 18 years of age and identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) or as a BIPOC-led group or organization. This focus on BIPOC artists and organizations highlights a strategic priority to address historical inequities and empower underrepresented voices within the West Philadelphia creative landscape. The program encourages applications from a wide array of groups, including community centers, educators, collectives, and artists of all types, from emerging to career professionals. The impact goals of the West Philadelphia Creative Grants are clear: to support creative projects and cultural activities that directly benefit the West Philadelphia community, while also providing essential general operating support for artists and organizations. By investing in both project-specific initiatives and organizational stability, the program aims to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable creative environment. The expected outcomes include a greater number of culturally enriching activities, enhanced artistic output, and increased capacity for local artists and organizations to continue their work within the community. While the description does not explicitly detail the foundation's strategic priorities or a formal theory of change, the program's structure and eligibility criteria strongly suggest an underlying strategy. The emphasis on West Philadelphia and BIPOC leadership indicates a commitment to community-centric development and social equity through the arts. The provision of both project and general operating support reflects an understanding that a holistic approach is necessary for fostering long-term impact and measurable results within the creative sector. The successful execution of these grants is expected to demonstrate a tangible positive influence on the cultural vitality and community well-being of West Philadelphia.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Central Berkshire to improve the quality of life for residents through projects in arts, education, environment, and health services, with a focus on underserved populations.

This grant provides financial support to small and mid-sized arts organizations in San Francisco that are deeply connected to their communities, helping them cover essential operating costs and foster artistic expression.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

This grant provides funding for experienced artists to collaborate with children in Boston's after-school programs to create a community art piece inspired by the Museum of Fine Arts' collection.

The Dao Prize, funded by the Daofeng and Angela Foundation in conjunction with Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC), is an annual award designed to recognize excellence in investigative journalism. The program's mission aligns with fostering high-quality journalism, particularly in investigative, local, and multimedia formats. While the specific mission of the Daofeng and Angela Foundation or the NJC's broader strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a 'theory of change' in the provided text, the establishment of this prize clearly indicates a strategic priority to support and elevate journalists who produce impactful and well-researched stories, thereby contributing to an informed public and a robust journalistic landscape. The target beneficiaries of the Dao Prize are U.S.-based news publications and individual journalists, including those working for Substack pages, YouTube channels, podcasts, and other multimedia outlets. The impact goals are to encourage and reward exceptional journalistic work, particularly in areas often overlooked or under-resourced, such as local and multimedia journalism. By providing substantial financial awards, the prize aims to empower journalists and outlets to continue their critical work, thereby strengthening the foundation of American journalism and its ability to hold power accountable and inform communities. The program prioritizes excellence in investigative journalism, with additional categories specifically recognizing outstanding local and multimedia journalism. This focus ensures that the prize not only celebrates groundbreaking investigations but also acknowledges the vital role of community-focused reporting and innovative storytelling formats. Expected outcomes include a rise in the quality and quantity of investigative, local, and multimedia journalism, as well as increased recognition and financial stability for journalists producing such work. Measurable results include the annual selection of a grand prize winner receiving $100,000, along with runners-up and winners in the local and multimedia categories each receiving $10,000. The prize's impact can be measured by the caliber and reach of the winning stories, the ongoing careers of the recognized journalists, and the visibility of the award itself in encouraging future submissions and high standards. The explicit criteria for evaluation—based on a ten-point scale across five main categories—ensure a rigorous and transparent selection process, reinforcing the prize's commitment to recognizing true excellence.

This grant provides funding to community members and organizations in Philadelphia to improve public spaces and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

The Individual Artist Fellowship Program by the Oregon Arts Commission is a one-year grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aimed at supporting and honoring Oregon's professional artists in the performing arts sector, with eligibility criteria including being 18 years or older, domiciled in Oregon for at least a year, and not having received the same fellowship in the prior five years.

This grant provides financial support to local visual artists, writers, performers, and musicians in Clatsop and Tillamook counties to create original work and engage the community through public presentations or educational activities.

This fellowship provides funding to filmmakers at various stages of documentary production focused on the science, culture, and policy of psychedelics, with a special emphasis on supporting diverse voices and emerging talent.

Grant Title: U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau, PAS Annual Program Statement - This grant aims to strengthen U.S.-Hong Kong/Macau ties through cultural, academic, and professional exchanges, focusing on areas like STEAM, environmental sustainability, and human rights, while encouraging diversity and collaboration with American experts.

This award recognizes individuals in the Madison community who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and volunteerism in promoting peace and cooperation among diverse populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for solar and storage projects that benefit low- to moderate-income households in affordable housing across New York, helping to overcome barriers and promote equitable access to renewable energy.