Grants for Nonprofits - Arts

VisitHATTIESBURG’s Tourism Grant Program (TGP) is an annual initiative designed to bolster visitor and tourism promotion efforts within Hattiesburg. The program's core mission aligns with increasing overnight travel to the city, thereby generating economic stimulus. It achieves this by providing funds for marketing and other qualified expenses to projects and events that directly fulfill VisitHATTIESBURG’s broader objective of promoting Hattiesburg as a vibrant tourist destination. The TGP targets a diverse group of beneficiaries including attractions, associations, organizations, and governmental agencies whose primary objective is to promote Hattiesburg’s tourism industry to out-of-town visitors. The program specifically seeks to attract a target audience from outside the immediate Hattiesburg area, defined as over a 50-mile radius or out-of-state. The ultimate impact goal is to drive overnight stays and foster economic growth within the city through increased tourism. The program prioritizes projects and events held within Hattiesburg that fall into specific categories: Festival/Event, Attraction/Public Use Facility (including museums, historical buildings, meeting spaces, and sporting facilities), and other organizations/associations focused on promoting tourism. TGP funds can be utilized for a variety of expenses, such as traditional and digital advertising, brochures, signage, event/exhibit production, and marketing activities. Disallowable expenses include general operating costs, administrative expenses, and personal benefits, ensuring funds are directly applied to tourism promotion. Expected outcomes of the TGP include an increase in the number of out-of-town visitors, leading to a rise in overnight stays and subsequent economic benefits for Hattiesburg's local lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the requirement for financial record-keeping for three years and the stipulation that individual grants cannot exceed $5,000 per fiscal year. Projects are also expected to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and feature VisitHATTIESBURG branding on all collateral. While the document does not explicitly detail a "theory of change," VisitHATTIESBURG's strategic priority is clearly to position Hattiesburg as a premier tourist destination. The TGP acts as a key mechanism in this strategy by financially supporting local entities that actively promote the city to external audiences. This approach is based on the premise that direct investment in targeted promotional activities by local stakeholders will directly translate into increased visitor numbers and economic prosperity. In alignment with its strategic priorities, VisitHATTIESBURG mandates specific requirements for grant recipients to ensure program effectiveness and accountability. These include the project's primary location within Hattiesburg, promotion of the city as a destination, compliance with regulations, meticulous financial record-keeping, mandatory inclusion of VisitHATTIESBURG branding, and, where applicable, providing a sponsorship equivalent to the awarded funds. These guidelines serve to maximize the program's reach and ensure that the grant funding directly contributes to the overarching goal of tourism development.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants to support projects that engage communities in meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and are participatory and engaging, applying humanities to everyday life. Grants support public humanities programs, exhibits, planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in various media. Regular grants : start at $2,500 to $10,000. Regular grants applications are accepted on May 1st and September 1st Grant renewed every year.

The Charleston County Community Development Program has announced the opening of the application period for the 2025-2026 Urban Entitlement Funding Request for Applications (RFA). This program supports projects that align with the goals of the county's Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2021–2025. Applicants must clearly identify which goal their project addresses and include measurable outputs. Additionally, applications should specify whether the funding request is for Charleston County, the City of North Charleston, or both jurisdictions. The application window runs from November 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. Funding is available through several programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), and Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG). Each program has specific requirements, and applicants must submit all documents electronically via the Urban Entitlement Application in Neighborly. Signed forms must include an authorized representative’s signature. HESG applicants must also obtain an endorsement letter from the Lowcountry Continuum of Care, with requests due by December 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST. The required documents vary by program and include forms such as the Application Certification, Financial Statement Form, and budget templates specific to each grant type. Additional details can be found in Section 5 of the RFA Instructions. Workshops will be held to assist applicants on December 3, 2024, at City Hall in North Charleston and December 5, 2024, at the Charleston County Council Chambers. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the application process and ask questions. Applicants may also submit written questions about the RFA process to Community Development staff by December 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST. Answers will be posted in an addendum on December 20, 2024. Town hall meetings will be hosted in participating jurisdictions to discuss program funding and gather community input, with meetings scheduled throughout November and December 2024. Projects must align with the Consolidated Plan's goals and provide measurable results. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by the January 6, 2025, deadline through the designated portal. Late submissions will not be accepted. For additional information or support, applicants can email [email protected] or call (843) 202-6960.

The Administration of Justice Grants Program, funded by the Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF), is dedicated to fostering innovative projects that enhance the understanding and functionality of the American Justice system within Michigan. This program aligns directly with the MSBF's mission to support the administration of justice, by promoting legal education and conflict resolution. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on initiatives that demonstrate innovative approaches, benefit Michigan residents, and exhibit potential for independent financial and programmatic continuity. The underlying theory of change appears to be that by educating citizens and supporting legal aid, there will be an improved administration of justice and greater access to legal services for all. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Michigan children and adults, with an emphasis on educating them about their legal rights and responsibilities. Beyond education, the program also aims to create opportunities for conflict and dispute resolution and support civil legal aid for the poor. The impact goals are to increase public understanding of the legal system, reduce conflict through resolution methods, and ensure access to justice, particularly for underserved populations. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate innovative approaches, benefit Michigan residents, and have the potential for sustained impact. Key focuses include projects that show community support, collaboration, and partnerships, avoiding duplication of services, and leveraging multiple funding sources. The MSBF also looks for proposals that have potential for replication across the state and include meaningful evaluation components. Expected outcomes include a more informed citizenry regarding legal matters, increased utilization of conflict resolution mechanisms, and enhanced access to civil legal aid for low-income individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets, the criteria for grant proposals suggest that projects should include a meaningful evaluation component, indicating an expectation of demonstrable progress and accountability. The average size of recent grants ($12,000-$15,000) also suggests a focus on projects that can achieve significant impact with moderate funding.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, offers approximately $500,000 in federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This program is designed to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime by employing a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of these funds to support and improve Virginia's overall criminal justice system. The overarching goal of this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia. This is primarily achieved through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with a specific focus on areas that have experienced increased rates of violent crime and gang-related incidents. The program targets local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in or serving the Eastern District of Virginia. Funding preference will be given to three regions most impacted by violent crime: Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk, though other cities in the Eastern District with high violent crime rates will also be considered. The program prioritizes several key funding areas. These include Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategies, which promote prevention and intervention through partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI involves community members delivering moral messages against violence, law enforcement issuing warnings about consequences, and support providers offering help. Another priority is Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression, focusing on programs and task forces that target perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes, including illegal firearm possession, illegal gun sales, and gang-benefitting crimes, with an emphasis on multiagency cooperation. Additional funding priorities encompass Firearms Analysis programs, which aim to enhance and support state and local law enforcement agencies in analyzing firearms and ballistic evidence, including NIBIN analysis and firearm tracing. Lastly, Prevention and Reentry Programs are crucial, dedicated to violent crime prevention, identifying high-risk individuals through educational, faith-based, community-oriented, and outreach efforts, and supporting the successful reentry of offenders through housing, educational, and vocational partnerships. While these priorities guide funding decisions, innovative, evidence-based projects outside these specific areas that are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence will also be considered. Grants are typically awarded for a 12-month period, with a possibility of a 24-month period depending on the specified need in the application.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area for impactful projects that improve community well-being in areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and family support.

The Delaware Community Foundation offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 through Highmark's BluePrints for the Community fund, prioritizing health-related projects and services that address healthcare access, economic stability, social and community context, and neighborhood and built environment in Delaware.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Delaware for essential facility improvements, such as renovations and safety upgrades, to enhance their operational capabilities and accessibility.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering the Eastland Giving Circle Grant Program, focusing on supporting organizations that provide mental health resources to children and youth in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to make a substantive impact in the eastern Jackson County area through yearly donations from its Eastland Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic and civic-minded individuals. The grant specifically targets children and youth in Eastern Jackson County who require mental health resources. The impact goal is to improve access to and the quality of mental health support for this vulnerable population within the specified geographic area. The program's priority is to fund nonprofits with current 501(c)(3) status that have a presence or mailing address in eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Organizations requesting general operating funds, individuals, political parties or activities, primary and secondary educational institutions, and religious organizations for denominational programs are ineligible. While explicit expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the implicit outcome is improved mental health and well-being for children and youth in Eastern Jackson County through the funded programs. The grant amount of $30,000 indicates a commitment to substantial support for chosen initiatives. The foundation's strategic priority is to address community needs through targeted philanthropic efforts, guided by the collective decision-making of the Eastland Giving Circle.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is soliciting applications from nonprofit partners for programs or projects with clear, measurable outcomes. These initiatives must focus on Education, Health, and/or Sciences and serve residents of any age within Herkimer and/or Oneida counties in New York. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs and fosters positive change, aligning with the core focus areas of this grant. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across all age groups in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Impact goals are centered on transmitting knowledge and strengthening skills through educational projects, nurturing and improving physical, mental, and social well-being through health initiatives, and enhancing scientific understanding and objectives through science-focused programs. The Foundation prioritizes outcomes-driven programs that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these positive changes within the communities it serves. Specific focus areas are defined as: Education, encompassing projects that teach knowledge, strengthen skills, or impart trades; Health, covering initiatives that nurture and improve physical, mental, and/or social well-being; and Sciences, including projects that study or enhance scientific objectives such as physical, life, or social sciences. Expected outcomes for all funded programs should be identifiable and measurable, with a definitive timeline for completion or achievement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, governmental institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations addressing non-religious needs. Projects must begin no earlier than July 2024, and only one submission per organization is considered per funding round. Ineligible activities include those relating to animals and/or the arts, financial assistance to individuals, religious-specific programming, organizational payroll/operational needs, and already incurred expenses. These guidelines reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to investing in programs that drive tangible, community-wide benefits.

The City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods Matching Grant Program seeks to enhance Houston neighborhoods through community-led physical improvement projects. Administered in partnership with City Council Member’s Offices, the program aims to foster strong neighbor relationships, encourage volunteerism, and develop projects that build a sustainable and stronger community. Its overarching mission aligns with improving the quality of life for Houston communities by actively partnering with residents. The program primarily targets neighborhood-based organizations and civic clubs within Houston city limits. Eligible organizations must be incorporated as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations through the State of Texas, or partner with such an entity. Individuals and political organizations are not eligible. The program's impact goals are to improve neighborhood organization and pride, enhance community appearance and beautification, and increase community participation. The program prioritizes physical improvements that are accessible and beneficial to the broader community, involving neighborhood residents, and offering long-standing benefits. Examples of approved projects include street sign toppers, entryway signage and columns, esplanade landscaping and irrigation, park benches, electrical signage, walkways with pavers, and murals. Projects must demonstrate pre-approval from relevant City of Houston departments if required for permitting. The program does not fund ongoing operation or maintenance. Expected outcomes include tangible physical improvements within neighborhoods, increased civic engagement, and a strengthened sense of community pride. Measurable results would involve the number of projects completed, the extent of community participation in these projects, and visible enhancements to public spaces. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering residents to lead and implement physical improvements, it will cultivate volunteerism, build stronger social ties, and ultimately lead to a higher quality of life and a more sustainable community. Funding for the Matching Grants is provided on a reimbursement basis, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must also identify how their organization will fund and support the project in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the improvements beyond the initial grant. Required documentation includes letters of permission from property owners, proof of ownership, photos of the proposed site, and three letters of support for the project from neighborhood organizations, businesses, or elected officials.

This program provides funding for community partnerships to restore habitats, improve water quality, and engage underserved populations in ecological projects across the country.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is offering its Mental Health Matters Grant Program, aiming to bolster mental health resources across Arizona. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance community health by addressing critical health needs, in this case, mental well-being. The program's core objective is to expand statewide resources, which includes increasing access to mental health services and support systems throughout all counties in Arizona. The grant program specifically targets non-profit organizations and academic institutions that are working to improve mental health outcomes. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for individuals to seek and receive necessary care. By connecting people to care that promotes positive mental health, the Foundation seeks to save lives and improve the overall well-being of Arizona residents. The program prioritizes mental health competitive grants, with individual awards up to $125,000. These funds are intended to support direct project-related expenses. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion of funding for lobbying, capital expenditures (such as buildings, construction, or renovations), and services that are otherwise billable. This focus ensures that the grant money is directly applied to program implementation and service delivery, maximizing its impact on mental health initiatives. The expected outcomes of the Mental Health Matters Grant Program include an increase in available mental health resources, a measurable reduction in mental health stigma, and a greater number of individuals successfully connected to mental health care services. The project period for these grants is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a focused year of activity. This clear timeline and funding structure reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in direct mental health support and anti-stigma efforts will lead to improved community mental health and healthier lives for Arizona citizens.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California. This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

The Rocky Brands Community Improvement Fund is seeking applications from 501c3 organizations and government agencies in specific Ohio counties for projects that align with their mission and values, address current or emerging needs, encourage cooperation, and can leverage additional funds, with a focus on areas such as children's welfare, hunger, education, senior citizens, health wellness, community development, and more.

The Whidbey Community Foundation's Community Health Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life on Whidbey Island by addressing various factors that influence health and well-being. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the community's health and vitality by focusing on the underlying determinants of health. The foundation understands that health is influenced by a broad spectrum of factors, from individual behaviors to broader societal and environmental conditions, and seeks to fund initiatives that create a comprehensive positive impact. The program targets organizations that operate with a charitable status or for a charitable purpose on Whidbey Island, with the ultimate goal of benefiting all residents by improving their health and overall living conditions. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier community by addressing disparities and promoting equitable access to resources that contribute to well-being. By supporting a diverse range of projects, the foundation anticipates measurable improvements in the health behavior, clinical care access, social and economic stability, and physical environment for those living on Whidbey Island. The Community Health Grant Program prioritizes four key areas for funding: Health Behavior (including alcohol and drug use, diet and exercise, and tobacco use), Clinical Care (health care access and quality), Social and Economic Factors (education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety), and Physical Environment (air and water quality, housing, and transit). These areas reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, recognizing that an integrated approach across these domains is essential for creating sustainable health improvements. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these interconnected areas, they can collectively empower individuals and strengthen community systems, leading to a healthier, more resilient Whidbey Island. Organizations can request up to $10,000 for a Community Health Grant, emphasizing accessible funding for local initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting projects that can demonstrate meaningful progress within their operational scope. The expected outcomes include a reduction in negative health behaviors, improved access to quality healthcare services, enhanced social and economic stability for vulnerable populations, and a healthier physical environment for all residents. The foundation encourages applicants to propose initiatives that will yield tangible and measurable results, contributing to the overall health and vitality of Whidbey Island.

This fellowship provides up to $150,000 over two years to individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota who are committed to personal growth as leaders and driving equitable, large-scale change in their communities.

The Public Art for Neighborhoods program, administered by the Indy Arts Council, offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for individual artists or neighborhood-based organizations in Indianapolis to fund arts and cultural activities, public art projects, or arts collaborations with community initiatives, with the aim of enhancing local neighborhoods.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.