Grants for Nonprofits - Arts

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants aim to address ongoing and evolving community needs within Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This program aligns with the WCCF's mission to support various critical areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community well-being. The grants are designed to be flexible, supporting a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the county's social fabric and improve residents' quality of life. These grants target a broad spectrum of beneficiaries across several key program areas, including Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. Additionally, specific Field of Interest Funds are available for Literacy, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and LGBTQ+ Causes, indicating a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing pressing social issues. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more resilient and thriving Waukesha County by investing in projects that create positive, lasting change. The WCCF prioritizes proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, aiming to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication of efforts. Strengthening the internal operations of organizations is another key focus, recognizing that robust organizational capacity is essential for effective service delivery. Special consideration is also given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing, highlighting a strategic priority to address this fundamental need within the community. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved access to resources, and progress on specific community challenges. While not explicitly detailing measurable results, the emphasis on strengthening internal operations and impacting outcomes on a community basis implies a focus on demonstrating tangible improvements. The WCCF's strategic priorities are clearly centered on collaboration, organizational effectiveness, and addressing critical community needs like housing, reflecting a theory of change that values partnerships and sustainable solutions for community-wide benefit.

The CalMoneySmart Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), is an annual initiative dedicating a total of $2 million to nonprofit organizations. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance financial well-being, specifically targeting individuals experiencing financial insecurity within California. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded for a two-year period, with individual grants up to $200,000, to support programs that foster financial education and empowerment. The primary beneficiaries of this program are unbanked and underbanked consumers in California. The impact goals are centered on enabling these individuals to achieve financial stability by identifying and accessing lower-cost financial products and services, establishing or improving their credit, increasing their savings, and lowering their debt. The program prioritizes comprehensive financial literacy and practical tools to empower vulnerable populations. The core focuses of the CalMoneySmart grants include the design, development, or offering of free classroom- or web-based financial education and empowerment content. This content is specifically tailored to assist unbanked and underbanked consumers in navigating financial systems and making informed decisions. Additionally, the program supports the provision of individualized, free financial coaching, offering personalized guidance to help beneficiaries overcome specific financial challenges. Furthermore, the grants can be used to design, develop, or offer free financial products or services that help unbanked and underbanked consumers identify and access responsible financial products and services. The expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the financial health of participants, evidenced by increased access to responsible financial products, improved credit scores, higher savings rates, and reduced debt burdens. The DFPI's strategic priority is to promote consumer protection and financial well-being, with a theory of change that by providing targeted financial education and access to appropriate resources, financially insecure Californians can achieve greater economic stability and security. Eligibility for the grant requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, in good standing with the California Secretary of State, and to have submitted a satisfactory final report for any prior DFPI grant funding. This ensures that the grants are awarded to reputable and effective organizations capable of delivering impactful programs.

Operating Grants I & II, offered by the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB), provide unrestricted support to Long Beach-based arts and cultural organizations. The primary mission of these grants aligns with the ACLB's commitment to fostering artistic excellence by supporting organizations that collect, preserve, present, and/or commission exemplary works of art, including visual art exhibitions, theatre, dance, and musical performances. This directly supports the foundation's goal of enriching the cultural landscape of Long Beach by empowering organizations that contribute to the arts. The target beneficiaries for these grants are Long Beach-based arts and cultural organizations with annual budgets exceeding $250,000. These organizations must produce works of art of regional significance, benefiting the general public, and offering educational opportunities to enhance artistic understanding and appreciation. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to strengthen both artistic programming and organizational management, ultimately leading to a positive community impact. The program prioritizes several key areas. Artistically, it seeks to encourage the development of long-term, high-quality artistic programs and support innovative, creative, and unique projects that challenge audiences and participants. In terms of organizational management, the grants support best practices, including long-term planning, accountability, fund development, transparency, evaluation, appropriate qualifications of board and staff, and overall fiscal health. Community impact is also a significant focus, supporting organizations that identify and meet community needs through planning and program delivery, develop new audiences, and foster tourism or expand the market for artistic disciplines. Expected outcomes include the creation of quality artistic programs, innovative projects, and improved organizational management practices. Measurable results would involve the development of new audiences, enhanced community engagement, and a stronger arts ecosystem in Long Beach. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the program implicitly operates on the theory that by providing robust operational support and promoting best practices in artistic and organizational development, the ACLB can cultivate a vibrant and sustainable arts and culture sector that enriches the lives of Long Beach residents and attracts visitors. Funding information indicates grant awards for OPG I range from $5,000 to $8,000, and for OPG II from $18,000 to $25,000.

Colorado's Film Education Grant Program offers schools the opportunity to produce an original documentary over the course of one semester. Students gain hands-on experience in filmmaking, television production, or game design, and also receive a working credit to enhance their potential for future industry jobs. The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media collaborates with PBS12 and Rocky Mountain PBS to showcase the students' final projects on air.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to certified Opioid Treatment Programs in Washington, D.C., to improve patient engagement and holistic care for individuals receiving treatment for opioid dependence.

The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, established to honor the legacy of Margaret E. Burnham, a lifelong resident of Falmouth, Maine, supports nonprofit organizations operating within Maine. The Trust is dedicated to funding projects in five main areas: Community and Social Services (40%), Medical (10%), Education (20%), Arts and Culture (20%), and Environment (10%). It awards grants annually to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, prioritizing those that do not request multi-year funding, and explicitly excluding awards to individuals or religious organizations. The Trust reviews applications once a year in December, with a submission deadline of October 1st. Occasionally, the Trust also recognizes organizations for exemplary work or significant promise in these focus areas without a formal request. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. and Jordanian organizations to create public programs that celebrate American history, culture, and civic values, fostering collaboration and engagement between communities in both countries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for large-scale public art projects in southwest Minnesota, aimed at organizations, cities, and tribal governments that will create a lasting arts legacy in the region.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations and individuals in Togo to create projects that strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between the United States and Togo, focusing on themes like peace, democracy, and economic growth.

The City of West Hollywood's Art on the Outside (AOTO) program is a public art initiative designed to fund the temporary display of rotating art exhibitions in publicly accessible locations such as parks, traffic medians, and communal areas of City-owned facilities. The program's mission aligns with enhancing public spaces and enriching the cultural landscape of West Hollywood by making art accessible to its residents and visitors. It supports a variety of art forms, including sculpture, murals, digital screen-based artwork and projections, and performance art, contributing to the City's vibrant artistic identity. The primary beneficiaries of the AOTO program are individual artists, curators, and non-profit arts organizations based in the United States, particularly those representing emerging, mid-career, and established artists. The program aims to provide opportunities for these artists and organizations to showcase their work, gain exposure, and engage with a broader public. The impact goals include fostering artistic expression, promoting cultural diversity, and creating engaging public environments that stimulate dialogue and appreciation for the arts. The program prioritizes proposals for temporary public art projects that can be displayed for durations typically ranging from 6 months to 3 years. While new artworks are eligible, the AOTO program is particularly well-suited for exhibitions of prefabricated artworks that require minimal modification for installation, largely due to funding limitations. This focus ensures efficient use of resources while still supporting a diverse range of artistic endeavors. Evaluation criteria emphasize artist qualifications, aesthetic appeal, diversity, proposed budget, public safety, material integrity, and suitable location. Expected outcomes of the AOTO program include an increased presence of diverse public art across West Hollywood, greater public engagement with artistic and cultural experiences, and enhanced opportunities for artists to contribute to the public realm. Measurable results could include the number of artworks displayed, the duration of exhibitions, audience engagement metrics, and feedback from both artists and the community. The program's strategic priority is to integrate art into daily life, reflecting the City's commitment to culture and community well-being. The City of West Hollywood's underlying theory of change for the AOTO program is that by funding and facilitating the display of temporary public art, it can cultivate a more aesthetically rich and culturally vibrant urban environment. This, in turn, is expected to enhance civic pride, stimulate local engagement, and support the professional development of artists and arts organizations. The program operates on the belief that accessible art can positively impact quality of life and foster a dynamic community spirit.

The Thursday Club Foundation's 2024-2025 Benevolence Grant program aims to support non-profit organizations based in San Diego County with a Federal 501(c)(3) and State 23701D charitable status for a minimum of two years. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated, is clearly aligned with supporting the San Diego community through targeted grants. The program offers two tiers of funding: TC Tier 1 Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000, and TC Tier 2 Grants from $15,001 to $30,000, with an overall grant size of $10,000 to $100,000. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of San Diego County, as all funded grants must be used within the county to benefit its residents. The impact goals are to support specific, stated purposes outlined in the grant applications, ensuring that funds directly address identified community needs. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for fund utilization and impact. The program focuses on specific expenditures, explicitly excluding general operating expenses, salaries, capital campaigns, endowment/investment accounts, and political or religious purposes. This indicates a strategic priority on direct program-related costs and tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding specific initiatives within San Diego County, they can create measurable positive change for its residents. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of grant-funded projects and services that directly benefit the San Diego community. Measurable results are reinforced by the requirement for beneficiaries of the 2023-2024 grant year to provide a balance sheet and income statement with supporting documentation confirming the expenditure of all funds by December 31, 2024. This commitment to accountability ensures that the grants achieve their intended purpose and allows the foundation to assess the effectiveness of its strategic priorities. Additionally, approved applicants are encouraged to volunteer, fostering a deeper community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Canadian organizations in creating public diplomacy projects that foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on shared interests like innovation, security, and cultural exchange.

This funding opportunity supports events and projects that boost tourism in Union County, Ohio, targeting both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as municipalities, to enhance the area's appeal and economic impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations and government entities to implement public humanities projects that engage local audiences through activities like exhibitions, oral history projects, and community programs.

This program provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations for hosting community events that promote cultural and recreational opportunities for residents of Avon, Connecticut.

This program provides funding for out-of-school arts initiatives that help underserved youth develop essential skills for success in education and careers through artistic engagement.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Impact100 Grant Program is currently seeking applications, inviting proposals across a broad spectrum of community needs. While the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the foundation are not detailed in the provided text, the grant program itself demonstrates an implicit commitment to fostering positive change in areas vital to community well-being. By supporting projects in arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education, the foundation aligns with a general philanthropic mission to enhance the quality of life for residents within its service area. The program's openness to operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects beyond an organization's means, indicates a flexible and responsive approach to community investment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, or Paris, IL. Specifically, organizations with 501(c)(3) status or other qualified charitable, religious, or government organizations are eligible. A prioritization is given to 501(c)(3) organizations recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of three years, suggesting a focus on established and sustainable entities. The overarching impact goal is to address critical needs within these communities by funding projects that fall within the designated categories. The grant program focuses on a diverse range of project types and subject areas. These include arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This broad scope indicates a desire to support a holistic improvement of community life. The funding also specifically supports operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects. These priorities highlight the foundation's understanding that effective community support can take many forms, from sustaining ongoing operations to catalyzing new initiatives and addressing urgent needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the nature of the supported project types implies a desire for tangible community benefits. For instance, funding for social services would likely aim for improved well-being for vulnerable populations, while education grants would seek enhanced learning opportunities. Similarly, support for conservation/environment would aim for improved ecological health, and health grants for better public health outcomes. Organizations applying are likely expected to articulate their own specific, measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's broad areas of interest, demonstrating how their proposed projects will generate positive, quantifiable change within the communities served. With $200,000 available funding for 2024 and individual grants ranging from no minimum to $50,000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is strategically investing in local organizations that are working to address the most pressing issues in Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, and Paris, IL. Their theory of change, while not explicitly stated, appears to be rooted in empowering local non-profits to effect positive change through direct service, program development, and critical infrastructure improvements. By providing financial resources to a diverse array of projects, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and overall vitality of the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant region.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and tribal governments in New York State for projects that engage the public in meaningful discussions and reflections on current issues through the humanities.

The Special Project grants, offered by the City of Saint Paul through its Cultural STAR fund, aim to support quality arts activities across all disciplines within the city's geographic boundaries. This initiative is deeply aligned with the fund's overarching mission to promote cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly within the downtown Cultural District, by strengthening the arts and culture community. The grants are designed to support projects that contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors, thereby fostering economic development. Target beneficiaries for these grants include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul, as well as informal arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects that partner with eligible nonprofits. Businesses in the Cultural District are also eligible for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment. The impact goals are centered on building and diversifying audiences, promoting a broad range of cultural offerings, producing long-term cultural impact, and leveraging additional financial support for the arts. The Cultural STAR Program prioritizes projects and programs that attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities, and build the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. A significant focus is placed on the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within this targeted area. The remaining 20% can support businesses in the Cultural District or nonprofit organizations located elsewhere in Saint Paul. This geographic focus underscores the strategic priority of revitalizing and enriching the downtown cultural hub. Expected outcomes include increased audience engagement with diverse cultural offerings, enhanced and accessible cultural facilities, and strengthened organizational capacity within the arts and culture sector. Measurable results could include metrics related to audience attendance, the number and variety of cultural events, improvements in cultural infrastructure, and the ability of organizations to secure additional funding. The Cultural STAR fund's theory of change is that by investing in these areas, it will lead to sustained cultural vitality and economic growth, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for both residents and tourists.

This program provides funding to rural communities in Tennessee for building or improving arts and cultural facilities to boost local economies and enhance quality of life through arts programming.