Local Arts Grants

The Special Event Fee Relief Fund is a grant opportunity launched by Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). It is a $1.5 million investment aimed at supporting events that celebrate the culture of the District of Columbia and support local communities. The fund provides financial assistance to organizers of festivals and outdoor special events to cover event expenses. To be eligible, events must occur between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, be free and open to the public (partially ticketed events may also be eligible), celebrate DC culture or have significant economic impact on the District, not primarily aim to generate revenue or serve as a fundraiser for an organization, foster an inclusive experience, not be religiously affiliated in a way that excludes other faiths or lack thereof, and receive services from at least one eligible DC Government agency. All eligible events must also obtain a DLCP Special Events License and approval from the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) Mayor's Special Events Task Group (MSETG) if street closures are required. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis between October 1, 2023, and September 1, 2024, with a minimum of 30 days in advance for events occurring November 15, 2023, onwards. DMPED will directly cover unpaid DC Government fees for approved events. For inquiries about the grant opportunity, please contact [email protected].

The Town of Frisco offers a yearly grant program to support local non-profits within Summit County. This program aligns with the Town's strategic objectives, focusing on a thriving economy, quality core services, vibrant culture, arts, and recreational opportunities, and community inclusivity. Non-profits seeking support can apply through this county-wide grant program, demonstrating an alignment with the Town's vision, mission, and values. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations operating within Frisco and Summit County, ultimately aiming to positively impact the communities they serve. The grant seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a flourishing local environment across various sectors. The program prioritizes initiatives that promote sustainability and demonstrate significant positive impacts on the Frisco and Summit County communities. Additionally, applicants are required to showcase sound fiscal practices and planning, along with a description of past grant awards from Frisco, including the use of funds and/or services previously awarded. Expected outcomes include enhanced community well-being, increased cultural and recreational opportunities, a more inclusive community, and a stronger local economy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "significant and positive impacts," the requirements suggest an emphasis on tangible contributions to the strategic objectives of the Town of Frisco. Cash requests for this grant may not exceed $5,000, with a total grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation is currently accepting grant applications from local 501(c)(3), 170(c)(1), and other qualified non-profit organizations operating in the communities served by Jewett City Savings Bank. Established in 2004, the Foundation's core mission is to support and benefit community, charitable, educational, and other benevolent purposes. This grant program is aligned with the Foundation's strategic objective to invest in the well-being and development of its service areas, fostering a stronger community fabric. The target beneficiaries for these grants are non-profit organizations that deliver essential services within the Jewett City Savings Bank's service footprint. The Foundation's impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs, as evidenced by its 2023 giving, which prioritized health, social, and emergency services, as well as support for food pantries, libraries, and arts and culture. The Foundation aims to empower these organizations to continue their vital work and expand their reach. The Foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly demonstrated by its past funding patterns. It actively seeks to support initiatives that provide direct community benefits in areas such as health, social welfare, emergency relief, education (through libraries), and cultural enrichment. These areas reflect the Foundation's commitment to a holistic approach to community development, ensuring a broad range of needs are met. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results for individual grants are not detailed in the provided description, the Foundation's overall track record suggests a commitment to tangible impact. In 2023, it provided over 70 grants totaling $96,211, demonstrating a significant investment in local non-profits. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over $1.2 million, indicating a sustained and substantial commitment to its philanthropic goals. Applicants would likely be expected to articulate their own measurable outcomes in their proposals. The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community support and benefit, utilizing a theory of change that posits direct financial assistance to established non-profits will result in improved services and a higher quality of life for residents in its service communities. By supporting a diverse range of organizations, from those providing basic necessities like food to those enriching lives through arts and culture, the Foundation aims to contribute to a resilient and thriving local environment.

The City of Germantown's Neighborhood Grants Program aims to empower neighborhood leaders by supporting projects that foster community engagement, beautify surroundings, improve resident communications, and enhance well-being. This program directly aligns with a broader mission to strengthen local communities by providing resources to homeowner and neighborhood associations. It serves as a strategic initiative to cultivate active, connected, and well-maintained neighborhoods, reflecting a theory of change where targeted financial support for community-led projects leads to tangible improvements in quality of life and a heightened sense of belonging among residents. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Germantown homeowner and neighborhood associations, along with their constituents. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on increasing neighborly interaction, improving the aesthetics and functionality of public spaces, enhancing communication channels within neighborhoods, and promoting a greater sense of safety and collective well-being. The program's strategic priority is to empower these local organizations to take ownership of community development, leveraging their intimate understanding of neighborhood needs to drive meaningful change. The program prioritizes projects falling into four key categories: Engagement, Communications, Beautification, and Safety. Engagement projects aim to bring neighbors together for social and recreational activities, such as block parties and movie nights. Communications projects focus on strengthening neighborhood organizations through initiatives like website development and newsletters. Beautification projects seek to enhance public areas with holiday decorations, landscaping, and art. Safety projects are designed to increase well-being through events like Germantown Night Out, seminars, and safety awareness campaigns. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and connected community life, more effective neighborhood organizations, visually appealing and well-maintained public spaces, and a measurable increase in residents' sense of safety and well-being. The program anticipates awarding two maximum grants of $5,000 each per period, with additional microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000, totaling $25,000 per fiscal year. Measurable results will be gauged through the documentation of events with photos and sign-in sheets, the provision of receipts for all expenditures, and the overall completion of approved projects by the June 30, 2025, deadline.

This grant provides funding for community projects in Humboldt County that enhance arts, health, education, environmental initiatives, and social services.

The City of Augusta allocates funding to the Greater Augusta Arts Council (GAAC) to distribute to the non-profit arts community through the FY25 Annual City Arts Grant Program. This program aligns with the city's mission to sustain a wide variety of artistic disciplines and expressions, recognizing the importance of public financial support for the arts. The GAAC acts as the primary donor, ensuring that funds reach eligible non-profit arts organizations within Richmond County, Georgia. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations dedicated to the performance, exhibition, and/or presentation of arts and cultural programming within the Augusta-Richmond County community. These organizations must have a mission statement reflecting their focus on arts and culture, be a 501(c)3 non-profit for at least one year, and have a physical headquarters in Richmond County. The program's impact goals are multifaceted: to provide programming and educational opportunities, promote Metro Augusta as a cultural destination, build the capacity and stability of Augusta's arts organizations, and enhance the city's economic development through the arts. For fiscal year 2025, the program prioritizes funding for General Operating Expenses, with up to $7,000 available, and specific Art Projects, with up to $5,000 available. This dual approach allows for both the sustained operation of arts organizations and the execution of distinct artistic endeavors. Organizations are expected to demonstrate excellence in programming, provide accessible programs to the general public, consider the community's diversity, and articulate strategies for inclusiveness in their operations and programming. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant arts and cultural scene in Augusta-Richmond County, increased engagement from diverse community members, and a stronger economic impact derived from the arts. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of programs offered, audience attendance, the reach of educational opportunities, and the economic contributions of funded projects. The GAAC's strategic priority, in alignment with the City of Augusta, is to foster a thriving arts community that enriches the lives of its citizens and enhances the city's overall cultural and economic landscape. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to qualified arts organizations, the city can achieve these broad community and economic development objectives.

SF Shines Design Services Grant Program, offered by the Invest In Neighborhoods division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Department in California, provides grants, design services, and project management for property improvements to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors. The program aims to assist businesses in obtaining permit drawings for storefront improvements to ensure compliance, safety, and efficient business operations. Grantees will have access to a licensed architect to ensure that their projects comply with local, state, and federal laws and codes.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The Harrison County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is seeking grant applications for projects and programs that benefit Harrison County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to advance opportunities across five critical areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The grant program is designed to support efforts that foster opportunity, address pressing needs, and unlock the potential within Harrison County. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals of all ages within Harrison County. The program places a strong emphasis on empowering local leaders who are actively working to create positive change. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the community by investing in projects that address key areas of need, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and promoting sustainable growth within the county. The program prioritizes initiatives that fall under the Pillars of Prosperity, ensuring a broad and impactful reach across various sectors. Funding requests are typically between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered based on their potential for significant impact. This flexible funding approach allows for support of both smaller, localized efforts and more ambitious projects that promise a greater return on investment for the community. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the areas of arts and culture, economic vitality, educational attainment, environmental health, and access to health and human services. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs and unleashing the potential" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate clear, positive changes in these areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to support community-led initiatives that directly address identified needs, operating under a theory of change that posits local investment and empowerment will lead to broad-based community development and resilience.

The Operating Support Program, offered by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, provides general operating grants to Nonprofit Arts organizations with 501(c)(3) designations. These organizations must be domiciled in Shreveport, Louisiana, and their programming should significantly enrich the cultural environment of the city. The program aims to support arts organizations that explicitly state the provision of arts activities to the public as primary to their mission. This aligns with the foundation's goal of fostering a vibrant cultural landscape within Shreveport by empowering local arts initiatives. This grant targets nonprofit arts organizations with annual cash income budgets for mission-related activities ranging from more than $25,000 to less than $500,000. The program prioritizes organizations that are officially domiciled and operating in Shreveport, with their official address registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State and located in Caddo Parish. The expected outcome is to provide crucial operational support to these organizations, enabling them to continue their work in enriching the city's cultural environment. Measurable results would include the number of organizations supported and the continued delivery of arts programming to the public. The program's focus is on providing flexible funding that covers essential overhead operating expenses. This includes personnel salaries, rental space, utilities, general marketing expenses, and supplies. By addressing these fundamental needs, the grant aims to stabilize and strengthen the operational capacity of local arts organizations. This strategic priority reflects the understanding that robust administrative and logistical support is critical for the sustained impact of arts programming. Eligibility criteria are stringent to ensure effective allocation of funds. Applicants must be in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State and Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and their nonprofit tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) must be current. Furthermore, organizations must have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of application. The funding period for applications is for Arts programming occurring between September 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, with a maximum grant amount of $15,000 due to funding availability.

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant is designed to provide crucial rental support for physical storefronts, offering up to 12 months of assistance ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $50,000 in direct rental support covering both past and future rent expenses. This grant program, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, aims to bolster the economic stability and growth of small businesses within Somerville, Massachusetts. The overall mission alignment of this grant is to foster a vibrant local economy, support business longevity, and promote equitable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small, physical storefront businesses located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that have opened a new storefront on or after January 2023, or are intending to open in 2024. The program specifically targets businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees and those operating in 5 or fewer locations, excluding franchises. The impact goals are to prevent business displacement, encourage new business growth, and support diverse ownership groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive local economy. During the review process, priority points are given to businesses that have not previously received City or State funding, those displaced due to "act of God" events or extreme rental increases since April 2020, and businesses that are immigrant-owned, women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQIA-owned, or disability-owned. Additional priority is given to businesses within a Qualified Census Tract, those with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and Somerville resident-owned businesses. These priorities reflect a strategic focus on equity, supporting underserved communities, and addressing the challenges faced by truly small, local enterprises. Expected outcomes include a reduction in storefront vacancies, increased stability for new and vulnerable small businesses, and a more diverse landscape of business ownership in Somerville. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses receiving support, their retention rates, and the demographic data of successful applicants. The City of Somerville's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, include fostering local economic development, promoting social equity, and building community resilience. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted rental assistance and prioritizing specific business types, the city can create a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive, generating local jobs and services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Somerville residents. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes local hiring, with awarded businesses agreeing to prioritize Somerville residents, especially low to moderate-income individuals, when suitable, reinforcing the community-centric approach.

The Vinton County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs that benefit Vinton County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across the region, particularly focusing on local community needs. The fund seeks to foster positive change and development within Vinton County by supporting various community-driven efforts. The grants are specifically targeted towards nonprofits, schools, and public organizations, as well as groups working under fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals of all ages residing in Vinton County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the county, aiming for tangible improvements in the quality of life for its residents. The program prioritizes projects and programs that advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses a diverse range of critical needs and supports holistic community development. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that are spearheaded by individuals committed to making a difference in their community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly tied to the advancement of opportunities within the five pillars. Projects are expected to demonstrate potential impact, with funding requests between $500 and $2,500 generally preferred, though larger requests may be considered based on the scale of their potential influence. This framework reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these key areas, through local initiatives, will lead to sustainable community growth and improved well-being for Vinton County residents.

This grant provides funding to property owners, agricultural businesses, and non-profits for the rehabilitation and preservation of historic properties in the unincorporated areas of Frederick County, Maryland.

The CNY Arts is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for the year 2025 to individual artists and small nonprofit organizations in six counties of New York, aiming to support the development of arts projects and programming that engage diverse segments of the community, with applications open until October 25, 2024.

The Union County Local Arts Grants program, supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board, and the NJ State Council on the Arts, aims to strengthen local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to recognize the value of the arts, foster artistic excellence, and expand the public impact of arts organizations and projects within Union County. The program's design reflects a strategic priority to empower non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations that serve Union County residents, demonstrating a commitment to local cultural development. The primary target beneficiaries are non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving Union County residents, as well as libraries, schools, and units of government undertaking specific arts projects. The impact goals are multifaceted: to increase the availability and accessibility of quality arts experiences, broaden and diversify participation in the arts, and promote public and private support for local arts activities. This includes fostering collaborations and partnership-building, ensuring ADA compliance, and strengthening organizations artistically and administratively. The program prioritizes several key areas, encouraging applicants to highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists, incorporate diverse programming and artists, reach diverse and underserved audiences, present family-friendly programs, and promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Organizations can apply for either General Operating Support (GOS), exclusively for arts organizations to cover overall operations, or Special Project (SP) grants, open to both arts and non-arts organizations for specific arts projects or series. This dual approach allows for comprehensive support, addressing both the foundational stability of arts organizations and the execution of innovative projects. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic excellence, increased public recognition of the arts, and a more robust and diverse array of arts programs available to Union County residents. Measurable results are tied to strengthening local arts organizations, increasing accessibility through ADA compliance, and fostering greater community participation. The theory of change behind this grant program posits that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, Union County can cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape, enrich the lives of its residents, and stimulate broader community engagement and support for the arts.

The WeHo Community Arts Grant, offered by the City of West Hollywood, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, or artist collectives that have a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC, and/or female artists and audiences. This grant aligns with the City's mission to enhance the community through art-centered presentations and participatory programs, fostering cultural equity and providing access to specific communities. The overall strategic priority is to use the arts as a tool for community engagement, cultural recognition, and economic development within West Hollywood. The target beneficiaries of this grant are LA County-based artists, collectives, or non-profit arts organizations that meet specific criteria, including a history of supporting underrepresented groups in the arts. The grant specifically focuses on engaging West Hollywood residents and visitors, expanding arts audiences, and recognizing local cultural resources. The impact goals are to increase access to quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible, boost revenues for local businesses through arts-business partnerships, and generally increase participation in the arts through education. The grant prioritizes art-centered presentations and workshops that support community goals through cultural equity. Eligible projects must take place within West Hollywood or immediately adjacent areas and applicants must demonstrate a marketing and outreach strategy targeting West Hollywood residents. The City's theory of change appears to be that by investing in accessible and inclusive arts programming, they can create a more vibrant, engaged, and culturally equitable community, leading to broader social and economic benefits. Expected outcomes include increased engagement of residents and visitors with the arts, expanded arts audiences, and the discovery of new places for artmaking. Measurable results could include an increase in attendance at arts events, a rise in local business revenues attributed to arts programming, and a greater number of individuals participating in arts education. The total available funding for this category is $30,000, with a maximum award of $6,000 per organization, demonstrating a commitment to funding multiple impactful projects within the community.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million to a single organization to enhance statewide tobacco prevention efforts in California through communication, technical assistance, and support for local initiatives targeting high-risk populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance community well-being, safety, and economic opportunities.

The City of Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC) invites applications from Lafayette artists and arts organizations for projects that support arts and/or culture. This grant program aligns with LCAC’s mission to promote, nurture, and celebrate the visual, performing, cultural, and language arts in Lafayette, Colorado. This is achieved by connecting artists, building partnerships, and enhancing and supporting diversity within the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Lafayette artists and arts organizations. The program aims to support projects that provide a public and community benefit, rather than solely funding the artistic practice of an individual. The impact goals include increasing arts and cultural access for community members and empowering historically underserved populations, thus supporting LCAC's goal to foster diversity. Priorities for funding include projects that demonstrate high quality and projected impact, thoroughness in the application, a comprehensive and reasonable budget, and strong programs and services. Demonstrated need for support is also a key factor. A significant focus is placed on the quantity and quality of community impact, considering both participant numbers and the depth of engagement. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in arts and cultural access, with projects actively contributing to the community's cultural landscape. Success is measured by project quality, impact, and how well it aligns with LCAC's mission and IDEA Framework. Awards are typically $2,000 or less, with projects required to be completed between January 1, 2025, and December 14, 2025.