Local Arts Grants

The City of Mukilteo’s Co-Sponsorship Grant process is designed to promote, support, and expand existing and new special events, activities, and programs within the city, as well as to publicize and support economic development initiatives. A key alignment with the city's mission is the support of activities that foster the general health and well-being of the community. This grant primarily functions by waiving facility rental fees for the use of City Facilities, thereby reducing a significant barrier for organizations looking to host beneficial events and programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include a broad range of public and private organizations. Specifically, qualifying organizations encompass non-profit volunteer groups, neighborhood groups, educational organizations, public agencies, and chambers of commerce. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the quality of life for Mukilteo residents through increased access to cultural arts, recreation, youth and adult activities, and improved community safety. Furthermore, the program aims to stimulate economic growth through events and activities that promote job creation and business attraction and retention. The grant program prioritizes projects that are open to the public and offer enhanced opportunities in areas such as culture and arts, recreation, youth or adult activities, and community safety. Another key focus is on projects that promote job growth or promote business attraction and retention within Mukilteo. While the grant is generally open to Mukilteo-based organizations, there are limited exceptions for organizations outside the city that can clearly demonstrate the necessity and direct public benefit of their service to the Mukilteo community. The expected outcomes from this program are multifaceted. By waiving facility rental fees, the City of Mukilteo anticipates an increase in the number and diversity of special events, programs, and activities offered to its residents. Measurable results could include the number of events supported, the estimated attendance at these events, and the reported community engagement. From an economic development perspective, success could be measured by the number of jobs created or retained, and the growth of businesses attributed to grant-supported initiatives. The grant's duration is not specified, but projects must be accomplished by December 31st, 2025, suggesting a focus on near-term impact.

City of North Miami Beach Business Assistance Grant Program in Florida offers a one-time grant award of up to $5,000 to eligible for-profit business owners within the city. The funds are intended to cover specific expenses that help businesses stay operational and viable, particularly those that have suffered revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profit businesses are not eligible for this program.

The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) is currently accepting applications for its 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program. This grant program is designed to fund quality arts programs and support the operations of arts organizations within Orange County, North Carolina. The OCAC's mission, though not explicitly stated in detail, is clearly aligned with fostering and sustaining a vibrant arts community through financial support. The Grassroots Arts Program serves as a direct mechanism to achieve this by providing essential funding that might otherwise be unavailable to smaller arts initiatives and organizations. The target beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit arts organizations or organizations with a nonprofit sponsor that have been in operation for at least one year and are physically located in Orange County. Individual artists are not eligible. The program aims to impact the arts landscape of Orange County by enabling organizations to conduct diverse arts programs and maintain their operational capacity. This includes supporting both program-related expenses, such as artist fees, marketing, and equipment rental, and operating expenses like salaries, rent, and utilities for qualifying organizations. The program prioritizes both the direct delivery of arts programs and the sustainable operation of arts and cultural organizations. For program-related requests, a maximum limit of $5,000 is set, emphasizing support for specific artistic endeavors. Similarly, operating expense requests also have a maximum limit of $5,000 and are specifically for organizations with an arts-based mission and an annual operating budget of less than $2 million, and who are not already receiving operating support from the N.C. Arts Council or N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This focus ensures that the grant effectively reaches smaller, local organizations that may have limited access to other significant funding sources. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts programs available to the residents of Orange County, as well as the strengthened operational stability of local arts organizations. Measurable results would be evidenced by the successful execution of funded projects between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and the continued operation of arts organizations that receive support for their operational costs. While a formal "theory of change" is not detailed, the underlying strategy is to provide accessible, targeted financial aid to nurture the arts at a local, grassroots level, thereby enhancing the cultural richness and accessibility of the arts within the community. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a duration of one year, suggests a focus on impactful, yet often smaller-scale, initiatives and operational needs.

This funding program assists nonprofit organizations in Bishop to deliver community services, arts activities, and events that benefit local residents.

The City of Salisbury in North Carolina is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service, offering $1,000 to $10,000 to support work benefiting low-moderate income individuals and families in Salisbury, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

The goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022).

The Business Development Grant Program, offered by the Town of Perryville, Maryland, is designed to stimulate economic development within the town's corporate limits. Its primary objectives are to foster new job opportunities, reduce the number of vacant storefronts, encourage business diversification, attract additional private sector investment, and promote in-fill business development. This program aligns with a strategic goal of local government to create a vibrant and sustainable economic environment, though specific "foundation mission alignment" beyond this general goal is not explicitly stated as this is a municipal program rather than a private foundation. The target beneficiaries of this program are new and existing small businesses located within the Town of Perryville. The program aims to support these businesses by providing funds necessary for operational needs, thereby ensuring their financial viability and encouraging growth. The ultimate impact goals include strengthening the local economy, increasing employment, and enhancing the overall business landscape of Perryville. The emphasis on filling vacant storefronts and encouraging diversification suggests a focus on revitalizing commercial areas and expanding the range of goods and services available to residents and visitors. The program prioritizes a broad range of eligible uses for funds, including building improvements, the purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, property acquisition or leasing, and advertising campaigns. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to support various aspects of business development and expansion. The eligibility criteria further refine the program's focus, requiring applicants to be in good standing with the Town, Cecil County, and the State of Maryland, and to operate within specific zoning districts (Neighborhood Business, Town Center, Highway Commercial, Residential Marine, Commercial Maritime, and for existing businesses, Residential districts). This indicates a deliberate strategy to concentrate development in designated commercial and mixed-use areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in new job creation, a reduction in the number of unoccupied commercial properties, a more diverse local business sector, and a rise in private sector investment. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the program's objectives inherently suggest these as key performance indicators. The "theory of change" underpinning this grant is that by providing financial assistance for operational needs and growth initiatives, the Town of Perryville can directly stimulate business activity, which in turn will lead to economic growth and community benefits. This proactive approach by the municipality serves as its strategic priority for economic development.

This program provides matching funds to small businesses in Decatur, Georgia, to improve their digital marketing efforts and enhance their online presence.

This program provides operational funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Phoenix that engage the community through diverse programming and demonstrate strong governance and financial stability.

This funding opportunity provides neighborhood associations in South Bend with financial support for innovative, resident-led projects that improve community engagement and enhance local quality of life.

The Assets for Artists' 2025 Capacity-Building Cohort is a 6-month program offering a $2,000 unrestricted grant and professional development resources to emerging or mid-career artists from under-resourced communities in Northern Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aiming to strengthen their creative practice and achieve long-term sustainability.

The City of Athens is offering the 2025 Tourism Development Grant, a program specifically designed to promote tourism and attract overnight visitors to Athens. The primary mission of this grant aligns directly with the city's strategic priority to enhance and grow its tourism, convention, and hotel industry. The program is open to eligible organizations or events located within the Athens city limits, with a core focus on projects that are demonstrably effective in drawing visitors from outside the city. This initiative reflects the City of Athens' theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support for tourism-enhancing projects will lead to increased economic activity and the overall development of the local hospitality sector. The target beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and events that contribute to the tourism ecosystem within Athens, ultimately aiming to benefit local hotels, businesses, and the general economy through increased visitor traffic. The impact goal is to substantially increase the number of overnight visitors and, consequently, boost economic activity in Athens. This is achieved by ensuring that funded projects directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The grant has specific priorities, including advertising, promotion of the arts (with a cap of 15% of annual Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues), sporting event promotion, tourist transportation systems, and signage directing tourists to local attractions. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, greater attendance at local events, and an overall rise in tourist-related spending within the city. The program emphasizes that projects must be specifically designed to attract overnight visitors, ensuring that the allocated funds directly contribute to this key objective. While the City of Athens is not obligated to allocate collected Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues unless a funding contract is in place, the council's final decision on fund allocation ensures that projects are vetted for their potential impact and alignment with strategic goals. To ensure accountability and effective use of public funds, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include demonstrating good financial standing and having safeguards in place to protect public funds. Applicants must also be legal entities capable of entering into contracts, governed by a board of directors or similar structure, and demonstrate public accessibility for their programs or events. The focus on direct benefit, where funds must enhance tourism by attracting visitors from outside Athens, serves as a measurable result, ensuring that the grant achieves its core objective of promoting the city as a desirable tourist destination.

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants program is designed to encourage the development and advancement of the arts in Fairfax County, Virginia, and to serve the artistic and cultural needs of its residents. ArtsFairfax, the donor, aligns its mission with these grants by providing funding to both arts organizations and individual artists for projects that engage the community. This program supports established and developing arts organizations, promotes opportunities for individual artists, and aims to be a catalyst for increased private sector support for the arts through leveraged public funding. The target beneficiaries of these grants include eligible nonprofit arts organizations, both established and developing, as well as individual artists and non-501(c)(3) arts groups through partnerships. The program specifically aims to engage new audiences in the arts and contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in Fairfax County. Impact goals include fostering artistic development and recognition, strengthening arts engagement, and ensuring diverse cultural programming is available to all residents, including underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. The program prioritizes activities that are not part of an organization's usual activities, such as designing and implementing new class offerings, bringing in guest artists who might normally be financially out of reach, or enhancing and expanding existing program offerings. The four grant subcategories—Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships with Individual Artists, Artist Teams/Cooperatives, non-501(c)(3) Arts Groups, and Arts Access—each focus on specific areas of artistic engagement and development. Arts in Education projects provide high-impact art experiences, Opportunity projects enable organizations to take advantage of atypical opportunities, Partnerships support collaborations, and Arts Access projects strengthen engagement in underserved communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased participation in the arts, the creation and presentation of new artistic endeavors, enhanced scope of program offerings, and reduced barriers to high-quality arts experiences in communities with limited access. The grants range from $1,000 to $30,000, with a grant period of two years. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed as numerical targets, the emphasis on engaging new audiences, supporting diverse programming, and strengthening arts engagement suggests that successful outcomes would be demonstrated through increased attendance, participation, and the development of new artistic initiatives within Fairfax County.

This funding opportunity supports community-led initiatives in Philadelphia that aim to reduce violence and enhance neighborhood safety, particularly for young Black and brown men, through various programs like job training, educational outreach, and trauma-informed care.

This grant provides funding to support projects that enhance public spaces and engage the community in transforming Downtown Clearwater into a vibrant and creative destination.

The Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) offers a grant program aimed at supporting arts projects within Moore County, North Carolina. This grant seeks to provide funds for both new arts initiatives and general operating expenses for eligible organizations. The ACMC's mission aligns with fostering artistic endeavors and cultural enrichment by empowering local groups to implement diverse arts programs that benefit the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status, or those utilizing a fiscal agent, as well as schools within Moore County. While individual artists are not directly eligible for these Grassroots Arts funds, they may apply for an Artists Support Grant. The impact goal is to strengthen the arts infrastructure in Moore County by supporting a variety of artistic expressions and making them accessible to the community. The grant prioritizes projects in focus areas such as performances, festivals, art exhibitions, after-school arts programs, arts camps, artist residencies, and artist fees for classes and workshops. It also supports marketing expenses, royalties, props, sets, costumes, and equipment rental for theatre performances. These focuses are designed to ensure a broad spectrum of artistic activities are supported, reflecting a strategic priority to cultivate a vibrant and diverse arts scene. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts events and programs in Moore County, greater community engagement with the arts, and enhanced support for local artists and arts organizations. Measurable results could include the number of performances held, participants in workshops, and attendance at festivals and exhibitions. The ACMC's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for these initiatives, it can directly contribute to the cultural vitality and educational enrichment of Moore County.

This program provides funding to support innovative arts projects in Racine County, Wisconsin, encouraging collaboration among local artists, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for events and programs that promote cultural enrichment, tourism, and community engagement, aiming to attract visitors and enhance the local tourism economy.

The Miami Foundation's Arts Access Catalyst Grant Program aims to bridge disparities in arts education across the Miami-Dade region, leveraging data from artlook® Miami to inform its strategy. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster stronger arts partnerships within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) ecosystem. The program's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in organizations that prioritize access, equity, collaboration, and data-driven approaches, they can significantly enhance arts education opportunities for young people, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Miami-Dade County young people, with a particular focus on those facing marginalization due to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, mixed-abilities, or other lines of difference. The program's impact goals are to increase access to arts education opportunities, advance equity within the arts landscape, and promote collaborative efforts between arts organizations and M-DCPS schools. By supporting projects that engage youth in the arts and demonstrate clear strategies for increasing access, the Foundation seeks to create a more inclusive and vibrant arts education environment. For this grant cycle, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focused on artist residencies and professional development, dance and theater, and addressing school needs. Key priorities include a strong emphasis on access to arts education, advancing equity, and fostering collaboration. The Foundation also stresses the importance of using data directly from artlook Miami to guide and inform projects, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and responsive to actual community needs. Additionally, grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $750,000 are prioritized, recognizing their potential for deep community engagement and the need for support in navigating school partnerships. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in youth participation in arts education programs, stronger partnerships between arts organizations and M-DCPS schools, and a more equitable distribution of arts opportunities across Miami-Dade County. The grant provides $20,000 distributed over a two-year cycle, with the Foundation reviewing grantees' progress to ensure ongoing alignment and optimal use of funds before confirming second-year funding. The grant period spans from August 2024 to June 2025 for Year 1, and July 2025 to June 2026 for Year 2, allowing for sustained impact and the development of long-term initiatives.