Local Humanities Grants

Community Arts Grants are being offered to small nonprofit arts organizations in Monterey County. These grants provide support for public arts and culture projects/programs with funding of up to $5,000 per year. Eligible organizations may receive one grant per year, provided they have submitted the final report for their previous grant before applying for a new one. Program Description: Community Arts Grants are available to small nonprofit arts organizations seeking support for public arts and culture projects/programs up to $5,000 per year. Organizations may only receive one grant per year and must have completed their previous grant’s final report before submitting a new application. Definition: An arts and cultural organization is defined as an entity with a primary purpose of providing arts, creative, or cultural programming/services. Assessed by Arts4MC staff, this purpose is determined by the organization’s mission, purpose statement, and/or by its summary of core organizational programs and services. Funding provided by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. If you need assistance, call Klara Hickmanova: 831-622-9060 ext. 103 or email klara(at)arts4mc.org Eligibility Criteria: Grant Program staff determines the eligibility of the applicant based on the following criteria: Monterey County-based nonprofit organizations whose budgets are $250,000 or less and seeking support for public arts and culture projects in Monterey County. An applicant without nonprofit status may use a California-based Fiscal Sponsor with a federal 501(c) (3) designation to conduct work on a nonprofit project. (contact Action Council.) Planned project/program must be completed in Monterey County within one year of grant award; and Fiscal sponsor letter, letter of approval from your Board President/Chair or Group Leader and letters of recommendations need to be within 60 days of the application; and Reporting requirements for previous Arts4MC Community Arts grants have been met. Restrictions: Universities and colleges are limited to providing fiscal sponsorship for one arts program only. Grants may not support operating costs for the university or college, but must be applied to program and overhead costs of the applying entity. Grants may not be applied toward support for political or religious purposes, fundraisers for other organizations or causes, capital improvements, the purchase of equipment or real property, or projects already completed. Deadline: Submit anytime; reviewed monthly. Until funds expended or June 30, 2024, 11:59 pm. Review Process: Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The Arts Council appoints a panel comprised of five community members with diverse perspectives, representing our County’s five districts to review all applications. The highest scoring grant applications will be complete and accurate, attaching only required documents. They will also substantially demonstrate: The overall strength of the organization, including the evidence of community support and leadership. Quality of the program or project, scope of service and potential impact for Monterey County residents. Evidence of unique contribution(s) to the region.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that enhance public spaces and amenities in Hastings, encouraging local partnerships and civic engagement.

The Rockland Small Businesses Rescue Grant Program in New York offers funding to small businesses and micro-enterprises in Rockland County that have experienced revenue declines or unexpected operating cost deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses include indoor arts, entertainment, and recreation; pet grooming, boarding, and walking; restaurants, eateries, food stands and trucks, bars, bakeries, cafes, breweries/wineries catering, delis; bookstores/stationary; housekeeping; fitness centers; florists; general retail; salons/spas; bicycle shops; and other consumer service firms. The grant covers expenses such as commercial or retail rent reimbursement (up to 3 months with no arrears), safety investments (PPE, cleaning supplies, UV disinfection equipment or services), hardware and software fees, credit card processing fees (difference of % increase), carriage fees, marketing fees (advertising and promotion), business enterprise certification fees, and operational supplies.

COVID-19 Relief Fund in California is offering ongoing operating grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies supporting vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic. Grant requests will be considered for basic needs assistance, program support, mental health impact programming, and proactive COVID-19 recovery efforts. Grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $30,000 and will be reviewed continuously.

This grant provides financial support to arts organizations in California to help them recover from the pandemic while promoting accessibility and engagement in the arts for the Simi Valley community.

This grant provides funding for individual artists, arts organizations, and small businesses in Chula Vista to create free cultural events and projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity in various artistic disciplines.

This program provides financial support to local businesses in Helotes, Texas, to help them establish or enhance their online sales presence through matching grants for e-commerce marketing initiatives.

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 North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant Program in Missouri has been allocated $37 million of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for administration by the St. Louis Development Corporation. The program includes Community Need Grants for small businesses and nonprofits located in a HUD Qualified Census Tract within a neighborhood containing part of one of the North St. Louis Commercial Corridors, as well as Small Business Stabilization & Expansion Grants for operational support and business growth. Additionally, there is a Façade and Storefront Improvements Program aimed at enhancing the value of businesses and improving the quality of customer experience in North St. Louis neighborhoods.

Grant Opportunity: California: Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program (Round 2) The Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program aims to provide relief to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns. A total of $107,500 in relief funds will be distributed by Nevada County, with administration and technical assistance provided by Sierra Business Council. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing certified equipment, investing in working capital, obtaining or renewing local permits, paying business debt accrued due to the pandemic, and covering costs resulting from pandemic-related health and safety restrictions or business interruptions. To qualify as a "qualified microbusiness," entities must meet specific criteria related to their physical address within Nevada County, commencement of operations before December 31, 2019, significant impact from the pandemic evidenced by revenue reduction or attestation, annual revenues below $50,000 in 2019, and primary income source for the owner in 2019. For more details and application information, visit the Microbusiness Grants website.

City of Seattle: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute Facility Grant (Washington) - The LHPAI Facility Grant supports public projects, opportunities, or events that celebrate and preserve African American and Diaspora performing arts and cultural legacies. It provides up to 40 hours of staffed building use for public arts or cultural events at LHPAI, with no monetary investment. Projects must focus on audience expansion, LHPAI goals, and community impact, serving underserved artists and communities while building community through arts and culture.

Grant Opportunity: City of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant (Maine) The City of Lewiston is offering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist in developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for low-moderate income individuals. The grant funds are specifically designated for activities associated with preparing for, responding to, or recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible activities include public services, public facilities and infrastructure improvements such as building rehabilitation, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, installation of public works and facilities. Additionally, eligible expenses covered by the CDBG-CV funds include labor, supplies, materials and operation/maintenance of the facility where a public service is located. Applicants are required to provide detailed documentation including activity descriptions, client demographics and project budgets. For more information on eligibility and application process, visit City of Lewiston's website.

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at [email protected] or Ben Espinosa at [email protected].

This grant provides funding to community organizations in California that work to improve health and wellness by addressing systemic barriers faced by low-income individuals, people of color, youth, immigrants, and rural residents.

This grant provides financial support to various organizations, including nonprofits and small businesses, to implement projects that enhance social services, arts, recreation, and community activities for residents of South Windsor, Connecticut.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants provide general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural and humanities organizations in Iowa. Donor Name: Iowa Arts & Culture State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their cultural and managerial excellence and community service are eligible to apply. Funding for the program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Funding Information Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, to support opera ng expenses that are incurred within each eligible funding period. Funding Period The three-year funding period will be in effect from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027. Who Qualifies? Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and purpose is focused on arts or culture and arts or cultural divisions of a municipal government. Eligible entities must maintain a cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 per year. Applicant must have a minimum of one dedicated staff or volunteer position that works for the organization year-round and is responsible for oversight and management of the organization. For more information, visit Iowa Arts & Culture.