Private Arts Grants

The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Tucson, and Pima County will accept proposals for funding from arts and culture organizations in Tucson and Southern Arizona. The Arts Foundation will steward local, regional and federal funds to complement a 3-year initiative to equitably rebuild arts economies in the borderlands and strengthen civic participation. Operating Support Grants will invest in Southern Arizona’s arts economy to 1) Restore/create jobs and 2) Incentivize arts & civic engagement. The grant program is open to 501(c)3 Arts Organizations located within the Arts Foundation’s service area, which includes counties and Tribal Nations that reside between the southern edges of the Gila River to the US-Mexico international border. *Fiscally sponsored organizations residing within Pima County may apply. Operating Support Grants intend to make awards that will impact a broad constituency. This includes a wide geographic range and organizations that support underserved populations such as those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Applicants will be asked to complete an online form including contact information, artistic mission, arts programming, demographics, and budget.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Hardman Fund, aimed at enriching the lives of residents in North Adams, Florida, Clarksburg, MA, and Stamford, VT, by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human and social services, education, and the environment, with a special interest in initiatives that assist people in difficult economic circumstances and enrich the cultural and natural environment.

This grant provides financial support to artists for creating exterior murals in Franklin County, Ohio, with a focus on promoting community engagement and artistic excellence, particularly for those from historically marginalized communities.

The U.S. Embassy Kyiv's Public Diplomacy Small Grants (PDSG) Program focused on EDUCATION is an open competition seeking applications from Ukrainian non-government, non-profit organizations. The program's core objective, aligned with U.S. Public Diplomacy goals, is to support projects that strengthen Ukraine’s educational system as a vital contributor to the nation's post-war restoration and development. Projects are expected to be administered by Ukrainian NGOs in collaboration with local education counterparts like colleges, universities, and government entities, with collaboration or partnerships with U.S. organizations and the use of U.S. concepts/experts highly encouraged. Preference is explicitly given to proposals that demonstrate clear, sustainable results and strengthen US-Ukraine people-to-people ties or have the potential for lasting engagement between institutions. The primary beneficiaries and key participants are Ukrainian stakeholders in education—those with the ability to shape the sector to address the pragmatic challenges of the post-war recovery period. The specific target audience includes social groups most affected by the war, such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as key decision-makers in crisis circumstances. The overarching impact goal is to modernize and expand Ukraine's education system to integrate vulnerable populations and effectively connect the education system to the specific, immediate demands of the labor market for economic recovery and growth. The grant outlines four specific thematic priorities. The first is promoting collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and government to produce a qualified workforce for economic recovery, including the design of dual education programs and new study plans adjusted to employer needs. Second is the development of training and programs for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and IDPs, which may include piloting centers for veterans services and disabilities services at universities, focusing on entrepreneurship and vocational re-training. The third priority is supporting the optimization of the educational system in response to war and reconstruction challenges, ensuring access to high-quality education, and aligning with Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Finally, the fourth priority focuses on developing civic education programs for Ukrainian students and adults to facilitate social cohesion and the reintegration of citizens from occupied territories and those sheltered abroad. The program's theory of change is that by leveraging U.S. expertise and fostering deep, lasting US-Ukraine institutional engagement, the modernization of Ukraine's education system will directly address post-war challenges, drive economic recovery, and facilitate societal stability. The strategic priority is to support the continuity and modernization of Ukrainian education to ensure a qualified workforce and reintegrate its most vulnerable populations. The expected outcomes are measurable and sustainable improvements; consequently, all proposals must include a rigorous monitoring and evaluation plan with clearly defined indicators to ensure the realization of project goals is quantifiable and verifiable.

The Libra Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for Maine residents by strategically deploying its financial resources to stimulate economic development, foster entrepreneurial ventures, and create employment opportunities within the state. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's core mission to support innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs. The foundation's strategic approach involves leveraging its assets to achieve economic benefits for Maine and its residents, while also prioritizing the welfare and betterment of children. This reflects a dual focus on both economic prosperity and social well-being, indicating a holistic theory of change that sees economic growth as a means to improve overall societal conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a specific emphasis on children who stand to benefit from the funded initiatives. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that can develop and implement programs offering potential economic benefits across the state. This includes job creation, economic growth, and the fostering of entrepreneurial activity, all contributing to an improved quality of life. The expected outcomes are centered on measurable progress in these areas, with successful applications demonstrating clear pathways to sustainable development and positive community impact. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative local businesses and programs, it can create a ripple effect of economic and social improvement throughout Maine. The Libra Foundation's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing various areas of giving such as Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit, and Religion. This wide scope allows the foundation to address diverse needs within Maine while remaining committed to its overarching goals of economic development and child welfare. While the grant program has a general size of $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants will not exceed $25,000. This suggests a strategic allocation of resources to support a wider array of smaller, impactful projects rather than a few large ones, thereby maximizing the reach and diversity of its funding. To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of its grants, the Libra Foundation has clear eligibility criteria. Only organizations that have been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) of the Code are considered. This ensures that the foundation partners with legitimate and transparent entities, reinforcing its commitment to responsible philanthropy. The requirement for evidence of this determination at the time of application underscores the foundation's due diligence and strategic focus on supporting organizations that meet specific legal and ethical standards, thereby safeguarding its investments and maximizing the potential for positive outcomes for the residents of Maine.

This funding opportunity provides $5,000 to small arts organizations in Pennsylvania with annual revenues between $10,000 and $200,000, allowing them to address various administrative and programmatic needs.

This funding opportunity supports Armenian cultural institutions and organizations in enhancing their infrastructure, promoting artistic engagement, and preserving cultural heritage through various initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to artists and arts organizations in South Carolina for quality arts projects, capacity building, and professional development, particularly in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties.

The Native American Agriculture Fund invites applications to its 2024 grant program. The fund provides support consistent with its trust agreement to advance business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services for Native American producers and communities. Funding is offered across entity types with both general and special focus areas. Pools include support for nonprofit organizations, educational organizations, community development financial institutions, and tribal governments and instrumentalities. Special focus areas emphasize climate and regenerative agricultural practices and, for CDFIs, additional CDFI and Native CDFI support. Youth programming is available to all eligible entity types. Funds may support projects of 12 or 24 months and may be used for project support, general support, scholarships, re grants, lending programs, or capital expenditures. Stated pools and request ranges include, among others, 1,000,000 dollars for nonprofit general and special focus with requests between 100,000 and 200,000 dollars, 500,000 dollars for educational organizations with requests between 75,000 and 150,000 dollars, 4,500,000 dollars for CDFIs with no fixed request limits, and 1,000,000 dollars for youth programming with requests from 20,000 to 200,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, educational organizations described in Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii), community development financial institutions including certified and emerging Native CDFIs that are 501(c)(3), and instrumentalities of federally recognized tribes meeting the fund’s charitable and reporting requirements including limited waivers as applicable. The program aligns with the trust agreement’s definitions and restrictions. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Typical award sizes for some pools range from 100,000 to 500,000 dollars depending on entity type and focus. Additional information and official details are provided by the Native American Agriculture Fund.

The Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) offers Technical Assistance Grants designed to bolster the internal operations and overall effectiveness of nonprofit organizations situated in Lowndes, Macon, and/or Montgomery counties, Alabama. These grants align with the foundation's mission to support and strengthen the community by investing in the capacity of its nonprofit sector. By providing essential operational support, CACF aims to foster more robust and impactful organizations that can better serve their constituents and address critical community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations operating within the specified Alabama counties that are seeking to enhance their foundational infrastructure and strategic capabilities. The impact goals are centered on improving organizational efficiency, strengthening governance, and ultimately leading to more effective program delivery and sustainable community impact. The grant directly addresses these goals by offering funding for key areas of organizational development. The program prioritizes several critical areas for organizational improvement. Funding is available for strategic planning, which helps organizations define their long-term vision and roadmap for success. It also supports organizational and board infrastructure development, ensuring strong governance and operational frameworks. Furthermore, the grants focus on fund development and marketing/public relations, enabling nonprofits to secure necessary resources and effectively communicate their mission and impact to a wider audience. The maximum award for a single grant application is $3,000, with the overall grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include more strategically aligned organizations, improved operational efficiency, enhanced fundraising capabilities, and increased public awareness and support for the beneficiary nonprofits. Measurable results could include the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, the establishment of a more effective board, an increase in secured funding, or an expanded reach through improved marketing efforts. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on providing targeted support for specific capacity-building initiatives. CACF's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to be rooted in the belief that by strengthening the organizational health of nonprofits, they can amplify their collective impact on the community. By investing in technical assistance, the foundation enables these organizations to move beyond immediate programmatic needs and build long-term sustainability and resilience. This approach ensures that funding translates into enduring improvements in how nonprofits operate and serve their communities, fostering a more vibrant and effective social sector in Central Alabama.

The DC Bar Foundation's 2025 Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program is designed to fund civil legal services for low-income residents and those in underserved areas of the District of Columbia. This program aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to increase access to justice, specifically by providing free civil legal services. The grant targets nonprofit legal service providers within the District of Columbia, focusing on specific categories: underserved areas, housing-related matters, and supporting a shared legal services interpreter bank. The overall goal is to address the most pressing civil legal needs of vulnerable District residents, ensuring they receive necessary legal assistance that they might otherwise be unable to access. The primary beneficiaries of the ATJ Grants Program are District residents with low income, as defined by HUD income limits, and those considered "underserved." Underserved individuals include those who lack adequate and affordable access to legal services due to factors like neighborhood, geographic area, language, culture, ethnicity, religion, or life situation. The program also specifically considers special populations such as individuals in correctional facilities, those experiencing or fleeing violence, and unhoused individuals. The impact goal is to expand the number of DC residents receiving legal assistance, enhance the accessibility of these services, and prevent duplication of services across the District. The Foundation prioritizes proposals that address underserved areas, housing-related issues, or support a shared legal services interpreter bank. Furthermore, priority is given to projects that are likely to expand the number of residents receiving legal aid, avoid service duplication, increase accessibility, and expand pro bono participation by recruiting, training, and supervising law firm attorneys. The Foundation also seeks proposals that strategically leverage DCBF resources to expand efforts by other service providers or provide services that might not be supported by other funding sources, and those that test innovative approaches to achieve these priorities. Expected outcomes and measurable results for funded projects include significant amounts of legal services delivered, measured by volume and type of services, the number of DC residents assisted, and the number of cases accepted. Projects are expected to increase access to services in underserved areas, as measured by the percentage of proposed legal services provided in areas with high concentrations of low-income or underserved residents. High goals for outreach and training are also expected, measured by the number of efforts, individuals reached, and materials distributed. Finally, projects should demonstrate increased engagement of pro bono attorneys and law firms, measured by recruitment, training, and growth in participation. Organizations applying for funding must have systems in place for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, including self-assessment methods, and demonstrate a strong capacity for delivering the proposed services with a high likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant period.

The Art Project grant program, administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), aims to foster and support artistic creation, performance, and appreciation within its designated region. This program directly aligns with SMAC's mission to stimulate and encourage the arts by providing financial resources to eligible nonprofit organizations. The grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, specifically targets arts-related initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of Southwest Minnesota, with individual project funding capped at $7,000. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) entities, and official units of city, county, or state government within the 18 counties and two tribal nations of the SW MN Arts Council service region. Public schools are also eligible for community projects. The program allows for fiscal sponsorship, enabling emerging or smaller organizations without formal nonprofit status to apply. The impact goal is to enhance community engagement with the arts, support local artists, and make artistic experiences accessible to residents of all ages. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing various art forms. Eligible projects include music, dance, and theater productions, visual art exhibits, author readings, arts classes for community members (excluding school-based projects), public art installations, and arts festivals. This wide scope reflects a commitment to a diverse and inclusive artistic environment, catering to different interests and forms of expression. The grant period for projects is from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and variety of art projects available to the community, greater participation in artistic activities, and the continued development of local artistic talent. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "stimulating and encouraging" the arts suggests that success would be measured by the vibrancy and accessibility of the arts in the region, as well as the organizational health and capacity of the grantee organizations. The grant duration of one year allows for focused project implementation and assessment within a defined timeframe.

The 2024 Austin Film Society (AFS) Grant for Feature Films is now accepting applications, offering financial support to film and video artists in Texas. This grant program aligns with AFS's mission to foster diverse and underrepresented voices in independent film, supporting artists whose work demonstrates promise, skill, and creativity. AFS is particularly committed to providing support to women filmmakers and those who identify with communities of color, aiming to strengthen the artist community within Texas and ensure its continued vibrancy. The grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, with specific awards like the AFS Grant for Features in Production offering up to $15,000 cash, and the AFS Grant for Features in Development providing a one-time, unrestricted $10,000 grant. The grant targets documentary and narrative film projects that are 40 minutes or longer and are in development, pre-production, production, or post-production stages. Target beneficiaries include emerging and established filmmakers residing in Texas, with a special focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the North Texas Pioneer Film Award. This award, totaling $30,000 in cash grants (ranging from $5,000 to $15,000), specifically aims to fund emerging filmmakers with first or second feature films and those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in independent film. The impact goal is to support the creation of compelling cinematic works and cultivate a robust independent film landscape in Texas. Key priorities for the AFS Grant include supporting filmmakers with a current Texas residency who are directors or co-directors of their projects. The program explicitly excludes full-time students outside of Texas, previous Texas residents, out-of-state directors on Texas-based films, and AFS staff or board members. Eligible projects must be single, stand-alone works in various film and video genres, excluding industrial/promotional pieces, music videos, "works-for-hire," and television or web series. For development support, filmmakers must have an established body of work, demonstrated by at least one completed feature-length film, several short films, or a background in television writing and directing, and must provide at least two samples of previous work. Expected outcomes include the advancement of feature-length film projects in Texas, an increase in the number of films produced by diverse and underrepresented voices, and the sustained growth of the state's artist community. While specific measurable results like the number of completed films or festival selections are not explicitly detailed in this description, the grant structure implies that the successful completion and progression of projects through various production stages are key indicators of success. The unrestricted nature of the development grant for career artists suggests a trust in their ability to use funds effectively to advance their projects, with proposals outlining how the $10,000 will aid progress. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to build a robust pipeline for independent film production in Texas and to champion diversity within the film industry. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing direct financial support and in-kind resources to Texas-based filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented groups, they can stimulate creative output, foster talent, and ultimately contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive cinematic landscape. The emphasis on specific grants for development and production, as well as awards for regional filmmakers, demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to achieving these strategic objectives.

This funding opportunity provides $1,000 to artists and activists for new projects that creatively address systemic racism and mass incarceration, with a focus on collaboration with those directly affected by these issues.

The 2025 Social Services Grants, a collaborative effort between the City of Topeka and United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV), aim to support critical social services for Topeka residents. These grants are funded through a combination of City General Funds and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds, reflecting a commitment to addressing the community's most pressing needs. The program's mission aligns with supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing the overall well-being of the city, targeting a broad range of social issues through strategic allocation of resources. The grant program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its impact goals. These include senior citizen neighborhood-based programming (meals, activities, transportation), medical assistance for low-income individuals, programs for at-risk youth, emergency housing and utility assistance, neighborhood and independent living services for persons with severe and persistent mental illness, and support services for non-English-speaking residents. The overarching goal is to stabilize lives, prevent emergencies, and provide essential aid to those in crisis, fostering a more resilient and equitable Topeka. Target beneficiaries for these grants are diverse, encompassing the elderly, children, disabled adults, homeless individuals, low-income families, and non-English-speaking residents residing within Topeka city limits. The grants are designed to support programs that either serve all Topekans or specific groups with specialized needs. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital services, enhanced quality of life for vulnerable populations, and reduced instances of hardship and crisis. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the demonstrated impact on beneficiaries' well-being. Approximately $492,000 will be available for Social Services Grants in 2025, with individual grant requests ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $27,000. Eligible expenses cover operating costs, staff salaries, and direct service costs such as supplies, transportation, childcare, healthcare, substance abuse services, employment services, recreational services, and facility leases. Emergency income payments for shelter (rent, mortgage, utility) are also eligible, provided they do not exceed two months and are paid directly to the provider. Food, however, is not an allowable expense. The program emphasizes a one-year project and budget period for funded initiatives.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving tribal members in Swain, Jackson, Cherokee, Graham, and Haywood counties of North Carolina. These grants are designed to address a broad range of local needs, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated as a separate entity from the grant program, aligns with fostering community well-being and supporting essential services within the tribal member communities it serves. The grantmaking strategy focuses on empowering local organizations to deliver impactful programs that directly benefit the identified counties. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are tribal members residing in the specified counties. The overarching impact goal is to meet local needs across a variety of sectors, thereby improving the quality of life and strengthening the communities served. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the broad range of purposes suggests a desire for tangible improvements in areas such as access to education, enhanced health outcomes, youth engagement, and cultural enrichment. The funding information, which indicates grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, implies that these grants are intended to support smaller-scale, community-led initiatives that can have a direct and immediate impact. The program prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, those with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding, but only for social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community at large, not for general operating support. This focus ensures that the grants are directed towards organizations with a proven commitment to public service and community benefit, while also establishing clear boundaries for religious organizations to maintain a charitable rather than proselytizing focus. A key strategic priority for the foundation is to ensure that funding directly benefits the communities within its affiliate network. Organizations serving multiple counties within the network are even encouraged to submit separate applications for each affiliate, underscoring a commitment to localized impact. Furthermore, a crucial element of the foundation's theory of change is the requirement that organizations offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. This commitment to inclusivity and equitable access ensures that the grant funds serve all eligible tribal members, fostering a more just and supportive community environment.

The Seeds of Sustainability Grant Program, offered by the Western New York Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofit organizations working within the food system. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to improve organizational capacity and drive transformative work. Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to empower nonprofits to achieve their objectives and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system in the region. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are small to mid-size nonprofit organizations with budgets between $100,000 and $6,000,000, operating within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York. The program's impact goals center on enhancing the operational effectiveness and sustainable growth of these organizations. It seeks to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to amplify their impact on local and regional food systems. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include supporting strategic leadership development, fostering collaboration among community stakeholders, strengthening communication efforts to raise awareness and attract resources, expanding resources to stabilize financials, promoting programming excellence, and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. These focuses are designed to address the multifaceted needs of nonprofits and build a robust foundation for long-term success. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved board and staff leadership, stronger community engagement and expanded services through collaborative efforts, increased awareness and resource attraction due to enhanced communications, greater financial stability and long-term sustainability, more effective program delivery and evaluation, and improved day-to-day operational productivity in areas such as administration, grant management, finance, human resources, technology, and facility management. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to capacity building, believing that by strengthening the internal capabilities of nonprofits, they can more effectively drive transformative change in the food system. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, demonstrate a commitment to transformative change in the food system, and have three years of 990 filings. The program's detailed approach, from leadership support to operational enhancements, reflects the Western New York Foundation's comprehensive strategy for fostering sustainable growth and impactful work within the vital food sector of the region.

This grant provides Maryland counties and municipalities with resources and incentives to promote economic growth and cultural development through the establishment of designated arts and entertainment districts.

This grant provides financial support and coworking resources to small businesses in Massachusetts with limited revenue and staff, aiming to boost local entrepreneurship and community growth.

This funding opportunity supports local artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties to create new public art projects that engage and involve their communities.