Private Arts Grants

The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and overall ecosystem health within Santa Barbara County. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by investing in projects that preserve and enhance the region's natural resources, ensuring a healthy and accessible environment for all residents. The grants support both new and existing initiatives that demonstrate a clear need and aim to create lasting positive change in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the communities and natural landscapes of Santa Barbara County. The impact goals include improving equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, restoring degraded habitats, protecting ecologically significant lands, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The program seeks to empower well-managed, financially viable organizations to implement effective projects that address identified environmental needs, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and environmentally conscious Santa Barbara County. Key priorities for funding include projects focused on preserving and ensuring equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, community-based restoration in various natural areas (wetlands, streams, coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands), early-stage investigations for land conservation efforts, and piloting or expanding projects that exemplify best practices in conservation. The strongest projects are those that foster partnerships and collaborations, incorporate community involvement and education, and align with broader regional plans such as Santa Barbara County’s Conservation Blueprint or the Food Action Plan. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new trails and restoration of existing ones, the permanent protection of ecologically and agriculturally valuable lands, the restoration of critical habitats, and the implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable land, forestry, and water management. Measurable results could include increased acres of conserved land, miles of accessible trails, improved biodiversity in restored areas, and enhanced community awareness and engagement in conservation efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on collaborative approaches, community engagement, and alignment with existing regional conservation strategies, reflecting a theory of change that prioritizes collective action and long-term planning for environmental resilience.

This program provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 to enhance their operations and community programs.

The Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, aims to support performing arts programs. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance opportunities for elementary and middle school youth, particularly those who have limited access to arts education. The grant seeks to foster an appreciation and understanding of various performing arts, connecting with the foundation's broader goal of supporting children from underserved or historically disadvantaged communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are elementary and middle school-aged youth who have fewer opportunities to engage with and learn about the arts. The impact goal is to increase their exposure to and appreciation of performing arts. The fund focuses on supporting programs within the seven-county Metro Denver region, ensuring that the foundation's efforts are concentrated within its defined service area and reach the intended demographic. The program prioritizes performing arts such as ballet, tap, jazz, opera, symphonic music, musicals, and theater productions. Strong applications will demonstrate an effective approach to promoting and furthering the teaching and appreciation of these art forms. The expected outcomes include increased participation in and understanding of performing arts among targeted youth, leading to enhanced cultural literacy and personal development. Measurable results could include attendance numbers, program completion rates, and feedback from participants and educators regarding the impact of the programs. While the document does not explicitly detail The Denver Foundation's overarching strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on underserved youth in the arts suggests a strategic commitment to equitable access to cultural enrichment and youth development. The grant amounts, expected to range from $5,000 to $15,000, indicate a strategy of supporting numerous impactful, smaller-scale programs that can collectively create a significant difference within the community. The eligibility criteria emphasize supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those with fiscal sponsors, ensuring that funds are distributed to legitimate and well-governed entities capable of delivering the intended programming.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Mississippi to support projects that improve economic security and health for women and girls, particularly in underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and communities in Maine for humanities projects that promote public engagement and exploration of cultural and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Staten Island artists, collaborative groups, and community arts organizations for public art and cultural projects that engage the local community and promote under-resourced disciplines.

The Art and Change Grant (ACG), provided by the Leeway Foundation, offers up to $2,500 to fund art for social change projects. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to support artists and cultural producers who are deeply involved in creating art that positively affects and engages communities and audiences, ensuring that social change is integral to their artistic process and goals. The foundation prioritizes art with a vision and intentional analysis, recognizing it as a powerful tool for societal impact. The target beneficiaries for the ACG are women, trans, and/or gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers who reside in Greater Philadelphia, specifically in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County, and are at least 18 years old. The grant aims to empower these artists to use their creative practices to foster social change. The impact goals include raising consciousness, altering perspectives on self, society, or culture, creating visions of a more just world, and serving as a strategy for organizing and movement building. The grant prioritizes art that addresses various forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and ableism. It also focuses on art that questions mainstream culture and beliefs, shifts perceptions of power and privilege, and values healing justice practices. Expected outcomes include strengthening communities, preserving or reclaiming traditional cultural practices, building a sense of community, and creating spaces for expression. The grant also emphasizes a reciprocal process of teaching and learning, ensuring mutual benefit for both the artist and the community engaged. The Leeway Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting project-based art for social change across any medium, including traditional, nontraditional, multimedia, and experimental forms. Their theory of change posits that by empowering individual artists to create socially engaged art, they can catalyze significant community-wide impact. The foundation aims for measurable results through projects that demonstrate a clear vision for social change and actively engage communities, fostering a more just and equitable world through artistic and cultural practice.

The Duplin County Community Foundation (DCCF) Grant Program is currently accepting applications to support qualified charitable organizations serving the local community of Duplin County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the DCCF's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The grant-making fund supports various purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a responsive grant-making approach that addresses the diverse needs within the community, ensuring that funds are directed where they can have the most significant impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations that serve the community-at-large within Duplin County. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community, but not for general operating support. The impact goal is to strengthen the local community by supporting essential services and programs that improve the quality of life for its residents. The foundation aims to create a ripple effect of positive change through its investments. The program prioritizes initiatives that meet local needs in a wide array of areas. This broad focus allows for flexibility in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities within Duplin County. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved educational opportunities, healthier residents, and greater access to nutritious food and artistic programs. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of individuals served by grant-funded programs, improvements in specific indicators related to health or education, and the overall positive impact on the well-being of Duplin County residents. The Duplin County Community Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by providing financial support to well-aligned and impactful local organizations, the foundation can empower these entities to deliver vital services and programs. This, in turn, leads to a stronger, more resilient, and vibrant community. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity, requiring organizations to offer programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief, ensuring equitable access to resources and benefits for all residents. The typical grant range from the community grantmaking fund is $500 to $1,000.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers two types of microgrants: Project Microgrants and Professional Development Microgrants. The Project Microgrants are designed for local projects that are free, open to the public, and directly benefit Long Beach residents. These projects are expected to support community representation and cultural respect, encourage cultural diversity, and/or enhance underserved communities. The Professional Development Microgrants assist Long Beach artists with funding for opportunities such as workshops or conferences, aiming to enhance the artist's or organization's ability to serve Long Beach residents, particularly in underserved areas. The overall mission alignment of the Arts Council is to promote and support arts and cultural activities that benefit the Long Beach community. The primary target beneficiaries of these microgrants are Long Beach residents, artists, and organizations within the city. The impact goals are centered around fostering cultural diversity, community representation, and enhancing the lives of residents through accessible arts and cultural experiences. For Professional Development Microgrants, the goal is to strengthen the capabilities of individual artists and arts organizations, which in turn enhances their service to the Long Beach community. Both grant types emphasize supporting underserved communities and populations within Long Beach, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural benefits. The priorities and focuses of the Arts Council for Long Beach include supporting publicly accessible arts and cultural presentations in any art form, single events or series of events, arts and cultural festivals, arts education programs, traditional folk arts presentations, public art, and initiatives that promote the Long Beach arts and cultural sector. For professional development, funding prioritizes opportunities that enhance the applicant's ability to serve Long Beach residents, with specific provisions for conference fees and equipment/tools for art making. The emphasis is on projects that are free, open to the public, and directly beneficial to the local community. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and culturally representative arts projects, enhanced professional skills for Long Beach artists, and a more vibrant and accessible arts and cultural sector for all Long Beach residents. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, audience attendance at free public events, the number of artists participating in professional development, and the demonstrable benefits to underserved communities. The Arts Council's strategic priorities align with a theory of change where targeted financial support for local arts and artists directly contributes to community enrichment, cultural engagement, and the professional growth of the city's creative talent. This investment is seen as a catalyst for a more inclusive and thriving cultural landscape in Long Beach.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Massachusetts-based organizations that help early-stage climatetech startups grow and innovate, covering various operational and developmental expenses.

This program provides financial support to Native-led arts and cultural organizations in the U.S. to strengthen their operations and promote Indigenous arts and culture.

The Idaho Dental Foundation (IDF) operates as a charitable endowment fund dedicated to supporting community programs and organizations throughout Idaho. Its core mission is to enhance the oral health of Idaho’s underserved citizens by improving education and access to care. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's strategic priority to achieve the highest beneficial return for Idaho, focusing specifically on initiatives that directly address the oral health needs of vulnerable populations. The primary target beneficiaries of the IDF grants are Idaho's uninsured and working poor populations. The foundation's impact goals are centered on improving oral health outcomes within these groups. By funding projects that increase access to care and provide education, the IDF aims to reduce disparities in oral health and enhance the overall well-being of these citizens. The foundation's funding objectives clearly prioritize projects that improve the oral health of Idaho’s uninsured and those that increase the oral health of Idaho’s working poor. This focused approach ensures that grant funds are directed towards initiatives with a high potential for tangible impact on the most vulnerable. Typical grant awards range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a broader size of the grant from $1,000 to $10,000, indicating a preference for targeted, impactful projects. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved oral health for the targeted populations, increased access to dental care services, and enhanced oral health education within underserved communities. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "improving" and "increasing" oral health implies a commitment to measurable progress in these areas. The foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by supporting direct interventions and educational programs, it can effectively bridge the gap in oral healthcare access for Idaho's most in-need residents.

Main Street Ventures offers Launch Funding to emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a prototype or product. This grant program aims to support the growth and scaling of businesses within the Greater Cincinnati region, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster economic development and innovation in the area. The funding is specifically designed to cover key direct costs associated with growth projects, rather than general operating expenses, reflecting a strategic priority to provide tangible support for business acceleration. The primary target beneficiaries are business entities (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN) located in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Businesses must demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since their founding. The program focuses on specific growth projects that will accelerate business growth, with examples of suitable direct expenses including key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funds directly contribute to measurable business expansion. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. This reflects the foundation's strategic priorities to promote inclusivity and leverage additional investment, thereby maximizing the overall impact on the regional economy. The expected outcomes include the scaling of businesses, job creation, and increased economic vitality within the Greater Cincinnati region, with successful applicants demonstrating a clear impact of the grant funds on their business or the region. The Main Street Ventures' theory of change is rooted in providing early-stage, direct financial assistance to promising businesses to help them overcome critical growth hurdles. By focusing on direct costs and specific growth projects, the program aims to create a ripple effect, enabling these businesses to achieve significant milestones that would otherwise be out of reach. The emphasis on local businesses and underrepresented founders further amplifies the foundation's commitment to building a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Cincinnati area. The grant duration of three years allows for sustained support and monitoring of the businesses' progress.

The Master-Apprentice Artist Award, offered by the Southwest Folklife Alliance (SFA), provides direct financial support to master traditional artists in Arizona. Its core mission is to facilitate the intergenerational transmission of art, culture, and heritage practices from master artists to apprentice learners. This aligns with SFA's broader goal of strengthening community-based traditions throughout the Southwestern United States, emphasizing the vital role of mentorship and hands-on experience in cultural preservation. Target beneficiaries include master traditional artists and culture bearers residing in Arizona, as well as apprentices aged 16 and older (or younger if immediate family of the master artist). The program prioritizes masters and apprentices within the same cultural community and aims to support underrepresented traditional art forms with few remaining local practitioners. The impact goal is to ensure the continuity and vitality of diverse traditional art forms, fostering a new generation of skilled practitioners and preserving cultural heritage. The program focuses on a one-on-one teaching-learning relationship, where funds can cover artist fees, raw materials, and essential travel. Traditional master artists receive $5,000, and apprentices receive $500. SFA's strategic priority is to identify and support artists who demonstrate mastery of their art form, community recognition, and the ability to effectively share traditional knowledge. This approach reflects a theory of change that informal, community-rooted mentorship is the most effective way to transmit and sustain traditional arts. Expected outcomes include the successful transfer of traditional art skills and knowledge from master to apprentice, leading to a strengthened base of cultural practitioners. Measurable results would involve the number of successful apprenticeships, the continuation or revitalization of specific traditional art forms, and the increased recognition and practice of these traditions within their respective communities. The program ensures that applicants are full-time Arizona residents, further embedding the initiative within the local cultural landscape.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority, through the Iowa Arts Council, offers the Iowa Screenwriters Grant to support career advancement for Iowa screenwriters. The grant provides professional development resources tied to an active screenplay and aims to elevate the creative screenwriting industry in the state. Applicants may request between 500 and 2,500 dollars for one time project expenses incurred during the funding period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Eligible activities include conference or workshop registration, software or books for screenwriting, classes or apprenticeships, mentorship, and professional feedback on current work. Eligible screenplay formats include feature, short, web series, and episodic works including pilots and new seasons, as well as proof of concept and adaptations. Eligible applicants are individual screenwriters 18 years or older who are full time Iowa residents and who are currently registered in the Produce Iowa Production Directory. Projects must demonstrate clear professional development goals tied to the advancement of an active screenplay. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering the Refugee Social Services Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This grant aims to facilitate the effective and expeditious resettlement of refugees, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. The program aligns with the FSA's mission to support refugees and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible populations upon their resettlement in the District of Columbia, fostering their transition to life in the United States and promoting economic independence. The grant specifically supports the provision of employment assistance, case management, and community outreach services. The target beneficiaries for this program are individuals aged 16 and older who meet the criteria specified by the Office of the Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and have resettled in the District of Columbia. This includes refugees, asylees, Amerasians, Cuban/Haitian entrants, victims of severe forms of human trafficking, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders from Iraq and Afghanistan, Afghan Special Immigrant Parole SQ/SI individuals, Afghan Individuals with Special Immigrant (SI) Conditional Permanent Residence (CPR), Afghan Humanitarian Parolees, Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, and Lawful Permanent Residents who previously held one of the aforementioned statuses. The impact goal is to assist these populations in achieving economic self-sufficiency and successful integration into life in the United States. The program's priorities and focuses are to develop and execute a comprehensive program offering services and support tailored to the refugee population, specifically addressing barriers that hinder successful and prompt resettlement. Key components include employment assistance to help beneficiaries find jobs, case management to provide individualized support and guidance, and outreach services to ensure eligible refugees are aware of and can access available resources. The strategic priority is to create a robust support system that not only aids in immediate resettlement needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency and community integration. Expected outcomes include a significant number of refugees gaining employment, improved access to essential social and support services, and a reduction in barriers to resettlement. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals participating in employment programs, job placement rates, the number of case management interactions, and the reach of community outreach efforts. The underlying theory of change is that by providing comprehensive and tailored services in employment, case management, and outreach, refugees will be empowered to overcome initial resettlement challenges, achieve economic independence, and successfully integrate into the District of Columbia's community, leading to improved quality of life and reduced reliance on public assistance.

The Women's Philanthropy Society is offering grants to support a legacy of love and an enduring gift for future generations, addressing a broad spectrum of issues that impact community quality of life. For 2024, the Society has chosen Health & Wellness as its focus issue. This grant program aims to strategically address this focus area, align with the Society's philanthropic mission, and contribute to systemic change in the community. The target beneficiaries are organizations described in Code Section 170(c)(2), 501(c)(3), 2055(a)(2) or 2522(a)(2), excluding private foundations. This also includes schools, religious institutions, or government agencies located in the Greater Huntsville area. The grants are intended to create a positive impact on the health and wellness of the community, with a specific focus on the Greater Huntsville, Alabama geographic area, including Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and/or Morgan counties. Priority will be given to projects that strategically address the Health & Wellness focus area, involve more than one agency or organization and are collaborative in nature, address a desired systemic change, and provide clear and measurable outcomes. The funding information indicates that up to two high-impact $50,000 grants may be awarded, with the overall grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in health and wellness within the Greater Huntsville area, facilitated by collaborative efforts and systemic changes. The Society's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on projects with clear and measurable outcomes and a collaborative approach. The theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects that address systemic issues in health and wellness through collaborative efforts, the Women's Philanthropy Society can create a lasting positive impact on the quality of life in the community.

The City of Dunedin is currently accepting funding requests for its 2025 Aid to Social/Cultural Non-Profit Organizations program. This grant initiative is designed to support non-profit programs that provide broad benefits to the community and for which other City of Dunedin funding sources are not available. The program's mission aligns with enhancing community well-being by fostering social and cultural initiatives, demonstrating the City's commitment to supporting vital community services and enriching the lives of its residents through diverse programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the community as a whole, with a focus on programs from social/cultural non-profit organizations. The impact goal is to address specific community needs through various programs. The City of Dunedin emphasizes the importance of these organizations in contributing to the overall social and cultural landscape, ensuring that funding is directed towards initiatives that have a wide-reaching and positive effect on the population. Priority for funding will be given to programs that clearly demonstrate a benefit to the community as a whole and do not have alternative funding from the City. Organizations must submit a letter detailing the requested funding amount and justification, the specific community needs their programs address, how the funding will be utilized (e.g., personnel, operating, or capital costs), and the performance criteria for measuring community value. This structured approach ensures accountability and strategic allocation of resources. For organizations that received funding in FY 2024, a crucial requirement for eligibility is the submission of documentation illustrating the achievement of their FY 2024 public benefits and performance measures. This demonstrates the City's strategic priority on measurable results and accountability, aligning with a theory of change that effective funding leads to tangible community improvements. The expected outcomes are impactful social and cultural programs that are well-managed and deliver demonstrable value to the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that create pathways to success for young people aged 12 to 24, particularly those from marginalized communities in King County, Washington, by focusing on education, workforce development, and mentorship.

The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Nevada Heritage Fellowship, offered by the Nevada Arts Council (NAC), is designed to recognize and honor tradition bearers in Nevada who have made significant contributions to the state's traditional arts heritage. This fellowship serves as an honorarium, providing financial support without specific spending restrictions, thereby promoting public awareness and appreciation for the role of traditional arts in society. The NAC's mission to support and elevate the arts aligns directly with this program's goal of preserving and celebrating Nevada's cultural heritage through its traditional art forms. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists who are current Nevada residents (for at least one year prior to application), U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and at least 21 years old. They must be actively practicing in their traditional art discipline and not currently enrolled as degree-seeking students. Artists who have previously received two or more fellowships from the Nevada Arts Council are ineligible. The primary impact goal is to acknowledge outstanding cultural and artistic accomplishments across a body of work, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for traditional arts within the community. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate excellence and significance within their tradition, as well as evidence of artistic impact or contribution to living cultural heritage. The review process is concealed, with applicants identified by number, and a panel adjudicates and scores applications based on these criteria. Each criterion—clear demonstration of the artist’s excellence, clear demonstration of the artists’ significance, and evidence of artistic impact or contribution—is weighted at 10 points. The expected outcome of the Nevada Heritage Fellowship is the recognition and financial support of deserving tradition bearers, which in turn helps to preserve and promote Nevada's rich cultural heritage. Measurable results include the number of fellowships awarded annually and the public awareness generated through the acknowledgment of these artists. The $5,000 award, requiring no match, directly supports these artists, allowing them to continue their work and contribute to the state's artistic landscape. The grant duration is one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.