Private Arts Grants

This grant provides operational funding to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties to support their annual expenses and promote diverse artistic representation.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Genesee County, Michigan, to enhance community engagement and cultural initiatives through various arts programs.

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) is offering a 2024 Student grant program designed to support emerging filmmakers in various stages of production, post-production, and distribution. This initiative aligns with BFF's mission to foster film talent and contribute to the vibrant film community within specific California counties. The foundation's strategic priority is to provide financial assistance to student filmmakers, ensuring the continuity and development of cinematic arts. The target beneficiaries of this program are student filmmakers over the age of 18, residing in Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, or Oakland. Crucially, applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in a film studies program within Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Marin counties. The program specifically focuses on supporting individuals who are the primary creators of their submitted work. Former grant recipients are eligible to apply for a new film proposal only after their previously funded film has been completed, encouraging a commitment to seeing projects through to fruition. The grant program prioritizes short documentaries (40 minutes or less) and long documentaries (over 40 minutes). This focus on documentary filmmaking indicates an interest in projects that explore real-world subjects and narratives. The maximum request per project is $5,000, with overall grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. This tiered funding aims to support a variety of project scales, from early development to final distribution. The expected outcomes of the BFF student grant program include the successful completion and distribution of student film projects, contributing to the cultural landscape of the Bay Area. Measurable results would involve the number of films funded, the completion rate of these projects, and any subsequent screenings or awards received by the grant recipients. By supporting student filmmakers, BFF aims to cultivate a new generation of cinematic voices, thereby contributing to the long-term health and innovation of the film industry.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) offers the Experience Support Grant Program to expand access to meaningful arts and cultural experiences across the state. This program is designed specifically for organizations whose primary mission is not arts- or culture-centered but that wish to incorporate creative projects into their work. By providing funding for one-year initiatives, MACC aims to foster collaboration between the arts and other community sectors, encouraging innovation, cultural engagement, and community enrichment through creative programming. Applicants may apply for funding in one or more of four categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development, and Transportation. Project Support grants, offering up to $20,000, fund the creation, presentation, or production of arts and culture experiences that are open to the public. These projects may range from single events to ongoing programs throughout the grant period. Funding must be dedicated solely to arts-related activities rather than any of the applicant organization’s non-arts programs, ensuring that each supported initiative creates a direct cultural impact. Facility and Equipment grants provide up to $30,000 to help organizations improve venues, studios, or community spaces used for arts programming, or to purchase necessary equipment for cultural activities. To qualify for facility improvements, applicants must demonstrate either ownership of the property or a long-term lease. Professional/Organizational Development grants, capped at $1,500, support training opportunities for staff, contractors, board members, or volunteers to build capacity and deepen their knowledge in arts and cultural management or practice. Transportation grants, also up to $1,500, assist with the costs of moving participants to and from arts experiences, whether traveling to an organization’s own venue or visiting another site for cultural engagement. Eligible applicants include a broad range of Michigan-based entities such as PreK–12 schools (including home schools, districts, and Head Start programs), colleges and universities, municipalities, tribal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose missions are not primarily arts-focused. This inclusive approach allows civic, educational, and community organizations to bring arts and culture directly into environments that may not otherwise have access to them. All funded projects must occur within the grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Through the Experience Support program, MACC reinforces its commitment to embedding the arts in everyday community life. By empowering organizations from diverse sectors to integrate creative expression into their missions, the program helps broaden public access to the arts, inspire local participation, and enrich Michigan’s cultural identity. This initiative not only enhances the visibility of the arts but also demonstrates their essential role in education, community well-being, and civic vitality across the state.

The William Penn Foundation is offering Climate, Environmental Justice, and Infrastructure Grants to help the Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties) secure federal funding for initiatives in these areas. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission by focusing on critical environmental and social issues within its geographic scope, leveraging external funding opportunities to maximize impact. The Foundation has allocated up to $3.5 million for this Request for Proposals (RFP), with individual organizations eligible to receive a maximum of $1,000,000 over a two-year grant duration. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the communities and residents of the Philadelphia region, particularly those who will benefit from advancements in climate resilience, environmental justice, and infrastructure development. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the region's ability to access and utilize available federal funding, thereby leading to tangible improvements in these critical sectors. The Foundation aims to empower local organizations to pursue projects that might otherwise lack the necessary financial backing, fostering long-term positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities for this grant are clearly focused on efforts to access federal funding for climate, environmental justice, and infrastructure. There are few limitations on project designs or the applicants' approach to securing such funding, encouraging innovative and diverse strategies. Proposals can focus on project development, technical or legal assistance, communications, or other methods to advance the objective, whether on a regionwide or more localized scale. This flexible approach allows for a broad range of initiatives to be supported, from initial planning to implementation support. Expected outcomes include an increase in successful applications for federal funding, a greater number of projects addressing climate change, environmental injustices, and infrastructure needs, and ultimately, an enhanced quality of life for residents in the designated counties. While the specific measurable results will depend on the individual projects funded, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in the capacity of organizations to secure federal funding, it can catalyze a larger volume of impactful work in its priority areas, amplifying its philanthropic reach and fostering sustainable progress.

This grant provides Maryland-based teaching artists and organizations the opportunity to join a curated roster, enabling them to apply for funding to support arts education programs in schools and communities.

The Food Recovery Grant, supported by BizRecycling, is designed to combat food waste and address food insecurity by funding programs that recover surplus, edible food from various businesses and organizations for distribution to those in need. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental sustainability through waste reduction and social welfare by ensuring access to nutritious food. The program's foundation is built on the principle of resource optimization, transforming potential waste into a valuable community resource. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are people in need within Ramsey and Washington counties of Minnesota, who will receive recovered food. The grant also supports a wide array of eligible organizations including food producers, distributors, grocers, cafeterias, food shelves and banks, colleges with donation and food shelf programs, and farmers markets. The impact goals are two-fold: to significantly increase the amount of edible food recovered and redistributed, thereby reducing landfill waste, and to improve food access for vulnerable populations. The grant prioritizes both food recovery and donation, as well as education and engagement. Funds can be used for materials such as collection buckets, boxes, bags, and food mobility equipment, as well as storage and transportation costs. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work and infrastructure/equipment for these efforts are also supported. Additionally, the grant allows for staff recycling training, demonstrating a focus on comprehensive waste reduction strategies beyond just food. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the volume of food recovered and distributed, a reduction in food waste sent to landfills, and an expansion of the capacity of local organizations to engage in food recovery efforts. The grant awards, up to $20,000, are strategically deployed to foster sustainable food recovery ecosystems. By supporting operational costs and infrastructure, BizRecycling's strategic priority is to build resilient systems for food recovery that lead to tangible reductions in hunger and waste within the target counties, embodying a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to improved environmental and social outcomes.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to document and preserve cultural heritage through oral history projects.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County that empower women and their families through initiatives promoting gender equity and economic stability.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

This program provides financial support to property owners and businesses in downtown Bishop to improve building aesthetics, restore historic features, and stimulate economic growth through private investments.

The Share Your Story Video Challenge is an award program established by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville. This program aims to support arts and culture initiatives within the community by providing unrestricted grants to qualified organizations. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly detailed, aligns with supporting charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes as described in IRS code 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, religious institutions, or government agencies within the Greater Huntsville area. This grant directly contributes to the foundation's strategic priorities by fostering community engagement and providing financial assistance to organizations that may have limited access to funding for their arts and culture programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations supporting arts and culture programs, specifically those serving low-income members of the Greater Huntsville area. The program focuses on organizations located in Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan Counties in Alabama. The impact goal is to empower these organizations to share their stories and highlight the work they are doing, particularly in serving low-income communities. The grant encourages a direct spotlight on community impact and the positive change these programs bring, aligning with a theory of change that believes in the power of storytelling to raise awareness, garner support, and ultimately, strengthen community programs. The grant prioritizes organizations that can effectively demonstrate their service to low-income community members through a compelling 60-second video. Key focuses include adherence to video guidelines such as avoiding copyrighted materials, making specific references to low-income service, and including an impact story. The program also offers recommendations for creating an effective video, such as shooting on location, using a microphone, and being enthusiastic, all designed to ensure a high-quality submission that clearly communicates the organization's purpose and impact. Expected outcomes for the Share Your Story Video Challenge include increased visibility for arts and culture programs serving low-income communities, enhanced storytelling capabilities of participating organizations, and the distribution of $1,000 unrestricted grants to support their efforts. Measurable results would include the number of organizations participating, the quality and reach of the submitted videos, and the direct impact reported by the grant recipients. While specific long-term impact metrics are not detailed, the program's emphasis on demonstrating service and impact stories suggests an underlying goal of fostering sustainable community development and cultural enrichment.

The PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grant program, offered by the PFund Foundation, is designed to bolster the capacity and connectivity of rural LGBTQ+ organizations across a five-state service area: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, including Native Nations within these states. This initiative directly aligns with PFund's mission to support LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in underserved rural areas. By focusing on rural interconnections, PFund aims to address the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in small towns and rural parts of the upper Midwest, fostering a more connected and resilient LGBTQ+ ecosystem in these regions. The primary beneficiaries of the PRISM program are LGBTQIA2S+ populations in rural communities within the specified states. The program targets organizations that primarily serve these populations, have been in operation for at least one year, are based in or serve rural areas (towns under 50,000 people), and are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or informal groups with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of these organizations, enhance their connections through networking, and empower them to effectively respond to the specific issues affecting queer people in their communities. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around creating networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to facilitate resource sharing, collaborative learning, and collective action. This cohort collaboration is a central tenet, designed to build a strong, supportive community among rural LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations. The funding, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for a 12-month period, supports these organizations in strengthening their infrastructure and programs to better serve their constituents. Expected outcomes include more robust and sustainable rural LGBTQ+ organizations, increased inter-organizational collaboration, and a more unified response to the challenges faced by queer individuals in the upper Midwest's rural areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the program's emphasis on capacity building, connection, and cohort collaboration suggests that metrics would likely include the number of organizations participating, the types of resources shared, the attendance and engagement in monthly virtual meetings, and qualitative assessments of increased organizational effectiveness and community impact. PFund Foundation's strategic priority with the PRISM program is clearly to support and uplift rural LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing their distinct needs and often overlooked struggles. The theory of change underpinning PRISM is that by providing targeted financial support, training, and fostering a collaborative network, rural LGBTQ+ organizations will become more resilient and effective. This, in turn, will lead to improved services, stronger advocacy, and a better quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals living in these areas, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Upper Midwest.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming throughout Montana. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the state. These grants are designed to foster bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations. The primary target beneficiaries are the general public across Montana, with a particular emphasis on engaging diverse communities and cultures. The impact goals include deepening public understanding of significant humanities questions, building on sound humanities scholarship, and fostering analytical approaches that present a variety of perspectives. The program aims to strengthen cultural understanding and civic participation through accessible and appealing formats. The program prioritizes projects focused on clearly defined humanities themes. Funding is available for a wide array of formats, including storytelling, historical analysis, public writing workshops, literacy programs, ethical inquiry, interpretation at historic sites, book festivals, exhibits, lectures, speaker series, panel discussions, teacher institutes & workshops, humanities program planning, reading & discussion programs, and various humanities events. All projects must involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects and require at least one confirmed subject-expert. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics, enhanced community dialogue, and a deeper reflection on the human experience. Measurable results will likely be demonstrated through the reach and participation in the programs, the quality of humanities scholarship integrated, and the active involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content. For projects involving Native American communities, letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants are required, outlining their involvement. The maximum award for these grants ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

The Devasthali Family Foundation Fund, established by Drs. Ammu and Rama Devasthali in 2011, is dedicated to fostering community development through the support of the arts, education, and initiatives addressing child hunger in southern New Mexico. This fund aims to enhance the quality of life for residents across twelve counties by financing both new and ongoing projects. Non-profit organizations operating within Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra, and Socorro Counties are invited to seek funding. Grants are typically awarded in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $4,000, targeting efforts that have a significant, positive impact on the community.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the quality of life in Greenwood County through initiatives in arts, community development, parks, recreation, and animal welfare.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is inviting applications for its 2024 Community Grant Program, focusing on projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This program is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles to streamline the application process, encourage more interactive engagement, and offer diverse methods for storytelling. The foundation's mission aligns with this grant by seeking to build a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure access to food and shelter, and promote economic opportunity through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs within Worcester County. The grant program targets residents of Worcester County as its primary beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access and barrier reduction. Organizations based in or having a meaningful physical presence in Worcester County, or those providing unduplicated services with authentic local partnerships, are eligible. The impact goals revolve around addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions, fostering equity, amplifying community voice, and disrupting existing systems. The program prioritizes three key focus areas. Arts & Creativity aims to build and support a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all individuals feel they belong. Basic Needs concentrates on ensuring all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity focuses on English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs to empower individuals and enhance their financial well-being. Projects will be assessed based on several selection criteria, which inherently define the expected outcomes and measurable results. These include the feasibility of the proposed work and budget within the grant range ($2,500 - $25,000), the level of access and barrier reduction created for Worcester County residents, and the degree of creative or innovative solutions provided for community needs. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with one or more of the specified focus areas, along with an organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, backed by sound financial and governance functions.

The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) is offering up to 10 small planning grants to establish local Early Childhood Councils (ECCs) across all counties in Mississippi. The primary goal of these grants is to foster community-led initiatives that improve conditions for children aged 0-5 and their families. This aligns with CFM's mission to advance early childhood programming by empowering local communities to identify needs and promote solutions. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support the initial planning stages of these councils. The target beneficiaries are children aged 0-5 and their families in Mississippi, particularly those in neighborhoods, cities, and counties where early childhood programming is lacking. The impact goals include expanding civic engagement with policymakers on children's issues, advocating for and supporting policies that increase state funding for high-quality public Pre-K, and building partnerships with established non-profits and programs like Excel By 5 and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. The grants prioritize communities that seek to build a committee focused on one or more key areas: expanding civic engagement with policymakers, advocating for high-quality public Pre-K funding, serving as a facilitator for partnerships with existing programs, implementing unique early childhood programs in underserved areas, and identifying unmet program or service needs within their communities. These focus areas are critical to CFM's strategic priorities of fostering local leadership and collaborative efforts to address early childhood development challenges. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new or strengthened Early Childhood Councils that are actively working to improve conditions for young children and their families. Measurable results will stem from the successful planning and initiation of activities aligned with the council's goals, such as increased community leader involvement, development of local action plans, and the identification of specific programming or policy advocacy targets. The foundation's theory of change posits that by empowering local entities to assess needs and lead initiatives, sustainable improvements in early childhood outcomes can be achieved at the community level.