Arts and Culture Program

The Arts and Culture Program is administered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life across Washtenaw County, Michigan. The foundation works by investing in community-driven initiatives and prioritizing equitable access to resources and opportunities. Through this program, the foundation is specifically advancing arts and culture initiatives with a strong emphasis on racial equity. The effort reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that all residents, particularly historically marginalized communities, can access, participate in, and shape the cultural landscape of their region. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support both new and existing arts and cultural projects that center racial equity. The program prioritizes initiatives that engage Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, particularly those that are community-driven or led by BIPOC leaders. Projects may include arts programming, cultural initiatives, or organizational efforts that elevate underrepresented voices. The foundation also highlights interest in projects that promote equitable arts education, strengthen digital access to arts engagement, and support arts-based entrepreneurship as a pathway for economic development. Funding can be used across a wide range of eligible activities within the arts and culture sector, provided they align with the program’s equity-focused goals. Allowable uses include mentorship programs, professional development opportunities for artists, creative entrepreneurship initiatives, and vocational training in the arts for historically marginalized populations. Organizations may also seek funding to build digital capacity that expands access and engagement, particularly for BIPOC communities. While the program does not explicitly outline prohibited uses, all funded activities must align with the foundation’s mission and stated priorities. Eligibility is limited to organizations operating within Washtenaw County, and applicants are restricted to submitting one application per organization. The program appears to target nonprofit organizations and community-based groups, particularly those with demonstrated connections to or leadership within BIPOC communities. Although specific tax status requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided material, the use of a nonprofit application portal suggests that nonprofit entities are the primary eligible applicants. Geographic eligibility is strictly confined to Washtenaw County, reinforcing the foundation’s focus on localized impact. The application process requires organizations to submit proposals through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s NonProfit Portal. New applicants must create an account in the system prior to submission, and all required narrative sections must be completed within the portal. Applicants are encouraged to review detailed program guidelines available on the foundation’s website and to participate in an optional information session conducted via Zoom. This session provides additional context and guidance but is not required for submission. Registration for the session closes one day prior, and attendance requires advance registration. The application window opens on April 7, 2026, and closes on May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. All materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered. The program offers approximately 120000 dollars in total funding, with individual grant requests capped at 15000 dollars. While the timeline for award notifications and project performance periods is not explicitly stated, applicants can expect evaluation based on alignment with equity goals, community impact, and program feasibility. Questions regarding the program can be directed to Amina Iqbal, Senior Community Investment Officer, via email or phone.