Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program, administered annually by The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, offers targeted funding support for local nonprofit organizations engaged in arts-based projects. Founded in 1986, this program has distributed over $160,000 to local artists and organizations, underscoring a long-standing commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of Tuscaloosa County. The initiative is specifically designed to bolster small-scale or pilot arts activities, support emerging or developing arts programs and organizations, and fund special arts projects that may not be financially self-sustaining but align closely with the Council's mission and artistic objectives. Grants through this program are available to Tuscaloosa County nonprofit organizations that meet basic eligibility as either dedicated arts organizations or as entities incorporating arts programming as a core part of their service offerings. Applicants are not required to be members or affiliates of the local arts council. Priority is given to proposals that have not been previously funded and to organizations that are not current recipients of Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) grants. Eligible project types include exhibitions, festivals, artist residencies, consultant engagements, staff attendance at educational institutes or workshops, public performances or productions, technical assistance initiatives, promotional and publicity work, and printed materials. Organizations may also request funding to distribute free event tickets to economically disadvantaged residents. Grants range between $100 and $1,000. Each applying organization is limited to one grant per year. A one-to-one matching requirement applies, with no more than 25% of the match permitted as in-kind contributions. Proposals demonstrating a full cash match receive higher funding priority. Disallowed uses of funds include debt retirement, political activity, fundraising, lobbying, food or beverage expenses, surveys, and undergraduate student projects. The project implementation window runs from October 1 through May 15, and all grant-supported activities must occur within this timeframe. If October 1 falls on a weekend, the start date will shift to the next business day. The application process requires the submission of a complete application form and supporting materials by October 1, 2025. Submissions may be made via email or in person. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Arts Council will notify all applicants of funding decisions by October 31, 2025. Approved projects may request an advance disbursement of up to half the grant amount, with the remaining balance disbursed upon completion of the project and submission of a final report. This report, including financial and evaluative documentation, must be submitted within 30 days of the project’s end, or by May 15 at the latest. Applicants must also include a detailed narrative in their application describing the purpose and goals of the project, its significance to the community, the anticipated educational benefits, and evidence of community support and collaboration. The narrative should also outline the project’s long-term impact, the role and benefit of professional artists, and the suitability of the venue where activities will occur. For further information, applicants may contact Sandra Wolfe, Executive Director, at director@tuscarts.org or call 205-758-5195, ext. 4. Full application materials and official guidelines are available online through The Arts Council’s website.