Arts Access Grant

The Arts Access Grant is administered by the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA), a state agency that supports arts programming and cultural engagement throughout Delaware. The program is intended to provide small project-based grants that expand access to performing, visual, literary, media, and folk arts in communities across the state. The grant is specifically designed for organizations that offer occasional arts programming or that do not qualify for the Division’s larger General Operating Support or Project Support programs. Funding is intended to strengthen community access to artistic experiences and encourage partnerships between artists, civic organizations, educational institutions, and underserved populations. The grant supports a broad range of arts-related programming activities that align with one or more program goals established by DDOA. Eligible projects may provide artistic experiences for the public, support collaborations between artists and community groups, expand access to arts opportunities in underserved areas, encourage lifelong arts learning outside of traditional school settings, support the creation of new artistic works, or preserve and celebrate cultural traditions and community histories. Projects may also involve programming in nontraditional venues or efforts that document and conserve artistic traditions from diverse cultures and communities throughout Delaware. Funding is available only to Delaware-based nonprofit organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants include municipal, county, or state government units; nonprofit organizations exempt under Sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; and organizations eligible to receive charitable contributions under Section 170(c). Schools, libraries, parks, arts organizations, and community-based non-arts organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. Schools are only eligible when projects occur outside school hours and are open and promoted to the broader community. Organizations currently receiving General Operating Support, StartUp, or Project Support grants from DDOA are generally ineligible. Applications through fiscal agents are not permitted, and applicants must maintain a Unique Entity Identifier through SAM.gov. Applicants may request up to 80 percent of eligible project expenses, not to exceed $1,250 according to the provided funding overview. Matching funds are required and must consist of cash contributions that do not originate from the National Endowment for the Arts. Eligible expenses include artist fees, marketing, publicity, technical costs, supplies, contractual services, facility rental costs for venues not owned by the applicant, and operational travel expenses directly related to the arts project. Ineligible expenses include fundraising activities, academic-credit programs, activities outside Delaware, capital improvements, lobbying, meals and refreshments, projects with sectarian purposes, scholarships, private entertainment, and general operating expenses unrelated to the artistic portion of the project. Applications are submitted through the smARTDE grant management system. The application requires completion of an organizational profile, narrative responses describing the project and how it aligns with evaluation criteria, a project budget, artist background information, and supporting documentation such as artist contracts or letters of intent. Letters of support from project partners may also be included when applicable. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact DDOA staff prior to applying in order to confirm eligibility and review application procedures. First-time applicants must also submit a Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and IRS nonprofit determination letter. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funding is depleted. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the supported project or event start date, and late applications may not receive funding consideration. Funding awarded during the FY2026 grant cycle must support activities occurring between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026. Applications are reviewed in the order received beginning in July each year. Applicants are generally notified of funding decisions within approximately four weeks after submission, and successful applicants receive payment following acceptance of grant terms and completion of required documentation. Organizations may generally receive up to two Arts Access grants during a fiscal year. Applications are evaluated by Division staff and the DDOA Director using criteria focused on artistic quality, management capacity, and availability of the arts to underserved communities. Reviewers assess the quality and relevance of the artistic program, the organization’s ability to manage and market the project responsibly, and the extent to which the project increases access to quality arts experiences. Grantees must comply with all reporting and accessibility requirements, submit a final report within 30 days after project completion, properly acknowledge DDOA support in promotional materials, and maintain current event listings on DelawareScene.com. Questions regarding the program may be directed to Kathleen Dinsmore in Organization Support at 302-577-8287.

Projects that clearly demonstrate artistic quality, strong management capacity, and increased community access to the arts are prioritized. Applications serving underserved populations or creating partnerships with civic and community organizations align strongly with stated program goals. Early submission is recommended because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.