Tribal Cultural Affairs Grant

The Tribal Cultural Grant is a non-competitive funding opportunity offered by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) for the fiscal year 2027, spanning from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Designed specifically for Washington State Federally-recognized Tribes, this program supports the development, enhancement, or creation of community-led art and culture initiatives that reflect and respond to the unique cultural needs of Tribal communities. Funding is automatically granted to all eligible Tribes that submit an application, provided the proposed project meets the eligibility criteria outlined by ArtsWA. The grant was established in response to funding allocated by the Washington State Legislature in 2023 to ArtsWA, aimed at supporting the cultural and artistic expressions of Tribal communities. This initiative distributes funding in the form of grants that can be used for a wide range of cultural activities, such as regalia making, language preservation, community arts programming, and the development of cultural spaces. Prior rounds of funding distributed a total of over $1 million to 20 Tribes in March 2024 and to all applicants in November 2024, with funded projects ranging from Tribal language dictionaries to art installations in youth and health centers. Each Tribe may apply for a base amount of $17,000. If not all 29 eligible Tribes apply, the remaining funds will be redistributed to applicants who requested additional support within their submission. The application form includes a section where Tribes can indicate their interest in receiving extra funds should they become available. Additionally, applicants are asked to estimate their potential funding needs for fiscal year 2028, supporting future program planning. Applications must include narrative responses that describe the intended cultural impact, identify both Tribal and non-Tribal community members who will benefit, and detail proposed expenditures using a provided budget form. Only one application per Tribe is allowed, but the submission may encompass several distinct projects. Eligible expenses include artist and contractor fees, support for Tribal museums, material and equipment costs, software and administrative expenses, and activities that enhance accessibility. Funds cannot be used for expenses outside the grant period, retroactive funding, or reimbursement for past losses. Projects must fall within the defined grant period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. To be eligible, Tribes must also have submitted a final report for any prior Tribal Cultural Grant awards, particularly for fiscal year 2026. The application window opens on February 3, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. An open office hour is scheduled for March 3, 2026, at noon to address applicant questions. Applicants will receive notification of funding decisions by May 16, 2026, and must confirm participation by submitting a Grant Confirmation Form by June 1, 2026. Formal agreements will be issued by June 15, 2026. The final reporting deadline for grant activities is August 31, 2027. For questions regarding the grant or application process, applicants can contact Angelena Campobasso, Tribal Cultural Affairs Program Manager, at 360-252-9974 or via email at angelena.campobasso@arts.wa.gov, or Linnea Ingalls, Program Coordinator, at 360-252-9969 or linnea.ingalls@arts.wa.gov. Technical support is also available throughout the application period via Submittable, the online grant platform used by ArtsWA.

Final report with photo documentation is required and impacts future funding appeals.