Grants for Individuals - Arts

The Public Diplomacy section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros, part of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priorities, our strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting human rights, transparency and good governance, economic and social prosperity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will encourage increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Promoting human rights, civic engagement, and democracy; Advancing a free and responsible press and combatting disinformation including election disinformation; Promoting the free exercise of religion and ensuring laws and government policies do not interfere with its practice; Developing skills in innovation technology, STEM, and entrepreneurship for women, girls, and/or underrepresented populations; and, Promoting U.S.-Madagascar/Comoros exchange in sports, music, and art. Participants and Audiences: The list below delineates our target audiences: Professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators; Media professionals; Civil society professionals; Women, girls, minorities, and underrepresented populations. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: Up to 4 awards (depending upon amounts) Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $5,000 Total available funding: $20,000 (pending the availability of funds) Type of funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: September 01, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grants, Fixed Amount Awards, Awards to Individuals, or Cooperative Agreements. Cooperative agreements require substantial involvement and are different from grants in that Public Diplomacy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The Public Diplomacy Section may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations and individuals in Togo to create projects that strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between the United States and Togo, focusing on themes like peace, democracy, and economic growth.

The City of West Hollywood's Art on the Outside (AOTO) program is a public art initiative designed to fund the temporary display of rotating art exhibitions in publicly accessible locations such as parks, traffic medians, and communal areas of City-owned facilities. The program's mission aligns with enhancing public spaces and enriching the cultural landscape of West Hollywood by making art accessible to its residents and visitors. It supports a variety of art forms, including sculpture, murals, digital screen-based artwork and projections, and performance art, contributing to the City's vibrant artistic identity. The primary beneficiaries of the AOTO program are individual artists, curators, and non-profit arts organizations based in the United States, particularly those representing emerging, mid-career, and established artists. The program aims to provide opportunities for these artists and organizations to showcase their work, gain exposure, and engage with a broader public. The impact goals include fostering artistic expression, promoting cultural diversity, and creating engaging public environments that stimulate dialogue and appreciation for the arts. The program prioritizes proposals for temporary public art projects that can be displayed for durations typically ranging from 6 months to 3 years. While new artworks are eligible, the AOTO program is particularly well-suited for exhibitions of prefabricated artworks that require minimal modification for installation, largely due to funding limitations. This focus ensures efficient use of resources while still supporting a diverse range of artistic endeavors. Evaluation criteria emphasize artist qualifications, aesthetic appeal, diversity, proposed budget, public safety, material integrity, and suitable location. Expected outcomes of the AOTO program include an increased presence of diverse public art across West Hollywood, greater public engagement with artistic and cultural experiences, and enhanced opportunities for artists to contribute to the public realm. Measurable results could include the number of artworks displayed, the duration of exhibitions, audience engagement metrics, and feedback from both artists and the community. The program's strategic priority is to integrate art into daily life, reflecting the City's commitment to culture and community well-being. The City of West Hollywood's underlying theory of change for the AOTO program is that by funding and facilitating the display of temporary public art, it can cultivate a more aesthetically rich and culturally vibrant urban environment. This, in turn, is expected to enhance civic pride, stimulate local engagement, and support the professional development of artists and arts organizations. The program operates on the belief that accessible art can positively impact quality of life and foster a dynamic community spirit.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Canadian organizations in creating public diplomacy projects that foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on shared interests like innovation, security, and cultural exchange.

The Arts and Culture Access funding is designed to support the engagement of Orange County Public Schools students in the arts, which is associated with improvements in math, reading, cognitive abilities, critical thinking, verbal skills, motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. This initiative facilitates students' development of these skills through field trips and in-school programs that are integrated into their class curriculum. The program welcomes applications year-round, with a primary funding decision period in late summer. For priority consideration, applications should be submitted by June 30th, following the opening of the application period on June 1st.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 for grassroots projects led by residents in New York City that aim to improve community life and foster local leadership.

This grant provides funding for Santa Fe County artists to create projects that engage the public and demonstrate how art can address various challenges, with a focus on community involvement and creativity.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Japanese organizations in creating innovative projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through public engagement in areas like security, democracy, and entrepreneurship.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Hungarian not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and educational institutions in projects that promote mutual understanding and showcase the U.S.-Hungarian partnership through cultural, economic, and scientific initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that strengthen U.S.-Norway relations, particularly in areas like security, culture, and youth engagement, targeting a wide range of organizations and individuals.

This grant provides funding for individuals and Malta-based NGOs to develop initiatives that promote human rights, press empowerment, and strengthen the U.S.-Malta relationship.

The Artist Support Grant, administered by the Stokes County Arts Council, directly supports individual artists in North Carolina for professional and artistic development. This includes enhancing their skills, improving their ability to create work, and bolstering their business operations to reach wider audiences. The grant's mission aligns with fostering artistic growth and making art accessible, providing vital resources to artists across various disciplines within specific regions of the state. The primary target beneficiaries are individual visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists, encompassing both emerging and established talents. The program also extends eligibility to small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists, provided all members meet residency and age requirements. The impact goal is to cultivate a vibrant artistic community by empowering artists to develop their craft and expand their professional reach, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of North Carolina. The grant prioritizes artists who demonstrate a significant commitment to their artistic practice. Eligibility criteria emphasize North Carolina residency within the specific applying region for at least one year, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This focus ensures that the support directly benefits local artists who are dedicated to their work and contribute to their regional artistic ecosystems. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, increased production of high-quality artwork, and improved business acumen among artists, leading to greater audience engagement and career sustainability. Measurable results could include the number of artists served, the amount of funding distributed, the types of artistic projects undertaken, and the increased visibility of local artists' work. The program’s strategic priority is to strengthen the individual artist's capacity, operating on the theory of change that by investing directly in artists' development, there will be a ripple effect that elevates the entire artistic community and cultural economy of the state. The grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $1,500, with an application deadline of September 13, 2024. This financial support is crucial for artists to pursue professional development opportunities, acquire necessary materials, or invest in marketing and distribution of their work. The regional structure, including specific counties in Regions 2, 10, 14, and 16, ensures that support is distributed geographically, fostering artistic talent in various communities across North Carolina.

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 City of West Hollywood's Cultural History Grant Program offers funding to individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit arts organizations. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to support and enrich the local arts scene by fostering the production, performance, or presentation of art projects within the city or those that specifically serve the West Hollywood community. The program aims to ensure a vibrant cultural landscape, reflecting a strategic priority to integrate arts and culture into the city's identity and community life. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit arts organizations. The impact goal is to empower these entities to create and present art projects that resonate with or are situated within West Hollywood. By supporting these groups, the program seeks to enhance the accessibility and diversity of artistic expressions available to residents and visitors, contributing to a more culturally engaged and cohesive community. The program prioritizes and focuses on projects that take place in the City of West Hollywood or directly serve its community. There is a strong emphasis on inviting and encouraging applications from artists and organizations representing diverse populations and artistic disciplines, ensuring broad representation and equitable access to funding opportunities. This focus underscores a strategic commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of a wide array of artistic forms and cultural backgrounds. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and variety of art projects produced, performed, or presented within West Hollywood, leading to a richer cultural environment. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the types of art projects funded, the number of artists and organizations supported, and the estimated audience reach of these projects. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support to artists and arts organizations, the city can stimulate artistic creation and community engagement, thereby strengthening its cultural heritage and promoting a lively arts ecosystem. The maximum award per grantee is $10,000, with a total of $40,000 available funding for the program. This financial framework allows for a targeted approach, supporting multiple smaller-scale projects that can collectively make a significant impact on the local arts scene. The grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, suggesting a project-based funding model that allows flexibility for various artistic endeavors.

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 grant provides financial support for Cuyahoga County-based artists to fund public projects, events, or specific needs related to their creative practices.

This funding opportunity is designed for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement innovative community projects in France that promote U.S.-France cooperation on global challenges.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is an initiative designed to propel small businesses towards both success and long-term sustainability. The core of the program is a structured, 12-week series of comprehensive workshops that guide participating entrepreneurs through the essential process of crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon the successful completion of this training component, businesses become eligible to apply for substantial $10,000 grants. This integrated approach of education and capital infusion aims to empower participants to expand their operational capacity and enhance overall business resilience. This program targets small businesses, aiming for significant positive impact within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative is structured to fully support 25 businesses, who will participate in the workshops and automatically receive grant awards upon completion. An additional 10 businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, with a potential for grant awards should extra funding become available. The primary impact goals, as stated by the program, are to provide access to essential support resources and ultimately drive the expansion of business capacity and the enhancement of resilience among the selected enterprises. Program selection and the distribution of grant awards are determined by a selection committee based on specific criteria that reflect the program’s community-focused priorities. The initiative places a strong focus on ensuring representation of businesses across all parts of the city, with specific priority given to enterprises located in low-to-moderate income areas. Furthermore, the selection process is designed to ensure a balanced representation of businesses across multiple economic sectors. Finally, key focuses include assessing the business's current readiness level and the potential positive impact that participation in the program is expected to generate. The program's implied theory of change is that by connecting small businesses with essential support resources and mandatory, comprehensive training, they will be positioned for accelerated growth. The expected outcomes are measurable: all participants will complete new, detailed business and marketing plans as a result of the 12-week workshops. For the grant recipients, the direct measurable result is the successful application of the $10,000 capital, which is intended to facilitate the expansion of business capacity and increase long-term operational resilience, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable enterprises across the city.

This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.

This funding opportunity supports projects that empower young Rwandans through education, cultural exchange, and economic development, focusing on areas like STEM, media literacy, and sports diplomacy.