Grants for Nonprofits - Arts

The City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods Matching Grant Program seeks to enhance Houston neighborhoods through community-led physical improvement projects. Administered in partnership with City Council Member’s Offices, the program aims to foster strong neighbor relationships, encourage volunteerism, and develop projects that build a sustainable and stronger community. Its overarching mission aligns with improving the quality of life for Houston communities by actively partnering with residents. The program primarily targets neighborhood-based organizations and civic clubs within Houston city limits. Eligible organizations must be incorporated as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations through the State of Texas, or partner with such an entity. Individuals and political organizations are not eligible. The program's impact goals are to improve neighborhood organization and pride, enhance community appearance and beautification, and increase community participation. The program prioritizes physical improvements that are accessible and beneficial to the broader community, involving neighborhood residents, and offering long-standing benefits. Examples of approved projects include street sign toppers, entryway signage and columns, esplanade landscaping and irrigation, park benches, electrical signage, walkways with pavers, and murals. Projects must demonstrate pre-approval from relevant City of Houston departments if required for permitting. The program does not fund ongoing operation or maintenance. Expected outcomes include tangible physical improvements within neighborhoods, increased civic engagement, and a strengthened sense of community pride. Measurable results would involve the number of projects completed, the extent of community participation in these projects, and visible enhancements to public spaces. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering residents to lead and implement physical improvements, it will cultivate volunteerism, build stronger social ties, and ultimately lead to a higher quality of life and a more sustainable community. Funding for the Matching Grants is provided on a reimbursement basis, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must also identify how their organization will fund and support the project in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the improvements beyond the initial grant. Required documentation includes letters of permission from property owners, proof of ownership, photos of the proposed site, and three letters of support for the project from neighborhood organizations, businesses, or elected officials.

This program provides funding for community partnerships to restore habitats, improve water quality, and engage underserved populations in ecological projects across the country.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is offering its Mental Health Matters Grant Program, aiming to bolster mental health resources across Arizona. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance community health by addressing critical health needs, in this case, mental well-being. The program's core objective is to expand statewide resources, which includes increasing access to mental health services and support systems throughout all counties in Arizona. The grant program specifically targets non-profit organizations and academic institutions that are working to improve mental health outcomes. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for individuals to seek and receive necessary care. By connecting people to care that promotes positive mental health, the Foundation seeks to save lives and improve the overall well-being of Arizona residents. The program prioritizes mental health competitive grants, with individual awards up to $125,000. These funds are intended to support direct project-related expenses. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion of funding for lobbying, capital expenditures (such as buildings, construction, or renovations), and services that are otherwise billable. This focus ensures that the grant money is directly applied to program implementation and service delivery, maximizing its impact on mental health initiatives. The expected outcomes of the Mental Health Matters Grant Program include an increase in available mental health resources, a measurable reduction in mental health stigma, and a greater number of individuals successfully connected to mental health care services. The project period for these grants is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a focused year of activity. This clear timeline and funding structure reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in direct mental health support and anti-stigma efforts will lead to improved community mental health and healthier lives for Arizona citizens.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California. This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

The Rocky Brands Community Improvement Fund is seeking applications from 501c3 organizations and government agencies in specific Ohio counties for projects that align with their mission and values, address current or emerging needs, encourage cooperation, and can leverage additional funds, with a focus on areas such as children's welfare, hunger, education, senior citizens, health wellness, community development, and more.

The Whidbey Community Foundation's Community Health Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life on Whidbey Island by addressing various factors that influence health and well-being. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the community's health and vitality by focusing on the underlying determinants of health. The foundation understands that health is influenced by a broad spectrum of factors, from individual behaviors to broader societal and environmental conditions, and seeks to fund initiatives that create a comprehensive positive impact. The program targets organizations that operate with a charitable status or for a charitable purpose on Whidbey Island, with the ultimate goal of benefiting all residents by improving their health and overall living conditions. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier community by addressing disparities and promoting equitable access to resources that contribute to well-being. By supporting a diverse range of projects, the foundation anticipates measurable improvements in the health behavior, clinical care access, social and economic stability, and physical environment for those living on Whidbey Island. The Community Health Grant Program prioritizes four key areas for funding: Health Behavior (including alcohol and drug use, diet and exercise, and tobacco use), Clinical Care (health care access and quality), Social and Economic Factors (education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety), and Physical Environment (air and water quality, housing, and transit). These areas reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, recognizing that an integrated approach across these domains is essential for creating sustainable health improvements. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these interconnected areas, they can collectively empower individuals and strengthen community systems, leading to a healthier, more resilient Whidbey Island. Organizations can request up to $10,000 for a Community Health Grant, emphasizing accessible funding for local initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting projects that can demonstrate meaningful progress within their operational scope. The expected outcomes include a reduction in negative health behaviors, improved access to quality healthcare services, enhanced social and economic stability for vulnerable populations, and a healthier physical environment for all residents. The foundation encourages applicants to propose initiatives that will yield tangible and measurable results, contributing to the overall health and vitality of Whidbey Island.

This fellowship provides up to $150,000 over two years to individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota who are committed to personal growth as leaders and driving equitable, large-scale change in their communities.

The Public Art for Neighborhoods program, administered by the Indy Arts Council, offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for individual artists or neighborhood-based organizations in Indianapolis to fund arts and cultural activities, public art projects, or arts collaborations with community initiatives, with the aim of enhancing local neighborhoods.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations within the Greater Portland area, specifically Cumberland County, Maine. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being by prioritizing nonprofits dedicated to youth, education, healthcare, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and arts and culture. The fund aims to provide grants that either increase the scope (number of people or services) or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, as well as support new or expanded projects that address community needs in these focus areas. The target beneficiaries of the Welch Charitable Fund are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a particular focus on youth. The fund seeks to impact these beneficiaries by supporting projects that promote their development, health, and access to educational and cultural opportunities. Through strategic funding, the foundation aims to contribute to a healthier, more educated, and culturally enriched community, ultimately addressing critical social issues such as substance abuse. The priorities and focuses of the Welch Charitable Fund are clearly defined: education, health care, youth development, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to funding initiatives that directly address these areas, recognizing their interconnectedness in fostering a vibrant and resilient community. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by investing in these key sectors, the foundation can empower local organizations to deliver vital services and programs, leading to positive and lasting changes for individuals and the community as a whole. The expected outcomes of the grants include an expanded reach of services, improved organizational efficiency, and the successful implementation of new projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope and effectiveness improvements, the focus on increased numbers of people served and enhanced organizational performance suggests a commitment to tangible impact. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, and Indian tribal governments, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, underscoring the foundation's dedication to supporting a diverse array of community-serving entities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to businesses and organizations along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland, for exterior improvements and revitalization efforts, with a special focus on removing blighted structures.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects. These grants are specifically for selected municipalities with infrastructure projects aimed at protecting public health and/or water quality. The EFC's mission aligns with the critical need to safeguard the state's water resources and ensure the well-being of its residents, directly supporting environmental protection and public health initiatives through strategic infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities across all counties in New York State. The program prioritizes projects that protect public health and water quality, with additional considerations for median household income, population served, governmental and community support, environmental justice, and project readiness. A key focus is on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities with populations of 3,500 or less, as these areas may qualify for enhanced awards, demonstrating an equitable approach to grant distribution. The program has clear priorities and focuses, specifically addressing clean water projects, drinking water projects, and intermunicipal (IMG) clean and drinking water projects. For clean water projects, awards can be up to $25 million or 25% of net eligible costs, with an enhanced 50% funding for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. Drinking water projects tackling emerging contaminants (EC) above the State's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) can receive 70% of net eligible costs with no cap, while other drinking water projects are capped at $5 million or 60% of net eligible costs. IMG projects for cooperating municipalities can receive up to $30 million or 40% of net eligible costs. These differentiated funding structures reflect a strategic prioritization of the most pressing water quality challenges. Expected outcomes include the construction, replacement, or repair of water infrastructure, upgrades to comply with environmental and public health laws, system upgrades to combat emerging contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4 dioxane, and improvements to address combined and/or sanitary sewer overflow impacts. Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of these construction-focused projects, improved water quality, enhanced public health protection, and increased compliance with environmental regulations. The EFC's strategic priority is to invest in tangible infrastructure improvements that yield long-term benefits for New York's communities and environment, operating under the theory of change that targeted financial support for critical water infrastructure will directly lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for the state.

The Humanities Project Grants, administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), aim to support public humanities projects that encourage contemplation, spark conversation, and engage the community. This aligns with a broader mission to explore the human experience through educational programming. The program's strategic priority is to use humanities as a central resource to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans, fostering public value through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include federally tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations incorporated and physically located in Iowa, or in border state communities demonstrating significant impact on Iowa's cultural vitality. Units of local, county, or federally-recognized tribal governments physically located in Iowa are also eligible, as are units within Iowa-based institutions of higher education with a core humanities mission. Individual filmmakers or humanities experts who are current, legal Iowa residents are also eligible, provided their projects are initiated and managed by the individual and do not primarily benefit an organization. The impact goal is to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming exploring the human experience. The program prioritizes projects where humanities are central and demonstrate public value to Iowans. Eligible projects span various formats, including community discussions, lecture series, workshops, films, interpretive exhibits, and podcasts. While creative or performing arts projects may be eligible, they must serve as a catalyst for a humanities-centric project and include interpretation and/or discussion of the art. Subject areas considered include archaeology, comparative religion, cultural anthropology, ethics, folklore, gender studies, history, jurisprudence, languages, law, linguistics, literature, philosophy, and the interpretation of the arts, as well as aspects of social sciences that explore humanity and meaning within communities. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics and enhanced cultural vitality across Iowa. Projects are expected to benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming. Measurable results would likely stem from the types of eligible projects, such as attendance at community discussions, lecture series, or workshops, or the reach of films, exhibits, or podcasts. The funding period for all project activities and expenses is November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $30,000 to cover eligible one-time project expenses. The program's theory of change posits that by funding accessible and engaging public humanities projects, it will foster deeper contemplation, conversation, and community engagement, ultimately enriching the human experience for Iowans.

Ball Brothers Foundation offers General Grants to support organizations operating within Indiana, with a strong focus on East Central Indiana and the Muncie/Delaware County area. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, aim to fund capacity-building initiatives, innovative approaches for community needs, specific program/project initiatives, general operating support, and seed money for new endeavors. Grant renewed every year. Grant Round 2 Annual deadlines: September 1st (preliminary application July 15th)

The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG) program is designed to foster connections between the arts and the health and wellness of residents in Cambria and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. This initiative directly aligns with the 1889 Foundation's foundational principle of supporting innovative programs to improve and transform the overall health and wellness of the region. By integrating arts projects, performance activities, exhibitions, and other health and wellness-related activities, the grant aims to leverage creative approaches to address community needs and enhance well-being. The target beneficiaries of the CHIG are local non-profit organizations that have established arts and health and wellness initiatives, as well as the residents of Cambria and Somerset Counties who benefit from these programs. The impact goals are centered on supporting projects that demonstrate results and positively impact community needs within these counties. The program seeks to empower organizations to utilize the arts as a vehicle for improving health outcomes and promoting a holistic view of wellness among the local population. Key priorities and focuses for funding include collaborative approaches with quality partners, clearly defined arts and healthcare partnerships, and activities such as exhibitions, performances, festivals, and continuing programs that relate to health and wellness. The 1889 Foundation has specific priority goals that guide project funding, encouraging applicants to align their proposals with these established priorities to increase their chances of success. Both new and well-established programs and projects are eligible, allowing for a broad range of innovative and proven initiatives to be supported. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved health and wellness indicators within the communities served, increased access to arts-based health initiatives, and stronger collaborative networks between arts and healthcare entities. The grant also anticipates supporting programs that demonstrate a tangible impact on the needs within the community, reinforcing the foundation's strategic commitment to data-driven and results-oriented interventions. The project period runs from September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025, providing a clear timeframe for program implementation and evaluation. The 1889 Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that innovative programs and initiatives can significantly improve and transform regional health and wellness. The CHIG exemplifies this by directly funding efforts that combine creativity with health objectives. The foundation’s theory of change posits that by investing in local non-profit organizations with arts and health initiatives, it can cultivate a healthier, more engaged community where the arts serve as a vital component of overall well-being. This grant is a direct manifestation of the foundation's leadership in this area for Cambria and Somerset Counties, with the application process managed by the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance (PRAA).

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits in six Connecticut communities to enhance programs that directly benefit their residents.

The Harford County Office of Economic Development administers the Harford Strides Fund as a temporary grant program to assist tourism related organizations in the infancy stage of program development. The fund supports organizations building models for long term sustainability that draw audiences from outside the county and encourage overnight hotel stays. Applicants must demonstrate success, lessons learned, and best practices, show clear intent to drive overnight stays, document hardship that jeopardizes program or operations but for county funding, and show pursuit of additional funding sources. Organizations must occupy a niche within tourism and may not apply if they have submitted to the Partnership Fund. Eligible applicants are Harford County 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in good standing with the state and registered as Maryland charitable organizations. The program has 220,000 dollars available and may provide support for up to two consecutive years, subject to eligibility and need. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant size is determined by need and available funds. Additional information is available from the Harford County Office of Economic Development.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Homer area for innovative projects that enhance education, recreation, environmental initiatives, and cultural development.