Grants for State governments - Arts

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. and Cabo Verdean non-profit organizations for projects that strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund (WCCF), administered by The Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants to address various charitable needs throughout Vermont. Its mission aligns with the Foundation's goal of supporting communities by focusing on key areas like the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. A significant aspect of the WCCF's strategic priority is to support initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations within these focus areas. The fund also prioritizes proposals that foster cooperation, collaboration, and community building, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes collective impact for broader community benefit. The WCCF aims to benefit organizations serving either a statewide constituency with a unique contribution to Vermont, or those located in or serving the populations of Addison County or Brandon. Approximately 70% of available funds are allocated to programs and projects in/or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, with the remaining 30% supporting statewide initiatives. This targeted approach seeks to achieve impact goals of strengthening local communities while also addressing broader state-level needs. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to arts, improved educational opportunities, preserved historical sites, and strengthened social services, particularly for underserved groups. The fund offers both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. Small grants can be used for program/project support or general operating support, while large grants are strictly for program/project-specific initiatives and are reserved for organizations serving Addison County or Brandon. This structured approach to grant sizing and scope allows for both flexible support for smaller, local needs and more substantial, focused investments in specific projects with measurable results in the designated areas. The WCCF typically will not fund an entire project, preferring projects that demonstrate support from a variety of sources, which encourages broader community investment and sustainability. Eligibility for WCCF grants requires organizations to be located in or serve the people of Vermont, and to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation maintains a strict non-discrimination policy based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, and physical or mental ability, ensuring that its funding initiatives are inclusive and equitable. This commitment to non-discrimination reflects a core strategic priority to foster an inclusive Vermont where all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from community programs.

The Delaware Division of the Arts awards Arts Access Grants to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout Delaware. These grants aim to provide experiences of artistic merit, support arts programs in new venues, foster collaboration, reach underserved audiences, and promote the creation of new works and conservation of diverse cultural traditions. Eligible applicants include municipal, county, or state government units within Delaware, and Delaware-based nonprofit organizations exempt from federal income tax under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants may request up to 80% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $1,250. The grants focus on projects that provide increased access to the arts, especially in underserved communities, and demonstrate effective management and marketing.

The Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC Performance Grant supports individuals focused on the production of theatre, dance, and performance art, which can be accompanied by music. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to foster artistic creation by providing essential funding for projects that bring art to an audience. The foundation recognizes that an audience is often the final, crucial piece in a work of art created by dancers, musicians, actors, and writers. The target beneficiaries for this grant are individual performers of theatre, dance, and performance art. Eligibility criteria specify that applicants must be United States Citizens or Resident Aliens, residents of New York City for at least one year prior to applying, and plan to remain residents through the project's completion. The grant focuses on supporting full productions, specifically stating that readings for plays will not qualify. This demonstrates a commitment to funding complete and public-facing artistic endeavors. The grant prioritizes the production aspect of performing arts, explicitly stating that it does not fund costs associated with the creation or composition of new work. This focus ensures that the grants are directed towards bringing existing or newly developed works to the stage, emphasizing the performance and audience engagement. The foundation's strategic priority appears to be the direct support of artistic presentation and the cultivation of a vibrant performing arts scene in New York City. Expected outcomes include the successful staging of theatre, dance, and performance art productions. Measurable results would be the number of performances supported, the number of audience members reached, and the successful completion of the funded projects by eligible New York City artists. The implicit theory of change is that by funding the production of these art forms, the foundation contributes to the cultural enrichment of New York City, provides opportunities for artists to present their work, and ensures public access to diverse artistic expressions. Funding information specifies that grants are awarded up to $10,000, with a range of $1,000 to $10,000. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the expectation is that projects will be completed. The foundation's dedication to supporting performance, rather than creation, highlights its commitment to the final stages of artistic work, ensuring that art reaches its intended audience.

Creative Engagement is a program designed to assist Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations in securing public and private funding to present arts activities to the public. It is overseen by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund, State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, and additional funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation. This program specifically targets artists and organizations that may not be able to directly apply to these larger agencies for arts funding, thereby acting as a crucial entry point for many applicants, often providing their first grant and helping to leverage further support. The program's mission aligns with supporting the arts at a grassroots level, fostering public access to a diverse range of artistic expressions, and building capacity within the arts community, particularly for those who might otherwise face barriers to funding. By offering technical assistance, networking opportunities, and promotional support, Creative Engagement not only provides financial aid but also helps develop the professional capabilities and visibility of its grantees. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering individual artists and smaller organizations, the program contributes to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape within Manhattan. Creative Engagement primarily targets individual artists and collectives, as well as nonprofit organizations, all based in Manhattan. For nonprofit organizations, eligibility requires a core artistic mission or history of arts programming, proof of nonprofit status, and a commitment to not directly apply to DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. Individual artists must also be Manhattan-based and cannot apply on behalf of an organization. Collectives must designate a lead artist who meets these individual artist criteria. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process. The program prioritizes projects across various artistic disciplines, including performing, literary, media, and visual arts. This encompasses a broad spectrum from folk/traditional forms to contemporary and socially-engaged artistic practices. Supported activities are diverse, ranging from concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, and screenings to festivals, workshops, and readings. The expected outcomes include an increase in publicly accessible arts activities across Manhattan, enhanced capacity and sustainability for individual artists and small arts organizations, and the fostering of new and diverse artistic voices. Measurable results could include the number of grants awarded, the number of public events supported, and feedback from participants and audiences on the impact of the funded projects. Grants are awarded in specific amounts of $4,000, $8,000, and $12,000, depending on the number of funding sources an applicant is eligible for, indicating a structured approach to resource allocation.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This grant provides funding to Recovery Residence Providers in Anne Arundel County to install fire suppression systems, ensuring safety and compliance with state certification requirements.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

New Mexico Arts offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations and other entities for arts and cultural programs, including performing, visual, literary, media, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary arts, with a focus on equitable distribution of funds across all categories and communities, to be used during the state fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations in the Pacific Northwest working to address environmental justice and public health challenges in historically underinvested communities.

This program provides funding to California cities and counties to create and improve initiatives that support individuals affected by cannabis criminalization, helping them enter the regulated cannabis market.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative marketing projects that promote tourism and boost the local economy in the Tillamook Coast area.

The TSAF supports tribes in asserting control over their energy resources and focuses on making project implementation feasible by leveraging state and federal programs, philanthropic dollars, and partnerships with other tribes across Indian County while working in alignment to identify, develop, finance and implement solar power projects that meet community needs, including education, hands-on training, and energy cost reductions for tribal members. TSAF Funding Area- Tribal Energy Capacity Building Grant  At the TSAF, they understand that Indian Country needs more than just project development funding, which is why the Tribal Energy Capacity Building grants are looking to support tribes and tribal organizations with; technical expertise, educational and workforce development training, policy and regulatory guidance, planning, design, and project development, and industry resources. Tribal Energy Capacity Building grants will be intended to support TSAF’s past, current, and new community of tribal partners to invest in building the human capacity needed to advance tribal clean energy programs and projects that build the tribal energy ecosystem of community leaders, experts, cultural knowledge keepers, and everyone in between. These grants will be significant, flexible, multi-year funding for general operating support, capacity building, and enhancing energy and sustainability expertise that reinforces tribal sovereignty. TSAF Grantmaking Priorities  The TSAF supports and encourages solar education, training, and workforce development in tribal communities through leadership programs and industry related opportunities Provide access to funding to support the development of renewable energy projects and the development of long-term energy plans to increase tribal energy security and resiliency Ensure that equity is a driving principle in the national transition to a clean energy economy through learning from the TSAF community and generating awareness in the climate action arena.

This grant provides funding for Kentucky teachers and schools to cover transportation costs for students traveling to high-quality arts programs.

This grant provides funding to state and local courts, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations, to obtain expert assistance for diagnosing issues, developing solutions, and implementing necessary changes within the judicial system.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist healthcare providers and community organizations in New York State that are working to overcome healthcare access challenges in rural areas.

This program provides financial support to for-profit food businesses in northeast Washington, D.C., that aim to improve access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food in underserved neighborhoods.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, provides support to organizations serving individuals and families in need within Greater Portland, specifically in Cumberland County. This fund is dedicated to strengthening the community by empowering organizations that improve quality of life and expand access to essential services. The program prioritizes projects that address critical local needs and have a measurable impact, particularly in areas that promote well-being and opportunity for all residents. The fund provides grants designed to either expand an organization’s reach or enhance its operational effectiveness. These grants may be used to increase the number of people served, add new services, or improve the efficiency and overall performance of existing programs. Funding is also available for new or growing initiatives that tackle pressing community challenges. The Welch Charitable Fund is particularly interested in supporting capital investments, including selected capital campaigns, that strengthen the long-term capacity of organizations to fulfill their missions and sustain community impact. To be eligible, projects must directly benefit individuals within Cumberland County. Priority is given to programs focused on youth development, education, healthcare, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture—areas viewed as foundational to a thriving and resilient community. By concentrating resources in these fields, the fund aims to support both immediate relief efforts and the long-term enrichment of Portland’s social and cultural fabric. The typical grant award is around $10,000, and eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, municipalities, public schools, public agencies serving the State of Maine, and federally recognized tribal governments. Organizations that lack tax-exempt status may still apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor. Each organization may submit one application per grant cycle, ensuring equitable access to funding opportunities. Through this program, the Welch Charitable Fund continues its tradition of investing in the strength and inclusivity of the Greater Portland area. By fostering projects that expand reach, improve effectiveness, and nurture community well-being, the fund helps build a more connected, compassionate, and sustainable future for all who call Cumberland County home.

COMMUNITY HEART & SOUL GRANT GUIDELINES TIMELINE Application Cycle: April 11, 2024 – August 16, 2024 Introductory Webinars: April 11 and 25, 2024 "Getting Started" Webinars: May 16, June 20, July 18, 2024 Grant Period: October 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 Final Reports Due: September 15, 2026 PROGRAM DETAILS Innovia Foundation's Community Heart & Soul® Program aims to empower rural communities through resident-driven processes and action in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Benefits include increased community involvement, volunteerism, and economic development. The approach is based on three principles: INVOLVE EVERYONE, FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST, and PLAY THE LONG GAME. Grants of $30,000 each, with a $10,000 local match, will support community projects over two years. NONDISCRIMINATION/ANTI-HATE POLICY Innovia Foundation strictly prohibits funding organizations engaged in hateful activities or discrimination. Applicants must adhere to these standards. QUESTIONS? Contact Jennifer Stapleton at 509.624.2606.