Arts Grants

The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) Community Grants program is dedicated to improving the lives of Douglas County, Kansas residents by supporting a wide array of local projects. The foundation aligns its mission with community needs by funding initiatives across various sectors, including arts and culture, animal welfare, children and youth, community development, education, environment, health, housing, and human services. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a holistic and thriving community within Douglas County. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the residents of Douglas County, Kansas. The program's impact goals are centered on enhancing the quality of life for these residents through tangible improvements in the supported areas. By investing in diverse projects, DCCF aims to address multiple facets of community well-being, from educational opportunities and environmental conservation to health services and cultural enrichment. DCCF prioritizes requests that are clearly and concisely described, supported by complete and clear income and expense projections, and do not require recurring funding for the same project or purpose. The foundation also favors one-time requests or projects that can reasonably ensure sustainability after the initial DCCF funding is utilized. This strategic focus ensures that grants create lasting positive change and promote self-sufficiency within recipient organizations and their initiatives. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the lives of Douglas County residents within the supported areas. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on clear project descriptions and sound financial planning suggests an expectation of accountability and demonstrable impact. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and local governments to implement projects that directly address community needs and foster long-term positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its eligibility criteria and limitations on grantmaking. Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, or local governments, and must benefit Douglas County residents. Organizations must also operate without discrimination. DCCF explicitly does not fund multi-year requests, general operating expenses, individual support, annual campaigns, endowment funds, event sponsorships, fundraising events, religious purposes, lobbying, political activities, or debt retirement. These limitations ensure that the grants are focused on direct project support that aligns with the foundation's mission of community improvement.

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.

The Telluride Foundation's Community Grants Program, open to organizations in Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties in Colorado, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to support projects in areas such as early childhood development, education, environment, arts and culture, health, human service, and athletics, with a focus on enriching the quality of life of the region's residents, visitors, and workforce.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Central Louisiana for innovative projects that improve community well-being and address significant local issues.

This program provides financial support for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue, WA, to fund capital projects and facility maintenance that enhance public access to the arts.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington, Connecticut, to enhance community services and improve the quality of life for local residents.

The Harbor Facility Grant Program, administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, offers 50/50 matching financial assistance to municipally or regional housing authority owned small boat harbor facilities in Alaska. This program, funded annually by the Alaska Legislature, aims to support critical infrastructure within the state. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not detailed, the program's alignment with state-level infrastructure development and maintenance is clear. Port or barge facilities are explicitly ineligible, focusing the program on small boat harbor needs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipal and regional housing authorities that own small boat harbor facilities. The impact goals include ensuring the continued functionality and improvement of these facilities, which are vital for local communities and maritime activities in Alaska. The program's structure, with its focus on "Major Maintenance and Repair," "New Construction," and "Expansion," suggests a commitment to both preserving existing infrastructure and fostering growth where needed. The program prioritizes projects through a two-tiered system. Tier I focuses on "Major Maintenance and Repair" of facilities previously owned by the state and now under municipal or regional housing authority ownership, with these projects receiving priority. A facility can only receive one Tier I grant, after which it becomes eligible for Tier II. Tier II encompasses all other eligible facilities, including new construction, expansion, or further major maintenance and repair, and facilities can receive multiple Tier II grants. This tiered approach indicates a strategic focus on addressing the most pressing maintenance needs first, then supporting broader development. Expected outcomes include improved safety, functionality, and longevity of small boat harbor facilities across Alaska. Measurable results could be tracked by the number of facilities repaired or constructed, the value of the grants awarded, and the types of improvements made (e.g., new pilings, upgraded utility systems). The grant duration is 2 years, with a grant period of 18 months for projects, allowing for substantial work to be completed. Award amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000, ensuring significant financial support for eligible projects. The focus on essential items like approach structures, float systems, and utility systems further reinforces the program's goal of ensuring robust and operational harbor facilities.

This program provides financial incentives for individuals and organizations to replace or upgrade older locomotives, marine vessels, and equipment in Texas to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

This grant provides financial assistance to private homeowners of historic properties in Phoenix for exterior rehabilitation and restoration work to preserve their architectural integrity and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.

The Bothin Foundation Grant Program is designed to support direct service organizations in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its grant priorities and eligibility criteria, is to enhance the well-being of disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families with children, and people with disabilities. The program focuses on capital projects, aligning with a strategic priority to make durable, long-lasting investments that directly benefit program participants and improve the infrastructure of critical direct service organizations. The grant program targets organizations serving a significant number of residents in the specified counties, with a particular emphasis on those serving at least 50% disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families, and/or people with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding capital projects—such as building renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and vehicle acquisitions—it can enhance the capacity of direct service organizations to deliver effective services, thereby achieving a positive and lasting impact on their beneficiaries. Key priorities for funding include building construction and renovation (for contracted labor directly associated with the project), equipment and furnishing (especially items used by or benefiting program participants), technology, and vehicles that transport participants. The foundation explicitly states what it does not fund, such as planning for capital projects, staff time for project management, insurance for vehicles, or general operating expenses, which further refines its strategic focus on tangible capital improvements. Successful applications are those that propose capital projects that can be completed within 12 months, represent durable capital investments, and are submitted by direct service organizations meeting the beneficiary criteria. The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum grant size of $50,000. Expected outcomes include improved facilities, enhanced program delivery through new equipment and technology, and better access to services through reliable transportation, all contributing to the foundation’s overarching goal of supporting vulnerable populations in its target regions. The foundation’s strategic priorities are clearly centered on strengthening the physical and operational assets of organizations directly serving those in need.

This program provides funding to Iowa cities, counties, and land use districts for local historic preservation projects, including National Register nominations and educational initiatives.

This program provides financial support for a variety of arts-related projects in Iowa, targeting organizations and initiatives that promote regional and statewide arts events or align with strategic arts goals.

The 2025 Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) Grant Program, offered by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, is designed to foster innovative strategies and projects aimed at improving mobility and access for transit-dependent Vermonters, while simultaneously working to reduce the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The program aligns with a broader mission to create more sustainable and accessible transportation options within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are transit-dependent Vermonters, along with employers and employees seeking to adopt Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures. The grant's impact goals are clearly defined, focusing on enhancing mobility and access for these transit-dependent individuals, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the overall use of single-occupancy vehicles. These goals are also intended to complement existing mobility investments within Vermont. The MTI Grant Program prioritizes several key focal areas. These include the extension and creation of new TDM programs, the development and marketing of TDM resources, the expansion of first-mile/last-mile programs, and providing support for employers and employees to adopt TDM measures. Furthermore, it encourages the implementation of planned TDM programs such as bike share, car share, and microtransit initiatives. Funds can be utilized for various purposes, including matching funds for other TDM grant awards, covering TDM program delivery costs, microtransit planning and implementation, and both capital and operational expenses. The program categorizes grants into Small (around $10,000), Medium (around $50,000), and Large (around $100,000+) to accommodate diverse project scopes. Expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to the performance metrics, which emphasize improved mobility and access, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a decrease in single-occupancy vehicle use. While the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as a separate foundation, the Vermont Agency of Transportation's initiative implicitly operates on the theory that strategic investment in innovative transportation solutions and TDM will lead to measurable improvements in public mobility, environmental sustainability, and overall community well-being by empowering transit-dependent populations and fostering more sustainable travel behaviors.

The Possibility Grant Program, overseen by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, is a unique initiative with a core mission to foster a more just and equitable society. This program distinguishes itself by empowering Bay Area Youth (BAY) Community Fellows, who serve as youth advisors, to design and decide the grants. This approach aligns directly with the Fund's strategic priority of uplifting youth and incorporating intergenerational perspectives into its grantmaking. The grants are specifically designed as general operating support, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with flexible terms of either one or two years, providing essential financial stability to recipient organizations. The target beneficiaries for the Possibility Grants are primarily small organizations located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County in California. These organizations must be 501(c)3 entities or fiscally sponsored by one. The impact goals are centered on challenging systems of oppression through various avenues, including cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, and art. The program seeks to support organizations that respond to the current domestic and global political climate, demonstrating an active commitment to social change and equity. The Fund prioritizes organizations that are actively working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression. This includes fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth, centering collaboration in their work, and seeking a strong intersectional impact. The focus is on entities that embody Black liberation values and utilize cultural education, community-based care, healing, or art as tools for social transformation. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting grassroots organizations with these specific focuses, they can contribute to systemic change and the creation of a more equitable society. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of small organizations that are vital to their communities and are at the forefront of social justice efforts. The program aims to enable these organizations to sustain and expand their work in challenging oppression and fostering intergenerational connections. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating support, the emphasis on organizations actively working to dismantle systems of oppression and seeking intersectional impact suggests a qualitative assessment of their contributions to social equity and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The long-term impact envisioned is a Bay Area where youth are uplifted, collaboration is fostered, and systemic injustices are actively addressed.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to celebrate and preserve the 50-year history of Southeast Asians in the state through various cultural and historical projects.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in designated rural counties of Oklahoma to enhance access to arts and cultural activities, fostering economic development and community well-being.

This program provides training and support for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations in Iowa focused on arts, culture, history, and humanities to help them overcome unique challenges.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and charitable projects that enhance community well-being in the Greater Itasca Area of Minnesota.

This funding initiative provides financial support for arts programs that engage military-connected individuals, including active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, to promote community ties and enhance their quality of life through creative expression.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta's Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprises Grants program aims to bolster nonprofit literary and performing arts organizations by facilitating access to performance venues and facilities. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support the cultural vibrancy of the Greater Atlanta area and foster artistic experiences for the public. By addressing the critical need for performance spaces, the program enables organizations to produce and present their work, thereby enriching the community's access to diverse artistic expressions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit professional arts organizations with a core mission in literary or performing arts disciplines such as Creative, Nonfiction, Dance, Fiction, Multidisciplinary, Music, Musical, Theater, Opera, and Poetry. The program specifically targets organizations based in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, or Rockdale counties in Georgia, which conduct most of their local programs and services in metro Atlanta. The impact goal is to empower these organizations to overcome facility access barriers, leading to increased public engagement with performing arts. Priority consideration for 2024 support is given to organizations in alignment with the Foundation's TogetherATL strategy. This includes artistic or cultural activities led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders or organizations directly representing/serving BIPOC communities, as defined by criteria such as artistic or executive leadership, artistic theme, board/staff majority, or population served. Further priority is extended to organizations without their own primary performance space, new organizations that have not previously received an "A Place to Perform" grant, those that did not receive a Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant in 2023, and organizations with operating budgets below $2 million. This focus highlights the Foundation's commitment to equity, access, and supporting emerging or underserved artistic groups. The expected outcomes include a greater number of performing arts presentations for the public, especially from organizations that traditionally face barriers to facility access. Measurable results will be tied to the utilization of grant funds (up to $5,000) to subsidize direct rental costs for engagements occurring between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. The Foundation's strategic priorities, reflected in the TogetherATL strategy, emphasize fostering a more inclusive and accessible arts landscape. By supporting organizations that might otherwise struggle to secure performance venues, the grants contribute to a theory of change where equitable access to resources directly translates into a more vibrant, diverse, and publicly engaged arts community in Greater Atlanta.