Arts Grants

The Powers Lake Community Foundation in North Dakota is seeking applications for its annual grant, which aims to fund urgent community projects such as new playgrounds, school tech needs, or food pantry programs, prioritizing those that serve a greater number of county residents and are run by IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit tax-exempt groups or government agencies.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is offering a grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to municipalities in New York for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and installation of electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fuel filling stations, with a total of $750,000 available in the seventh round of the Municipal ZEV Rebate Program.

The Stanley Area Community Foundation is inviting applications for grants, prioritizing projects that benefit a large number of residents and have secured other funding sources, specifically for IRS-designated non-profit organizations and government agencies in Stanley and surrounding communities, with the application deadline set for September 29, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New Britain, CT, that promote music and arts, enhancing public music programs and accessibility to music education for the community.

The Pierce County Endowment Fund in North Dakota is accepting applications from IRS recognized 501(c)3 organizations and government-related entities for grants to support non-profit community projects, excluding day-to-day operations, with a preference for health and wellness initiatives, and decisions will be based on organizational integrity, local support, number of people served, and the grant's impact on the project's success, with applications due by October 1, 2024.

The Golden Valley County Community Foundation (GVCCF), an affiliate of the North Dakota Community Foundation, is offering grants to benefit projects or nonprofit organizations within Golden Valley County, North Dakota. The foundation's mission aligns with fostering community development by providing a structured method for receiving donations and distributing grants, thereby supporting local initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, the GVCCF is committed to enhancing the well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily organizations serving youth, senior citizens, and those involved in leadership and community development within Golden Valley County. The GVCCF seeks to fund projects and programs that will have a broad impact, benefiting a significant number of residents. The expected outcomes include strengthening community infrastructure, improving quality of life for vulnerable populations, and promoting local leadership. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on benefiting a "greater number of residents" implies a desire for widespread positive impact. The GVCCF prioritizes applications from organizations that demonstrate a commitment to securing additional funding sources, indicating a desire for sustainable and collaborative projects. High-priority areas include services for youth, senior citizens, leadership development, and general community development initiatives. Conversely, the foundation gives low priority to requests for multiple-year funding and explicitly will not consider requests for operating funds, day-to-day expenses, or grants/scholarships for individuals. This strategic focus ensures that grants are directed towards specific projects that address identified community needs rather than ongoing operational costs. The foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local organizations and projects through financial support, thereby catalyzing positive change and development within Golden Valley County. By supporting initiatives with a broad reach and encouraging diversified funding, the GVCCF aims to achieve long-term community benefits. A total of $29,200 is available for distribution, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, government agencies, or have a fiscal sponsor with one of these designations, and must provide services in Golden Valley County.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Maine, particularly in Brunswick, Southport, and Boothbay Harbor, focusing on projects that aid those in need, promote animal welfare, provide healthcare for underserved populations, and support public broadcasting.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Northern Michigan that are led by or serve communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission's County History Partnership Program (CHPP), offers grants through its annual History Regrant program. This initiative aims to support historical organizations and history programming within Mercer County. The program's mission aligns with fostering an appreciation for local, county, and New Jersey state history by providing financial assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving and presenting this heritage. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include Mercer County-based non-profit organizations, particularly historic sites and historical organizations, as well as libraries, schools, and local government entities. These organizations must operate historic sites and/or offer historical programming and events. The program specifically emphasizes those with a focus on Mercer County and its communities, aiming to reach a broad public audience. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen the historical infrastructure and engagement within the county. The program prioritizes both General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) grants. GOS grants are available exclusively to non-profit historical sites and groups with a primary mission of presenting New Jersey and/or Mercer County-related history. SP grants are open to a wider range of non-profit community organizations, local government entities, schools, higher education institutions, and libraries that offer programming and events related to local, county, or New Jersey state history. This dual focus ensures support for both established historical entities and diverse project-based initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced historical programming, improved preservation of historic sites, and increased public engagement with local and state history. The program seeks to support projects and organizations that demonstrate clear public benefit, responsible management, proven quality of work, and historical merit. Grants are awarded competitively by the County based on evaluation by an independent review panel, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives with the highest potential for positive and measurable results in historical education and preservation.

The Food for Thought Grant Program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, aims to support educational and artistic projects that foster awareness, build knowledge, and cultivate conscious advocates for local and regional food systems. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to engage artists, educators, community members, and food system stakeholders in creative expression and collaboration to spark social change. The program's core objective is to bring these diverse groups together to highlight the importance of just and sustainable food systems. The program primarily targets organizations interested in submitting projects that use arts and/or education to uplift opportunities or inform on issues related to the food system. The ultimate beneficiaries are the communities within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York, as the program seeks to widen community participation, promote collaboration and dialogue, and engage and empower these communities at large. The impact goals include raising awareness, inspiring action, and creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system. The program prioritizes projects designed to foster community participation and dialogue, encouraging creative approaches to food system education. It also focuses on the facilitation and exchange of learnings, insights, and expertise related to the food system to inform the public. Learning agendas are specifically encouraged to share practical knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire action towards building better food systems. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities or those with a fiscal sponsor or acting as a pass-through. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with food system issues, enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, and a more informed public regarding sustainable and equitable food practices. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, the reach of educational and artistic initiatives, and documented shifts in community knowledge and advocacy. The Western New York Foundation’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, lean towards fostering community-led initiatives that utilize innovative methods like arts and education to address critical social and environmental issues, particularly within the context of local food systems. Their theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by empowering local communities and fostering creative dialogue, significant social and systemic changes can be achieved.

The City of Pittsburg Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to stimulate investment in the local business community by offering up to $10,000 for façade enhancements to eligible businesses. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to support and foster the growth of its local businesses, recognizing them as essential for community vitality, opportunity creation, and creativity. By focusing on visible improvements to storefronts, the program directly contributes to the beautification of public-facing areas and the overall image of the city. The primary beneficiaries of this program are small, brick-and-mortar businesses with public-facing storefronts located within Pittsburg city limits and holding an active City of Pittsburg Business License. Shopping centers with five or fewer tenants are also eligible. The program explicitly excludes home-based businesses and businesses that sell tobacco, alcohol, cannabis products, or adult materials. The impact goal is to create more inviting storefronts, improve neighborhood characteristics, encourage reinvestment in older buildings, and increase potential foot traffic for businesses, ultimately benefiting the businesses, their customers, and the wider Pittsburg community. The program prioritizes enhancements and beautification of public-facing building façades that will improve the image and characteristics of the building, the business, and the City. Specific focuses include signage, awnings, exterior paint (including anti-graffiti), architectural treatments, stucco, cladding, and/or siding repair, windows, front entrance doors, exterior lighting, planter boxes, and bicycle racks. The City seeks businesses that will provide the maximum return on investment and long-lasting benefits. A property-owner-led application is highly encouraged to ensure uniform projects, though individual tenants can also apply. The expected outcomes include a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment, increased business visibility, and a more inviting experience for customers. Measurable results will include the number of façades improved, the amount of grant funds dispersed (up to $10,000 per applicant from a $30,000 budget), and potentially qualitative feedback on improved neighborhood characteristics and increased foot traffic. The City's strategic priority is to invest in its local businesses to help them thrive, with a theory of change that by improving the physical appearance of business fronts, the city can stimulate economic activity, enhance community pride, and foster a more vibrant local economy.

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program designed to empower neighbors to enhance their communities by addressing blight, fostering community assets, and building resilience. The program's core mission aligns with promoting community development and civic engagement, focusing on tangible improvements at the neighborhood level. Through a grant or reimbursement model, Love Your Block supports local initiatives that directly contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment. The overarching goal is to cultivate stronger, more connected communities through resident-led action and collaborative efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents and neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh. The program aims to create a positive impact by improving public spaces, increasing community safety, and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. Impact goals include revitalizing neglected areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of blocks, and promoting active participation in community upkeep. This program targets communities that are eager to undertake projects ranging from maintaining community gardens and organizing neighborhood clean-ups to planting trees and flowers, directly benefiting those who live and work in these areas. Key priorities for Love Your Block projects include building strong partnerships, leveraging donations, ensuring feasibility, and engaging neighbors. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration with local businesses, VFW posts, or youth service-learning components. They should also encourage residents to donate resources like plants, compost, or food for volunteer events. The program emphasizes that while creative ideas are encouraged, projects must be realistic and manageable, potentially serving as a first step for larger initiatives. Crucially, the most impactful projects involve volunteers residing within proximity to the project, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term sustainability. Expected outcomes include a visible reduction in blight, the creation of new or improved community assets, and increased neighborhood resilience. Measurable results could include the number of community gardens maintained, the volume of waste collected during clean-ups, the number of trees and flowers planted, and the level of volunteer participation from within the project's vicinity. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by empowering residents with resources and support, communities will be better equipped to address their own needs, leading to sustainable improvements and a stronger social fabric. The maximum award of $2,500, provided through reimbursement after project implementation, underscores a focus on supporting grassroots, community-driven efforts that demonstrate initiative and commitment.

The City of Arlington is offering grants to public and non-profit agencies for projects that foster economic development and tourism within the city. This grant program aims to enhance the local economy and promote Arlington as a desirable destination. The funding available for these grants is $175,000, and awards will be allocated proportionally based on application scores, with higher-scoring projects receiving a larger share of the total funding. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are public and non-profit agencies that can demonstrate projects promoting economic growth and tourism. The impact goals are centered around increasing tourism, supporting local events, and improving tourism-related facilities. This will ultimately benefit the City of Arlington by boosting its economy and improving the quality of life for its residents through enhanced amenities and attractions. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include tourism marketing initiatives, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals, the operation of tourism-related facilities owned by non-profit organizations, and the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned by municipalities. These focus areas are designed to directly contribute to the program's overarching goals of economic development and tourism promotion. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity, successful execution of special events and festivals, and the improved operation or development of tourism-related infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the proportional funding allocation based on points, the requirement for a 25% project cost match indicates a commitment to projects with significant investment and potential for impact. Applicants are expected to provide details that will allow for the evaluation of the proposed project's benefits.

The Pollinator Pathways grant program, led by local conservation partners in Minnesota, aims to promote native plantings to establish key corridors for at-risk pollinators like the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of increasing biodiversity, enhancing climate resiliency through deep-rooted native vegetation, and providing essential ecosystem services. The program is designed to fund pollinator plantings and inspire DIY projects among Minnesota residents. Funding for the FY24/25 biennium totals $1,100,000, with individual grant requests needing to be greater than $50,000. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Minnesota residents, communities, and educational spaces, particularly those with gardens, as well as the at-risk pollinator species themselves. The impact goals are to establish and connect pollinator pathways across communities, ranging from local neighborhoods to entire watersheds. This will be achieved by creating new habitats and educating Minnesotans about pollinators and ecological landscaping. The program also seeks to foster civic engagement and public outreach to further these goals. The program prioritizes activities that directly support the establishment of pollinator habitat projects. This includes planting beneficial trees, shrubs, pollinator lawns, meadows, and native pocket plantings, with a maximum project size of 5 acres. A strong emphasis is placed on using MN Native Plants and Seeds that are insecticide/neonicotinoid free, ensuring at least three blooming plant species during spring, summer, and fall, and sourcing native plants within 175 miles of the project location. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in pollinator habitat across Minnesota, improved climate resiliency, and greater biodiversity. Measurable results will stem from tracking the establishment of pollinator habitat projects, the types and diversity of native plantings, and the engagement of residents and communities in ecological landscaping efforts. The program’s strategic approach centers on local partnerships, community involvement, and hands-on projects, with a theory of change that by empowering residents and communities to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, vital corridors will be established, leading to a healthier environment for at-risk pollinators and broader ecological benefits.

The Asheville Area Arts Council's Arts for Schools grant program aims to provide in-school arts programming for students attending economically disadvantaged schools in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville K-12 public school system. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support arts education and ensure access to enriching artistic experiences for all students, particularly those in underserved communities. For a limited time, the program also extends support to arts-focused after-school and camp programs, demonstrating a broader commitment to arts accessibility outside of traditional school hours. The target beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students in Buncombe County and City of Asheville public schools, with a specific focus on those attending economically disadvantaged schools. The program seeks to impact students by providing free arts-focused performances, workshops, residencies, and field trips. The ultimate goal is to enhance arts education and foster artistic engagement among students who might otherwise lack such opportunities due to economic barriers. The extension to after-school and camp programs further broadens the reach and potential impact on youth development through the arts. The program prioritizes applicants located in Buncombe County for at least one year and requires them to be either a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization or a qualified teaching artist. Qualified teaching artists must possess a BA or BFA in their specific art form, or equivalent training and experience, along with at least five years of experience in arts education. All programs must serve students in Buncombe County or City of Asheville K-12 public schools, be free for students and schools, and align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and Essential Standards. These criteria ensure that the funding supports high-quality, accessible, and educationally relevant arts programming. Expected outcomes include an increase in arts participation and appreciation among students, improved access to arts education in economically disadvantaged schools, and the development of artistic skills and creative thinking. Measurable results for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and for out-of-school programs, from $500-$5,000. Programs must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. For in-school programs, a school partnership agreement form is required. For out-of-school programs, applicants are ineligible if they already receive funding for the proposed arts-focused program from Dogwood Health Trust’s WNC After 3pm initiative. For camps, only 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations may apply. The Asheville Area Arts Council's strategic priorities are centered on fostering a vibrant arts community and ensuring equitable access to arts education. Their theory of change posits that by investing in arts programming for students, particularly in underserved areas, they can contribute to positive educational outcomes, personal development, and community enrichment. The emphasis on qualified artists and alignment with educational standards underscores their commitment to effective and impactful arts interventions. This grant program is a direct manifestation of their belief in the transformative power of the arts for young people.

The Seeds of Sustainability Grant Program, offered by the Western New York Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofit organizations working within the food system. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to improve organizational capacity and drive transformative work. Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to empower nonprofits to achieve their objectives and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system in the region. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are small to mid-size nonprofit organizations with budgets between $100,000 and $6,000,000, operating within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York. The program's impact goals center on enhancing the operational effectiveness and sustainable growth of these organizations. It seeks to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to amplify their impact on local and regional food systems. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include supporting strategic leadership development, fostering collaboration among community stakeholders, strengthening communication efforts to raise awareness and attract resources, expanding resources to stabilize financials, promoting programming excellence, and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. These focuses are designed to address the multifaceted needs of nonprofits and build a robust foundation for long-term success. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved board and staff leadership, stronger community engagement and expanded services through collaborative efforts, increased awareness and resource attraction due to enhanced communications, greater financial stability and long-term sustainability, more effective program delivery and evaluation, and improved day-to-day operational productivity in areas such as administration, grant management, finance, human resources, technology, and facility management. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to capacity building, believing that by strengthening the internal capabilities of nonprofits, they can more effectively drive transformative change in the food system. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, demonstrate a commitment to transformative change in the food system, and have three years of 990 filings. The program's detailed approach, from leadership support to operational enhancements, reflects the Western New York Foundation's comprehensive strategy for fostering sustainable growth and impactful work within the vital food sector of the region.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support the sustainability of independent media in Ukraine.

The Richardton Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Dakota Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects or nonprofit organizations within the Richardton area. Established in 1981, the foundation's core mission is to address the lack of funding for local organizations and foster community development. This grant program is a direct extension of that mission, aiming to provide financial assistance to initiatives that positively impact the residents of the Richardton–Taylor area. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant program are 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt groups, government agencies, and organizations operating within the Richardton–Taylor area. Groups without 501(c)(3) designation can apply with a fiscal sponsor. Religious organizations are eligible, provided their activities are non-denominational and serve the entire community. The overarching impact goal is to fund projects that offer broad community benefit, addressing various needs and improving the quality of life for a greater number of residents. The foundation prioritizes projects or programs that benefit a greater number of residents and those that demonstrate the applicant will seek or has secured other funding sources. This indicates a strategic focus on initiatives with widespread community reach and a commitment to leveraging diverse funding streams for sustainability. Conversely, low priority is given to requests for multiple-year funding and those for operating funds or day-to-day expenses, suggesting a preference for project-specific funding with clear objectives and a defined timeline. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of community-benefiting projects and the strengthening of local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on projects benefiting a "greater number of residents" implies that successful applications will demonstrate a quantifiable positive impact on the community. The Advisory Committee retains discretion over funding decisions and extensions, allowing for flexibility and ensuring alignment with the foundation's strategic priorities. The foundation does not fund grants or scholarships for individuals.

The Community Funds, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF), are designed to broadly support the region by funding a diverse array of organizations, including environmental nonprofits, arts and culture groups, Tribal organizations, and educational institutions. This program aligns with the GTRCF's mission to strengthen the community by providing financial resources to a wide range of initiatives that address various needs and opportunities within its service area. The foundation aims to foster a vibrant and thriving community by empowering organizations that contribute to the region's overall well-being. The target beneficiaries for these grants include nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities operating across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties in Michigan. The impact goals are to support projects that have a significant community benefit, can leverage other funding sources, and ultimately contribute to the region's development. The program encourages organizations to apply for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, with a total of $300,000 available for Community Funds grants in 2024, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible funding. A key priority for the GTRCF in this grant program is to provide unrestricted general operating support, allowing recipient organizations the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed. Furthermore, consideration is given to grant awards that can demonstrate a larger impact for the grant partner and the community. Grant requests that are informed by data on the Community Development Regional Scorecard or address community issues highlighted on this scorecard are prioritized in the review process. This strategic focus ensures that funding is directed towards evidence-based needs and initiatives that are aligned with documented regional challenges and opportunities. The expected outcomes include strengthened community organizations, significant community benefits, and the ability of grant partners to leverage additional funding. By prioritizing data-informed requests and those addressing issues on the Community Development Regional Scorecard, the GTRCF aims for measurable results that contribute to tangible improvements in the region. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priorities, which likely involve a theory of change centered on empowering local organizations to drive positive change and address critical community issues through targeted and impactful investments.

The Piper Fellows program, funded by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, is designed to support and revitalize nonprofit leaders. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission by acknowledging the demanding nature of nonprofit leadership and offering opportunities for professional development. The program provides up to six fellowship awards annually, each offering up to $30,000 for professional development to outstanding leaders of nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. This direct investment in leadership aims to strengthen the nonprofit sector within Maricopa County, Arizona, which is a key strategic priority for the Piper Charitable Trust. The primary target beneficiaries are experienced leaders of nonprofit organizations serving Maricopa County, specifically those that have been operating for a minimum of 10 years in critical sectors such as human services, health, education, arts and culture, or religious organizations. The impact goal is to enhance the professional capabilities of these leaders, thereby strengthening their organizations and ultimately improving the quality and reach of services provided to the community. By fostering individual growth, the program seeks to create a ripple effect that benefits the wider community served by these organizations. The program prioritizes a personalized approach to professional development, encouraging Fellows to design their own plans that can include educational programs, visits to model sites, and meetings with leaders across the nation. This focus on tailored development ensures that the learning is relevant and impactful for each individual and their organization. Additionally, the fellowship includes a $10,000 grant for staff and board development within the Fellow's organization, and eligibility for an Organizational Enhancement Award of up to $50,000 after fellowship completion. These additional grants underscore the foundation's commitment to holistic organizational improvement alongside individual leadership development. Expected outcomes include enhanced leadership skills, improved organizational management, and increased capacity for innovation within participating nonprofits. Measurable results would be reflected in the successful completion of professional development plans, the effective utilization of staff and board development grants, and the successful application and implementation of Organizational Enhancement Awards. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in the professional growth and organizational capacity of established nonprofit leaders, they can foster more resilient, effective, and impactful organizations that better address the needs of Maricopa County residents. The program emphasizes that continued employment of the Fellow is crucial for the grant-related awards, ensuring the investment benefits the organization long-term.