Arts Grants

This grant provides flexible funding to nonprofit organizations in Lincoln and Lancaster County, Nebraska, to support their operating expenses, programs, and capital projects that address community needs across various sectors.

The United States Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its Caribbean United for Women's Economic Empowerment (CUWEE) project. This grant program is fundamentally aligned with the mission of addressing systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that challenge gender equity and equality within the Caribbean economy. The funding is sourced from the FY 2023 Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Economic Support Funds (ESF), signaling the Department of State's strategic priority on advancing economic security through gender equality initiatives in the region. The project is anticipated to be executed through a cooperative agreement and will be administered by the WHA's Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (PPC). The primary target beneficiaries of the CUWEE project are women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older in the Caribbean. The overarching impact goals are to build their economic resilience and skills capacity. By achieving this, the project aims to enable these beneficiaries to successfully enter the labor force and obtain economic security, thereby contributing to broader regional stability and growth. The initiative's theory of change appears to center on strengthening the ecosystem of local support to create sustainable economic opportunities for women. The strategic priorities and focuses of the project are multi-faceted, with a strong emphasis on empowering local civil society support actors. A central requirement is that proposals demonstrate how the grantee will strengthen local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) engaged in advancing women’s economic security. The project is expected to first focus on identifying problematic country-specific and/or regional systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes, and then partner with local CSOs to directly address these identified obstacles. The CUWEE project details two key mechanisms for implementation. First, it intends to support a competition designed to promote local CSOs to develop and implement pioneering solutions tailored to overcome specific local systemic barriers to economic security for women in their respective country or region. Second, the project mandates the provision of a training curriculum that builds the capacity of, and strengthens, the regional Caribbean network of local CSOs dedicated to women’s economic security. WHA intends to issue one award, subject to funding availability, not to exceed $1,973,359, for a project period of up to three years, with a target start date of October 2024. The expected outcomes are the provision of greater economic gender equity and equality across the Caribbean region through the development of local capacity and innovative, localized solutions.

The Art and Change Grant (ACG), provided by the Leeway Foundation, offers up to $2,500 to fund art for social change projects. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to support artists and cultural producers who are deeply involved in creating art that positively affects and engages communities and audiences, ensuring that social change is integral to their artistic process and goals. The foundation prioritizes art with a vision and intentional analysis, recognizing it as a powerful tool for societal impact. The target beneficiaries for the ACG are women, trans, and/or gender nonconforming artists and cultural producers who reside in Greater Philadelphia, specifically in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County, and are at least 18 years old. The grant aims to empower these artists to use their creative practices to foster social change. The impact goals include raising consciousness, altering perspectives on self, society, or culture, creating visions of a more just world, and serving as a strategy for organizing and movement building. The grant prioritizes art that addresses various forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and ableism. It also focuses on art that questions mainstream culture and beliefs, shifts perceptions of power and privilege, and values healing justice practices. Expected outcomes include strengthening communities, preserving or reclaiming traditional cultural practices, building a sense of community, and creating spaces for expression. The grant also emphasizes a reciprocal process of teaching and learning, ensuring mutual benefit for both the artist and the community engaged. The Leeway Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting project-based art for social change across any medium, including traditional, nontraditional, multimedia, and experimental forms. Their theory of change posits that by empowering individual artists to create socially engaged art, they can catalyze significant community-wide impact. The foundation aims for measurable results through projects that demonstrate a clear vision for social change and actively engage communities, fostering a more just and equitable world through artistic and cultural practice.

The C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust supports charitable organizations that serve residents of San Diego County, California. The trust invests in local initiatives that strengthen community well being and address needs across several fields of interest. Priority program areas include arts and culture, education, health, and human services. Average grants range from 5,000 to 7,500 dollars, with total annual giving of about 50,000 dollars. Funds may be used for projects or programs that benefit San Diego County residents and are consistent with the trust mission. Eligible applicants must be public charities qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted only through the online grant application form or accessible alternative; no other formats are accepted. Grants are geographically limited to San Diego County, California. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not specified. Additional information is available through the trustee portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

The City of Evanston's Small Business Recovery Program is designed to safeguard the local small business economy and preserve the city's economic and cultural fabric. While not explicitly a foundation, the City of Evanston's mission alignment with this program is evident in its commitment to supporting the independent businesses that define the city's identity. This initiative directly addresses the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic on these vital businesses. The program primarily targets existing small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses in Evanston, particularly focusing on minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned enterprises. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating on or before March 13, 2020, possess a physical Evanston location with proper registration/licensing, and have 50 or fewer employees. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn, ensuring these businesses can continue to operate and contribute to the community. The program prioritizes a range of services and expenses to achieve its goals. These include facade improvements, rehabilitation/renovation of commercial properties, signage, professional services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal), marketing/communications technical assistance, capital expenditures (tools and equipment), training and certifications, relocation/expansion within Evanston (for qualified census tracts), and hiring/training of new employees. The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000, with other eligible expenses capped at $10,000. Priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts if applications exceed available funding. The expected outcomes include the revitalization of small businesses, job retention and creation, and an overall strengthening of Evanston's local economy. Measurable results will likely stem from the types of expenses funded, such as improved business appearance, enhanced operational efficiency through new equipment, increased marketing reach, and expanded workforces. The City's strategic priority is to prevent business closures and stimulate economic growth post-pandemic, operating on the theory that direct financial and technical assistance to vulnerable small businesses is the most effective way to achieve a resilient local economy and maintain its unique cultural identity.

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) in Maine, aims to support entrepreneurs in establishing new child care facilities or expanding existing ones. This grant provides funding to help new child care businesses cover up to 50% of their start-up costs, with a total award ceiling of $80,000, and a general grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. CEI's mission, though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, can be inferred as supporting economic development and community well-being through strategic investments, particularly in vital services like child care. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and organizations (sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers) interested in starting or expanding child care facilities outside of a home environment. The impact goals are to increase access to quality child care, particularly in specific counties of Maine, and to foster business growth in this essential sector. By providing start-up capital, the program seeks to alleviate financial barriers for new and expanding child care providers, thereby strengthening the child care infrastructure. Priority is given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, indicating a strategic focus on underserved or high-need areas within the state. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving income-eligible families (those receiving subsidies), and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities align with broader goals of supporting vulnerable populations and improving the nutritional well-being of children. The grant funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including purchasing, renting, or renovating buildings for child care, constructing new facilities, acquiring educational materials, indoor furniture, outdoor learning environments, playground equipment, and health and safety supplies. Importantly, funds can also cover working capital for the first month, including pre-opening payroll and initial food costs. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of high-quality child care slots, particularly for infants, toddlers, and income-eligible families, in the designated priority counties. This initiative directly supports community development by addressing critical social and economic needs related to child care accessibility and quality.

The Community Foundation of the Virginias, Inc. has approved 80 grants totaling $479,795.69 in its 25th annual grant cycle, aimed at supporting local nonprofit groups. The grant cycle for 2024 will open early in the year, with applications accepted from April 1 through the last business day of June. Eligible applicants must be non-profit tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other non-profits as defined by section 501(c), or public institutions located in or serving Mercer County, West Virginia, and/or Tazewell County, Virginia. Grants are available in four categories: Education, Health, Human Services, and Arts and Humanities. The Foundation does not support individual salaries, annual campaigns, ongoing operating expenses, private schools, hospitals, sectarian religious programs, political purposes, or lobbying. Grant renewed every year. Annual opening/ closing deadline: April 1st to the last business day of June.

This funding opportunity supports tax-exempt nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities in southern York County, Maine, and Strafford & Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire, focusing on innovative and sustainable programs in health, community advancement, arts, education, and environmental welfare.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado to implement measurable projects in the areas of arts, education, animal and human welfare, and environmental initiatives.

The Nevada Arts Council administers the Arts Learning Project Grant to support arts learning activities, teaching artist residencies, and training for educators and teaching artists. The program expands access to high quality arts education and enables communities to work with practicing artists in school and community settings. Funds may be used for lessons, workshops, and educational performances delivered in person or online, as well as artist and production fees, materials and supplies, facility rental, and up to 1,000 dollars in equipment necessary for project delivery. Projects may be a single activity or a series of related activities. A one to one cash or in kind match is required. The grant activity period is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include Nevada based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and public institutions such as federally recognized tribes, state or local government agencies, schools, public libraries, and institutions of higher education. Applicants must have active incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State and an active Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov. Colleges and universities are limited to one grant per academic department. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Awards are up to 7,000 dollars for a one year term. Additional guidance is available from the Nevada Arts Council.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations across the United States that focus on improving the lives of children, families, seniors, and individuals facing various challenges, such as homelessness and substance abuse.

This program provides funding to support educational initiatives, local food projects, land conservation, environmental protection, social services, and cultural resources in Vermont communities, particularly benefiting small towns like Grafton.

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in York County, Maine, to enhance the quality of life for older adults through programs focused on nutrition, wellness, dementia care, and access to the arts.

This program provides over $1.5 million in unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine that are led by and serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, focusing on dismantling racial injustice and promoting racial justice initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in Utah that focus on improving health, education, community development, environmental preservation, and the arts, while ensuring they meet community needs without duplicating existing services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and religious institutions in Washington County for innovative projects that address community needs, with a focus on long-term benefits.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area to support a wide range of initiatives in the arts, social services, education, youth recreation, civic projects, and health.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in northeastern Oklahoma that focus on family and community services, healthcare, education, and cultural or arts projects, with a preference for initiatives that demonstrate significant impact and sustainability.

The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, established to honor the legacy of Margaret E. Burnham, a lifelong resident of Falmouth, Maine, supports nonprofit organizations operating within Maine. The Trust is dedicated to funding projects in five main areas: Community and Social Services (40%), Medical (10%), Education (20%), Arts and Culture (20%), and Environment (10%). It awards grants annually to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, prioritizing those that do not request multi-year funding, and explicitly excluding awards to individuals or religious organizations. The Trust reviews applications once a year in December, with a submission deadline of October 1st. Occasionally, the Trust also recognizes organizations for exemplary work or significant promise in these focus areas without a formal request. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st

Founded in 1958 by Herman and Mary Wegener, the Wegener Foundation is a private entity focused on enhancing the quality of living and educational opportunities in the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that support youth and families, health and wellness, arts and humanities, and education, aiming to improve the quality of life for Central Oklahoma's citizens. It seeks to support sustainable charitable organizations with mission statements that boost living conditions for people across all levels of abilities. The Foundation values long-term partnerships with recipients that consistently meet the expanding needs of their communities.