Local Arts Grants

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division, in partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services, is implementing an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program (UAISP). This grant program is designed to strengthen the capabilities of urban growers and farmers within the city of Dallas. The overarching mission alignment is to advance food security, foster healthier communities, and mitigate disparities within the local food system, directly addressing critical community needs through sustainable agricultural practices. The primary beneficiaries of this program are urban growers and farmers in Dallas. The program aims to assist them with the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructure, while also simplifying the permitting process. The key impact goals are to enhance the capacity of these growers, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable local food system, improved access to healthy and safe foods, and a reduction in food-related disparities. The UAISP prioritizes projects focused on power and water infrastructure. Allowable expenditures include project plans/designs, counseling, utility connections (on or off-grid for water, off-grid for energy), contracted labor/installations, greenhouses/hoop houses, versatile high tunnels, cold storage equipment, grow light systems, and bee hives. Projects that directly support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food through power or water infrastructure will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the infrastructure supporting urban agriculture, leading to increased food production and processing capabilities. Measurable results will likely involve the number of grants awarded, the types of infrastructure implemented (e.g., number of new irrigation systems, cold storage units, greenhouses), and the resulting impact on food security and community health within Dallas. The program's strategic priority is to build resilience in the local food system, with a theory of change that posits that by providing financial and technical support for essential infrastructure, urban growers will be empowered to expand their operations, thereby creating a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable food supply for the community.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for a project focused on weatherizing multifamily buildings across Washington State. This initiative aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce the energy burden for residents in these buildings. The program aligns with a broader mission of improving community well-being and sustainability by enhancing housing quality and affordability through energy conservation. The grant is designed to expand existing weatherization services or establish new agencies dedicated to this specific purpose, addressing a critical need within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of multifamily buildings throughout Washington State, particularly those in traditionally hard-to-reach markets and underserved regions. The impact goal is to significantly lower energy costs for these residents while simultaneously improving the energy efficiency of their homes. This will lead to more comfortable living conditions and financial relief for households, contributing to overall community resilience. The program also aims to address health and safety remediation in these properties, further enhancing the living environment for beneficiaries. COMMERCE is prioritizing services that focus solely on increasing energy efficiency and lowering the energy burden in multifamily buildings. A key focus is on reaching underserved areas and a broader category of homes that may have been overlooked by previous initiatives. This strategic focus ensures that the grant funding will have the most significant impact where it is needed most, aligning with a theory of change that posits that targeted interventions in housing energy efficiency can lead to measurable improvements in resident welfare and environmental sustainability. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of weatherized multifamily buildings across the state, resulting in quantifiable reductions in energy consumption and associated costs for residents. The grant specifies a funding period from July 10th, 2024, to June 30th, 2027, with a total budget not to exceed $7,301,514.13. This funding is allocated across West, East, Central, and Coastal North regions of Washington, with specific amounts designated for program operations and administrative awards. Successful contractors will demonstrate experience in weatherizing multifamily buildings and implementing residential energy efficiency measures, ensuring the effective delivery of the program's intended results.

This grant provides funding for marketing initiatives that promote events in Provincetown, particularly those that attract visitors during off-peak seasons and enhance community collaboration and diversity.

The Equip Harlingen grant program, offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC), is a small business matching grant designed to provide financial assistance of up to $3,000 for new equipment purchases. This program is rooted in the EDC's mission to foster economic development within the City of Harlingen. By supporting businesses in expanding their production capabilities, the grant directly aligns with the foundation's strategic priority of stimulating economic activity and promoting job retention and creation. The underlying theory of change is that direct investment in local businesses' operational capacity will lead to increased production, sales, and ultimately, a more robust local economy with sustained employment opportunities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Equip Harlingen grant are for-profit commercial businesses located within the city limits of Harlingen, TX. Specifically, the program targets businesses that have been operational for at least one full year, occupy commercial space, and have fewer than 20 employees. This focus aims to bolster the small to medium-sized business sector, which is often a significant driver of local economies. National chains or franchises with more than three locations, and establishments with more than two locations, are explicitly excluded to ensure the benefits are concentrated on local, independent businesses. The program's core priorities and focuses revolve around supporting businesses in increasing production, expanding operations, and generating more sales through the acquisition of new equipment. Eligible expenses are strictly defined as new equipment under warranty that will directly enable these growth objectives, such as stoves, ovens, lathes, and tooling machines. The emphasis is on equipment that is essential for the creation of more products, indicating a clear focus on manufacturing, culinary, and other production-oriented businesses. The expected outcomes of the Equip Harlingen grant include the retention and creation of jobs within business enterprises in the City of Harlingen, leading to further economic stimulation. Measurable results are tied to the financial assistance provided, which is 50% of incurred equipment costs, not exceeding $3,000. While not explicitly stated as metrics, the program's success would likely be measured by the number of businesses supported, the direct increase in production capacity reported by recipients, and ultimately, the impact on local employment figures and sales tax generation. The requirement for applicants to generate local sales taxes reinforces the program's aim to contribute to the city's overall economic health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, Washington, to deliver essential supportive services and rental assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites.

CNY Arts is accepting applications for the Tier Three Project Support Program, offering grants between $1,000 to $10,000 for arts and cultural projects executed by Onondaga County nonprofit organizations in New York, with the application deadline on October 21, 2024.

This mini-grant program provides funding to Boston residents and nonprofits for neighborhood block parties during the Halloween and fall season, promoting safe and festive community celebrations.

This grant provides financial support to artists in specific Minnesota counties to help them advance their careers through various artistic projects and professional development opportunities.

The Henry County Community Foundation is offering the Harold E. and Imogene L. Caine Memorial Fund Grants to non-profit organizations in Henry County, Indiana, that provide holiday assistance to children aged 5 and under, with applications due by October 11, 2024.

The Harry and Lois McCullough Fund, administered by the Richland County Foundation, supports educational programming that advances writing, literature appreciation, music, and Ohio history. Requests may originate from K 12 classrooms or organizations providing aligned programming. Projects should be creative, innovative, and effective, with measurable goals and clear educational value. The annual grant budget generally ranges from 250 to 1,500 dollars. Applicants must identify the appropriate approver for the request and ensure the proposal aligns with mission areas and student learning outcomes. Eligible applicants include K 12 educators and organizations offering programming consistent with the funds focus areas. The fund does not support storage containers and rugs, substitute teacher costs, seating and furniture, or physical technology items such as cameras or tablets. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the Richland County Foundation.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at rrobles@bouldercounty.gov.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.

This program provides funding for events and projects that promote tourism in Mauldin, helping to attract visitors and boost the local economy.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the welfare of residents in Fayette County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

This program provides financial support to commercial property owners and business tenants in Boyd to improve the exterior appearance and accessibility of their properties through renovations and enhancements.

The Ellensburg Arts Commission (EAC) invites artists and organizations to submit funding requests for art projects FOR 2025 within the City of Ellensburg. This grant program, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aligns with the EAC's mission to enhance projects that involve community members or organizations in the design, concept, or creation of artwork. The EAC's support aims to foster a vibrant arts community and provide public benefit through artistic endeavors, as grants are part of their annual budget and approved by the City Council. The primary target beneficiaries are individual artists, groups of artists, and arts organizations in the performing or visual arts fields, who are 18 years of age or older. The impact goals include supporting the development of new artwork, facilitating arts-related events, promoting the interpretation of existing artwork, and encouraging the presentation of new artworks or collections. Through these initiatives, the EAC seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of Ellensburg and make art accessible to its residents. The program prioritizes projects based on budget feasibility, the candidate's experience, artistic merit, and public benefit. Funds must be expended for a legitimate municipal purpose, demonstrating a tangible benefit to the community. This includes commissioning or purchasing artwork for public benefit or sponsoring public performances. The EAC places a high priority on programs that best reflect its mission and core values, and directly serve the residents of Ellensburg. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with the arts, the creation of diverse new artworks, and the presentation of various arts-related events. Measurable results could involve the number of projects funded, the reach of public art initiatives, and the number of community members participating in or benefiting from these projects. The EAC also requires acknowledgement of their funding through the inclusion of their logo in publicity and event-related collateral for sponsored projects. The EAC's strategic priorities are rooted in supporting arts programs and projects that merit public funding, recognizing that these grants are supported by public tax dollars. Their theory of change is that by investing in local artists and arts organizations, they can stimulate cultural growth, provide educational opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for Ellensburg residents. Eligible expenses for individual artists are between $1,000 and $2,500 and for arts organizations, they are between $1,000 and $2,500. These expenses include professional development, rental/purchase of materials, and promotional/marketing materials. The program encourages annual applications and emphasizes transparency and accountability, with guidelines such as not considering incomplete forms and potentially requesting a project explanation at an Arts Commission meeting. This structured approach ensures that public funds are utilized effectively to foster artistic expression and community enrichment in Ellensburg.

The City of Riverside's Small & Micro Business Grant Program aims to bolster local small business resiliency by offering grant awards to qualified businesses. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster economic stability and growth within the city, particularly for businesses that have experienced financial impacts, such as those related to COVID. The program's design suggests a strategic priority on community economic health and the long-term sustainability of its local enterprises, which is fundamental to a thriving city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small and micro-businesses located within Riverside city limits. Specifically, eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees, an annual gross revenue between $10,000 and $2,500,000, and must have been in operation prior to January 1, 2023, with a valid business license. A key focus is on businesses that can demonstrate a COVID financial impact, indicating an effort to support recovery and adaptation. The program targets not only established small businesses but also home-based businesses, emphasizing broad support for the local entrepreneurial landscape. Beyond direct financial support, the program prioritizes the holistic development of businesses. All applicants are offered a free one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation. This component is designed to identify areas for improvement and to help businesses build customized strategies. This focus on capacity building and strategic planning indicates a theory of change that extends beyond immediate financial relief, aiming for long-term sustainability and increased financial stability. The expected outcomes of the Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program include enhanced financial stability for participating businesses, increased capacity for success, and improved long-term sustainability. While specific measurable results beyond the grant awards of up to $25,000 are not detailed, the emphasis on strategic planning consultations suggests an expectation of improved business operations and resilience. The program implicitly seeks to retain and grow local businesses, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the City of Riverside.

The City of Kirkland’s Tourism Program is offering the 2025 Event Grant Funding Program, aiming to attract visitors from 50 miles or more to Kirkland. This initiative is designed to bolster Kirkland's tourism environment and sustain the Tourism Program budget through revenues generated from overnight stays. Funds will be allocated for the marketing and operations of special events and festivals specifically crafted to draw tourists to the city, with distribution occurring on a reimbursement basis. The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has earmarked at least $60,000 for 2025, continuing a program that has awarded over $700,000 to tourism events and programs in the past. While new events are looked upon supportively, events with a proven track record of attracting visitors to Kirkland will also receive serious consideration. This strategy ensures both innovation and proven success are factored into the funding decisions. The target beneficiaries are organizations planning special events and festivals in Kirkland that can attract tourists. The impact goal is to increase the number of visitors traveling for business or pleasure who stay overnight in Kirkland, thereby enhancing the local tourism economy. The program prioritizes events that demonstrate a clear potential to draw visitors from outside a 50-mile radius. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism-related activities and revenue in Kirkland. Applicants are required to provide estimates of how the received funds will lead to an increase in the number of visitors. Post-award, organizations are legislatively mandated to report on their success in attracting these visitors. All funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon the submission of a Tourism Funding Expenditure Report Worksheet and a Tourism Funding Reimbursement Form, ensuring accountability and measurable results for the program.

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.