Local Arts Grants

The Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program, announced by the Onondaga County Department of Planning for 2024, aims to bolster the local agricultural community by enhancing the viability of farmland and protecting farms and operators for future generations. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of supporting agricultural sustainability and economic growth within Onondaga County. The program recognizes the critical role agritourism plays in farm viability, tourism, and overall quality of life, positioning itself as a strategic effort to integrate these elements for community benefit. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local agricultural ventures in Onondaga County, including existing farms and new agritourism startups. The impact goals are centered on improving and expanding agritourism operations, which in turn supports farm viability and contributes to local tourism. By investing in these ventures, the program seeks to create a more robust agricultural economy and enhance the recreational and educational opportunities available to residents and visitors. The program prioritizes projects that fall into four general categories: Improve, Expand, Initiate, and Market. This broad focus allows for a diverse range of projects, from enhancing existing operations to launching entirely new ventures. Specific areas of focus include expanding or diversifying operations, improving safety and ease of access for visitors, and adding new educational programming. New agritourism ventures can also utilize funding to offset initial startup costs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector. Expected outcomes of the program include a more resilient and economically viable agricultural sector in Onondaga County, increased agritourism offerings, and improved quality of life for residents. Measurable results could include the number of agritourism ventures that receive funding, the types of projects implemented, the growth in revenue for participating farms, and an increase in tourist engagement with local agricultural sites. The strategic priority is to partner with the agricultural community to achieve these outcomes, with the underlying theory of change being that targeted investment in agritourism will lead to enhanced farm viability and broader community benefits.

The Downtown Johnson City Facade Improvement Grant Program, administered by the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) and supported through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program, aims to revitalize the Downtown Johnson City Redevelopment District, with a particular focus on the Historic Overlay District. The core mission of this program aligns with increasing the economic viability, improving aesthetics, and enhancing property values within this crucial area. By providing financial incentives for facade improvements, the JCDA seeks to prevent urban blight and create a more attractive environment for both businesses and residents, directly supporting community development and economic growth initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are conforming commercial and mixed-use properties located within the Historic Overlay District. The impact goals extend beyond individual property improvements, aiming for a broader community uplift. Key objectives include enhancing the marketability of commercial spaces, attracting new businesses and residents, and ultimately stimulating economic activity through increased job creation and sales tax generation in the downtown area. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate substantial economic impact, thereby supporting the strategic goal of fostering a vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to preserve and enhance the architectural integrity and visual appeal of buildings. These include masonry repairs, storefront reconstruction, removal of false facades, cornice repair, exterior painting, awnings, window and door repair/replacement, permanent exterior lighting, and signage integrated into design, among others. Eligibility criteria require applicants to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City’s Historic Zoning Commission or preapproval from the City’s Planning Division, ensuring that renovations align with historic preservation standards and zoning requirements. Proposed renovations must also be approved by the JCDA before commencement. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the physical appearance of downtown buildings, leading to increased property values and a more inviting urban landscape. Measurable results will include the number of improved facades, the amount of private investment leveraged by the grants, and, importantly, the economic impact in terms of new businesses, job creation, and sales tax revenue within the Redevelopment District. The JCDA's theory of change posits that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure of downtown properties, a ripple effect will occur, stimulating broader economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life in Johnson City. The program's flexible funding model, offering up to $10,000 for single-faced buildings and an additional $5,000 for multiple street-facing facades, with potential for larger grants for projects with substantial economic impact, underscores its strategic priority of maximizing community benefit.

The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants program, overseen by the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, is designed to stimulate community revitalization and economic growth within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enriching cultural tourism and improving community economic health through the thoughtful reinvestment in and preservation of historic downtown commercial properties. By fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown, the program seeks to leverage historic preservation practices as a catalyst for local economic vitality. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. The program specifically targets buildings that are at least 50 years old and contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district, with some exceptions for newer buildings meeting National Register criteria for exceptional significance. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical and economic health of these historic districts, ensuring the preservation of their architectural heritage while simultaneously promoting a vibrant commercial environment. The grant prioritizes exterior improvements that visually and economically contribute to revitalization, such as restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. It also supports the installation or repair of fire suppression systems for commercial ground-floor spaces or new upper-story income-producing residential developments in historic commercial buildings. A unique focus includes parapet lighting, utilizing commercial-grade white or color LED lights to create a festive atmosphere across adjoining buildings for at least one block, and the restoration of historically significant signage or theater marquees. New commercial signage is explicitly not supported. Expected outcomes include enhanced aesthetic appeal and functionality of historic commercial properties, increased community engagement and interest in downtown areas, and ultimately, a stronger local economy. Measurable results could include the number of properties restored, the amount of private investment leveraged by grant funds, an increase in foot traffic or commercial activity, and the sustained use of historic buildings. The program’s strategic approach centers on utilizing historic preservation as a core economic development tool, reflecting a theory of change that posits by investing in the physical fabric of historic downtowns, communities can unlock broader economic and cultural benefits, making these areas more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.

The Arts in Schools Grants program, offered by the City of Tempe, is designed to expand and enhance arts services for students in Tempe schools. This initiative aligns with the broader Community Arts Grants Program, which aims to support immersive arts and culture experiences for collective impact and sustained value within the community. The program's mission is to foster arts education by providing resources directly to visual and performing arts teachers, enabling them to introduce new equipment, supplies, or guest artists into their curricula and programs. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are visual and performing arts teachers and, by extension, the students within Tempe Union High School District, Tempe Elementary District, Kyrene School District, Tempe Preparatory Academy, and New School for Arts & Academics. The program targets schools and activities located within Tempe's city limits. The impact goals include enriching existing arts programs, offering students unique artistic opportunities, and contributing to a more vibrant and culturally engaged school environment. The program prioritizes several focus areas, offering teachers two main options: up to $750 for specialty equipment or supplies, or up to $2,000 for a residency. The residency option further breaks down into up to $1,500 for a guest artist, clinician, or arts organization, and up to $500 for supplies. For visual arts teachers, additional planning support is available if they select an artist from the Studio Artists Program. This structured approach ensures that resources are allocated to either enhance physical resources for arts education or bring in external expertise to enrich student learning. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the quality and variety of arts education available to students. For the "Specialty Equipment or Supplies" option, the outcome is the acquisition of new materials that enhance teaching and learning. For the "Residency" option, the outcome is the direct engagement of students with professional artists or organizations, providing unique immersive experiences. Measurable results will be tracked through final reports submitted by May 30, 2025, which will detail how the funds were utilized and the impact on the arts programs. The program's strategic priorities are centered on direct support for classroom arts initiatives, ensuring that funding directly benefits student experiences rather than administrative overhead or infrastructure. This grant does not fund activities outside of Tempe, administrative salaries, compensation for immediate relatives, permanent infrastructure enhancements, construction, debt reduction, fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs, or projects already funded by a 2024-2025 Community Arts Grant.

The Rochester Area Community Foundation is offering the Bullis Grant, an "ACTIVE" grant program focused on improving the quality of life for residents of Wayne County, Utah. Specifically, the grant aims to benefit the Town of Macedon or areas served by the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District within Wayne County. The foundation's mission, as reflected by Miss Bullis's interest, emphasizes providing a "hand up" rather than a "hand out," aligning with a strategic priority to foster self-sufficiency and sustainable community development. The target beneficiaries are residents of southwest Wayne County, with a particular emphasis on Macedon and the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District. The impact goal is to make these areas significantly better, demonstrating a substantial community-wide impact. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by supporting projects that require matching components and demonstrate ongoing stability, they can achieve lasting positive change rather than short-term fixes. The priorities and focuses for this grant include projects that show direct or indirect benefit to residents of southwest Wayne County, make the area significantly better, and have a significant community-wide impact. A key focus is on projects that secure matching or leveraged support, as Bullis Fund grants will not cover 100 percent of any project. This highlights the foundation's strategic priority to encourage shared investment and broader community engagement in funded initiatives. Expected outcomes include improved quality of life for residents and significant community-wide impact in southwest Wayne County. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the project's ability to demonstrate how it makes the area "significantly better" and its "significant community-wide impact." The foundation also prioritizes projects with ongoing stability and financial sustainability, indicating an expectation that funded initiatives will continue to thrive beyond the grant period. The grant explicitly states that it will not fund administrative overhead, general operating support, or projects that do not directly benefit the target residents, further defining its strategic priorities and the types of outcomes it seeks to achieve.

The Community Foundation of Greenville welcomes grant requests from established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt agencies that have been operating for two or more years. These agencies must be located within and offer services to the residents of Greenville County, South Carolina. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting the capacity building of these local non-profit organizations to better serve the community. The target beneficiaries are the residents of Greenville County, South Carolina, who receive services from the eligible non-profit agencies. The impact goals are centered around improving the effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to address community needs. The foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen an organization's internal operations and external reach. The grant focuses on Capacity Building funding opportunities. This includes projects designed to improve an organization’s ability to monitor and respond to client and supporter needs, adopt management innovation, enhance process improvement and accountability, and form collaborative ventures. It also supports technology audits, analyses of information management systems, and the purchase of necessary equipment to achieve the organization's mission, as well as efforts to diversify revenue streams. Examples of Capacity Building efforts include organizational assessment, strategic and long-range planning, program evaluation and planning, developing marketing plans, mergers/collaboration, and feasibility studies. The expected outcomes are stronger, more efficient, and more impactful non-profit organizations within Greenville County. Measurable results would likely include improved service delivery, increased organizational efficiency, enhanced program effectiveness, and greater financial stability for the recipient agencies. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in the infrastructure and capabilities of local non-profits, with a theory of change that by strengthening these organizations, they can more effectively achieve their individual missions and collectively improve the quality of life for Greenville County residents. The grant award budget for capacity building initiatives is $100,000, with individual awards typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This funding is intended to provide critical support for the strategic growth and development of eligible organizations.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public water systems in Maine to develop essential plans and documents that enhance their technical, financial, or managerial capabilities.

The County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission's History Partnership Grant Program aims to bolster both established and nascent local history organizations in Somerset County, New Jersey. This program, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) and supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), is designed to provide financial backing to non-profit organizations and municipalities that deliver history programming, services, and development within the county. The grants are competitive and emphasize fostering excellence in local history initiatives, aligning with a broader mission to preserve and promote New Jersey's rich historical narrative at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Somerset County-based organizations, including non-profit 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 entities, units of local government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's historical context, and improving the management and operational capabilities of local history organizations. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to ensure that historical resources and educational opportunities are readily available to the public throughout Somerset County. The grant program prioritizes and focuses on activities that directly enhance local history programming and services. Eligible expenses span a wide range, from salaries and wages, contracted services, and marketing, to lease expenses, equipment purchases, and maintenance of collections and structures. Crucially, the program also supports staff training, capacity building, and strategic planning, including planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations can not only deliver compelling programs but also operate sustainably and adapt to contemporary needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of high-quality history programs, improved access to historical information and resources for Somerset County residents, and stronger, more resilient local history organizations. The competitive nature of the awards encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and the independent peer panel evaluation process helps ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for impact. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on increasing access, expanding knowledge, and improving management suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in historical engagement and organizational health within the county.

The 2025 Union County History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in New Jersey, offers two types of grants: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Project (SP) grants. The program aims to support history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries with collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. This aligns with a broader mission to preserve, promote, and expand local historical knowledge and services for the public. The program's strategic priority is to enhance and introduce Union County and local history programs or services, ensuring that grant funds expand, rather than replace, existing expenditures. General Operating Support (GOS) grants, with a maximum request of $7,500, are designed for Union County based historical societies, house museums, or historic sites. These grants assist with basic operational costs such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. The target beneficiaries are established history organizations dedicated to Union County's heritage. The impact goal is to strengthen the foundational stability of these organizations, enabling them to continue providing valuable historical resources and programming to the community. Measurable results would include sustained operations, improved collection preservation, and continued public engagement through various programs. Special Project (SP) grants, with a maximum request of $5,000, are available to a wider range of organizations including history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries that have collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. These grants support specific initiatives such as microfilm/digitization, research travel, oral history transcription, exhibition development, and the purchase of materials for conservation or educational projects. The target beneficiaries for SP grants are organizations looking to undertake specific projects that enrich the historical narrative and accessibility within Union County and New Jersey. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its eligible expenses and grant types. GOS grants prioritize the fundamental needs for operational continuity and preservation within historical institutions. SP grants, on the other hand, prioritize innovative projects that enhance research, accessibility, and public understanding of local history through various mediums like digitization and exhibitions. The expected outcomes include increased public access to historical materials, the creation of new historical resources, and a broader engagement with Union County's past. Measurable results for SP grants could include the number of digitized items, attendance at new exhibitions or programs, or the completion of specific research initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for both operational stability and specific projects, local history organizations will be empowered to expand their reach and impact, ultimately enriching the community's understanding and appreciation of its heritage.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy is offering a 2024 Grant Funding Program designed to support and promote the cultural economy of New Orleans. This program aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth through cultural activities. For the FY24 cycle, twenty-five grants of $2,000 each will be awarded. The grants target individuals and organizations that are actively engaged in promoting the cultural economy. This includes educating youth, training cultural producers, providing networking opportunities, and creating cultural events. Eligible applicants include State and federal 501(c)3 nonprofits, for-profit businesses licensed with the City and State (for community/cultural activities only), and individuals such as artists who have secured a fiscal agent. The program aims to strengthen the cultural sector by supporting initiatives that build capacity and generate economic activity. The program prioritizes workshops, training, and conferences that enhance the capacity of cultural non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and cultural businesses. This capacity building encompasses networking, skill development (such as fundraising and grant writing), programming improvement, education on sustainability, and learning new concepts like place-based planning. Additionally, the grants support workshops, training, and conferences within specific Cultural Economy segments including Entertainment, Design, Preservation, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts and Humanities, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Expected outcomes include the creation of cultural events, increased employment for cultural workers (e.g., musicians), and increased sales for art and cultural vendors, thereby attracting tourists. The program's theory of change is that by investing in cultural education, training, networking, and events, the Office of Cultural Economy can stimulate economic growth and enhance the vibrancy of New Orleans' cultural landscape. All funded programs, events, and activities are required to acknowledge support from the Office of Cultural Economy, ensuring visibility and accountability.

The City of Victoria offers grant funding to local non-profit organizations for programs focused on child safety, child abuse intervention/prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse intervention/prevention for children. This initiative directly aligns with the city's mission to enhance the welfare and safety of its youngest residents. Funding is generated from a $1.50 child safety fee assessed during vehicle registration in Victoria County, specifically designated for child safety and welfare services as defined by state law. This funding mechanism demonstrates a clear strategic priority to leverage local resources for community benefit, with a direct link between vehicle registration fees and child welfare programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are children within Victoria County, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as foster care, at-risk youth, or those coping with the effects of abuse. The program targets specific needs, aiming to bridge gaps in services, provide essential after-school support, and offer critical training for caregivers and mentors. The impact goals are broad, encompassing physical and mental health, safety education, and the prevention of substance abuse among children. The City of Victoria's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on prevention, intervention, and support services for children. In fiscal year 2024, the City of Victoria prioritized various programs. These included "Bridging the Gap" for foster children (A World for Children), after-school programs for different age groups (Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, Mid-Coast Family Services), supplies and training for CPR/first aid and mental health (Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas), staff funding and occupancy expenses (Golden Crescent CASA, The Gabriel Project of the Golden Crescent), and part-time therapy for abused children and families (Hope of South Texas). These examples highlight a multi-faceted approach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term developmental support. The expected outcomes of these programs include improved child safety, reduced instances of child abuse, increased access to supportive after-school environments, enhanced mental and physical health for children, and decreased rates of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth. Measurable results could include the number of children served, participation rates in after-school programs, the number of individuals receiving training, and indicators of improved well-being among program participants. The City of Victoria's theory of change appears to be that by investing in local non-profits and their specialized programs, they can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for the children of Victoria.

The Roanoke County Economic Development Authority’s Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP) Grant is designed to support eligible for-profit businesses within Roanoke County by providing funding for the acquisition of new capital. This program aligns with the Authority's mission to foster economic growth and strengthen local businesses by enabling them to bolster their operations. The grant directly addresses the need for capital investment, which is crucial for business expansion and modernization. The primary target beneficiaries of the BEAP Grant are for-profit businesses located in Roanoke County that meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, businesses must employ more than three full-time employees at a physical location in the county, have operated for at least one year, hold a current County or town business license, and be in good standing with all local ordinances and tax requirements. The program's impact goal is to stimulate economic activity by encouraging businesses to invest in new equipment, thereby enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall economic vitality of Roanoke County. The program prioritizes the acquisition of new capital that falls under taxable business personal property or business machinery and tools, as defined by the Roanoke County Code. Examples of eligible acquisitions include tangible personal property such as furniture, fixtures, office and business machines, tools, and equipment used in various professions. Computer equipment (excluding software) and machinery and tools used in manufacturing, mining, processing, broadcasting, dry cleaners, commercial laundry, and dairy businesses are also specifically eligible. This focus ensures that funding supports tangible assets that directly contribute to operational improvements and business growth. The expected outcomes of the BEAP Grant include increased capital investment by local businesses, enhanced operational capabilities, and ultimately, job retention and creation within Roanoke County. Measurable results will be tied to the number of grants awarded, the total value of capital acquisitions facilitated, and the subsequent economic impact, such as growth in business personal property tax rolls. By providing financial incentives, the program aims to accelerate the modernization and expansion of local enterprises, reinforcing the Authority's strategic priority of nurturing a robust and competitive business environment through direct support and strategic investment.

The South Florida Cultural Consortium, funded by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, offers grants of $15,000 or $7,500 to emerging, mid-career, and established visual and media artists residing in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe or Palm Beach Counties, with the awards based on artistic excellence and consistency in work from the last three years, and recipients also participate in a local exhibition.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

This grant provides $50,000 each to three nonprofit organizations in Central Texas that promote inclusion and support underrepresented communities through education, job skills, and health and wellness initiatives.

SMAC Quick Support for Organizations in Minnesota provides grants of up to $2,500 for planning and small projects. The grant is available to nonprofit organizations within the eighteen counties of the SW MN Arts Council service region or on tribal lands within their service area. Applicants may choose from five project types including Art Legacy Project planning, Small arts project, Small equipment purchase, Arts organization development, and Arts organization start-up. For more information, visit Southwest Minnesota Arts Council.

The Robert A. Mills Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, or educational purposes. The foundation's mission is broadly aligned with these areas, aiming to foster positive societal impact across a diverse range of initiatives. This grant program is designed to be inclusive, encouraging a wide array of non-profit efforts that contribute to community well-being and advancement. The target beneficiaries for these grants are individuals and communities served by organizations dedicated to the aforementioned purposes. The foundation's impact goals are centered on supporting programs that demonstrate clear need, practicability, and usefulness. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the encouragement for specificity in grant proposals implies a desire for grantees to outline anticipated outcomes and the methods for achieving them. The foundation prioritizes a broad spectrum of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to address various facets of societal needs. Although there are no geographic restrictions, the foundation historically supports organizations within the New Jersey area, indicating a regional focus within its broader philanthropic strategy. The Robert A. Mills Foundation's strategic priorities are to empower eligible organizations to implement impactful programs. Its theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by funding diverse charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, and educational endeavors, it can contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more knowledgeable society. The application process, requiring submission through an online form and adherence to 501(c)(3) eligibility, ensures that resources are directed towards credible and well-structured initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations, projects, and activities that benefit the Eagle community in Idaho.