Local Arts Grants

The 2025 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, funded by Pierce County in Washington, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that preserve and promote the county's historical and cultural heritage, including the protection, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of significant structures or sites, and the preservation or interpretation of historically significant artifacts and documents.

This grant provides funding for organizations to establish and manage temporary severe weather shelters in Grants Pass, Oregon, ensuring safety and support for unhoused residents during extreme weather conditions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to recognized neighborhood councils in Houston for community beautification and improvement projects that enhance public spaces and foster community engagement.

The City of Marfa is offering Historic Restoration and Preservation Grants, funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, to organizations that promote tourism and the hotel industry through projects enhancing historical restoration and preservation, with priority given to those generating overnight visitors and events held at specific local venues.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services and programs benefiting the residents and businesses of Arroyo Grande in areas such as social services, education, culture, beautification, and recreation.

The Morgan Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations for projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Morgan County, Ohio. This grant initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities and unleash potential within the Appalachian region, specifically focusing on local community development. The program seeks to support efforts that address critical needs and foster growth in the county, reflecting a commitment to local empowerment and sustainable development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include individuals of all ages within Morgan County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the community. Projects and programs that demonstrate a clear benefit to Morgan County residents and communities are prioritized, with an emphasis on those that can generate meaningful and lasting positive change. The fund encourages applications from organizations that are deeply rooted in the community and have a strong understanding of local challenges and opportunities. The grant program focuses on five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. These pillars represent the strategic priorities of the Morgan Community Fund and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, aiming to holistically address various facets of community well-being and growth. The fund particularly supports individuals who are leading initiatives in these areas, recognizing the importance of local leadership in driving change. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the quality of life for Morgan County residents, enhanced community resources, and increased opportunities across the five pillars. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "advancing opportunities," "meeting pressing needs," and "unleashing potential" suggests a focus on quantifiable improvements in community indicators relevant to each pillar. Funding requests between $500 and $2,500 are common, though larger requests may be considered if they demonstrate significant potential impact, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the scope and potential benefits of proposed projects.

The Chautauqua County Tourism Product Development Grant Program, with a deadline of 10/01/2024, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance tourism and recreation opportunities, increase visibility, and promote overnight stays in the county, with a focus on event development, marketing, and attraction enhancement.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County to address critical community needs such as housing insecurity, public health, quality of life initiatives, and cultural enrichment through the arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara for social services, infrastructure improvements, and economic development projects that assist low- and moderate-income residents.

The Hudson County History Partnership Program (HPP), offered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development (HCOCHA/TD) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of State – New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), provides matching grants to non-profit organizations within Hudson County, New Jersey. This program aligns with the broader mission of preserving and promoting the history of Hudson County and its 12 municipalities through high-quality historical programming. The grants are administered by HCOCHA/TD, a unit of Hudson County government, under the authority of Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners. The HPP targets Hudson County-based, non-profit history-related organizations, units of government (including schools, libraries, colleges, and universities), private non-profit universities offering local history programs, non-profit arts organizations presenting artistic history programming, and non-profit business organizations that engage in local history programs. The primary impact goals are to broaden, deepen, and diversify the audience for history in Hudson County; strengthen and develop existing history organizations; initiate new programming; improve management of historic sites; expand public understanding of historical resources; increase participation in historical programs; enhance accessibility for diverse communities; increase the body of historical information; and preserve materials for study. The program prioritizes initiatives that clearly demonstrate a commitment to preserving and promoting Hudson County's history, based on merit and financial need. For FY25, grants are offered in two categories: Program Support (maximum $12,500) and General Operating Support (maximum $15,000). The project period for these grants is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being incorporated in New Jersey, having been in existence for at least one year as of January 1, 2023, and being defined as a non-profit under IRS sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6). Non-profit arts organizations must allocate at least 20% of the grant cost to consultation with qualified historians for artistic history programming. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and diversity of individuals engaging with Hudson County's history, improved organizational capacity and programming quality among local history entities, the creation of new and innovative historical programs, better preservation and interpretation of historic sites and collections, and a greater public awareness and understanding of the county's historical resources. The HCOCHA/TD's strategic priorities, affirming those of the NJHC, underscore a theory of change that by investing in local history organizations and initiatives, public engagement, education, and preservation efforts will be significantly enhanced, leading to a more historically conscious and connected community.

The City of Bellingham is offering a grant for parties capable of producing a special or unique public experience, referred to as a “signature event.” This grant aims to foster artistic and cultural impact within the local community and among visitors, celebrating Bellingham’s indoor food, restaurant, arts, and culture scene. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not explicitly stated as a separate entity, the City of Bellingham's Tourism Commission acts as the guiding body with clearly defined goals that serve a similar purpose, aligning with the broader civic objective of enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality through tourism and cultural enrichment. The target beneficiaries include the local community of Bellingham, visitors (with an emphasis on Canadian tourists), and historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to create meaningful artistic and cultural experiences, celebrate local culinary and arts scenes, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, attract significant tourism (particularly overnight stays), generate secondary economic benefits, and foster a positive long-lasting impression of Bellingham/Whatcom County. The program also seeks to integrate new and emerging talent, ensuring a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes events that provide a unique and distinctive Pacific Northwest experience, avoiding replication of events found in larger cities like Seattle. A strong focus is placed on walkability, highlighting the food and restaurant scene, and incorporating local businesses, history, attractions, and environmental stewardship. Crucially, the program aims for the signature events to become self-sustaining within a few years, minimizing the long-term reliance on City funding. This reflects a strategic priority to seed initiatives that can ultimately thrive independently, contributing to the city's cultural and economic fabric for the long term. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism, particularly from Canadian visitors, and a higher likelihood of overnight stays. The events are anticipated to generate numerous secondary economic benefits for local businesses. Success will also be measured by the artistic and cultural impact on the community, the level of diversity and inclusivity achieved, and the creation of a lasting positive impression of Bellingham. The long-term goal is for these events to become financially self-sufficient after three years, demonstrating a successful launch and sustainable operation, thereby contributing to the City's broader tourism and economic development objectives. Funding is committed for up to three years to provide seed money. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year, with approximately $70,000 for each of the following two years, for one or more signature events. Eligible expenses cover marketing and operational costs. Marketing activities include advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract tourists, as well as developing tourism expansion strategies. Operational expenses encompass typical event management costs such as supplies, equipment rentals, and venue fees. This financial structure supports the strategic objective of launching a new event and fostering its growth towards self-sustainability within the initial three-year period.

The Santa Rosa Improvement Vitalization Enterprise (StRIVE) Grant, administered by the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, is designed to offer financial assistance to commercial property owners and business owners within Santa Rosa County, Florida. The program's core mission is to facilitate façade improvements and signage upgrades, aligning with a broader goal of enhancing property appearance, increasing property values, and stimulating local economic activity. This initiative directly supports community revitalization and sustainable economic growth within the county. The primary target beneficiaries of the StRIVE Grant are commercial property owners and business owners operating within Santa Rosa County. The program aims to positively impact the aesthetic and economic vitality of commercial areas. By providing grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a required 100% match, the program intends to encourage significant investment in commercial properties. The overarching impact goal is to create a more attractive business environment, which in turn draws more customers, supports local businesses, and fosters a sense of community pride. The grant prioritizes a wide array of exterior improvements, including exterior painting, lighting, new windows and doors, awnings, architectural feature restoration, parking improvements, screening and fencing, sprinkler systems, and signage. It also covers soft costs like licenses and permit fees. The focus is on tangible upgrades that visibly improve the commercial landscape. Eligible properties must be commercially zoned within Santa Rosa County and not exempt from ad valorem property tax. Applicants must possess all necessary business licenses and permits, and any legal or land-use issues must be resolved or explained. Expected outcomes of the StRIVE Grant include a measurable increase in property values, a visible enhancement of commercial building exteriors, and a stimulated local economy. The program anticipates an improvement in the overall appeal of commercial districts, potentially leading to increased foot traffic and business revenue. While specific measurable results like the exact percentage increase in property value or business revenue are not detailed, the focus on "upgrading the appearance of property" and "stimulating economic activity" implies a quantitative and qualitative improvement in the county's commercial health. The requirement for projects to comply with local codes and obtain certificates of occupancy ensures that improvements are sustainable and legally sound.

City of Long Beach Activatelb Cultural Special Events Grants, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, seeks to support large citywide cultural special events that have not been previously funded by the City. The goal is to celebrate the diverse communities of Long Beach and promote community healing through cultural practices. Eligible events must be free and open to the public, and grant funding will cover the costs of City special event permits and fees.

This funding opportunity supports tourism-related projects and events in Cowlitz County, Washington, aimed at attracting visitors and enhancing the local hospitality experience.

The Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission in New Jersey is inviting nonprofit groups to apply for its Arts and History Re-Grant Program, offering funding for special projects, general programming, and operating support for arts or history-related activities, with the aim to increase exposure to art in the community.

The Jeannette F. Schlobach grant program, funded by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, offers $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in Dutchess, Putnam, or Ulster Counties, New York, that provide services such as case management, housing, education, job training, and health services to residents impacted by poverty, with a focus on historically marginalized and under-funded communities.

The Doral Façade Improvement Grant Program offers financial assistance to businesses, homeowner associations, and commercial property owners within Doral. Its primary mission is to stimulate private sector investment, enhance beautification, foster economic growth, and create jobs by improving the appearance of buildings across the city. This program aligns with the broader goal of community development and economic vitality by directly investing in the physical infrastructure of Doral. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries including local businesses, commercial property owners, and homeowner associations. The impact goals are multi-faceted: enhancing the visual appeal of the city, supporting local businesses, and indirectly contributing to a more vibrant and attractive environment for residents and visitors. By improving building aesthetics, the program aims to increase property values and encourage further private investment, creating a positive feedback loop for economic development. Initially established in 2012, the program's initial focus was on businesses and commercial owners within the Doral Decor District, offering 25% reimbursement up to $5,000 per project. In 2018, its geographical scope expanded to encompass the entire City of Doral and included publicly visible entry features of homeowners' associations. This expansion demonstrates a strategic priority to broaden its impact and inclusivity, reaching more areas and types of property owners within the city. The program's priorities are evident in its eligible improvements, which include siding/stucco, walls/fencing/railings, ADA improvements, pedestrian amenities, windows/doors, awnings/canopies, lighting, painting, signage, detached monument signs, sidewalks/surface parking, and landscape/xeriscape. These focus areas are designed to address a comprehensive range of external "facelift" improvements. The maximum grant amount has also increased to a 50% reimbursement of eligible renovation costs, up to $10,000 per project, indicating a strategic shift towards providing more substantial financial support to incentivize significant improvements. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of beautified properties, enhanced economic activity through job creation in renovation and related sectors, and a general uplift in civic pride and aesthetic quality across Doral. The program's theory of change posits that by providing direct financial incentives for façade improvements, the city can catalyze private investment, leading to widespread beautification and fostering a more attractive environment that, in turn, draws further economic activity and improves the quality of life for its residents.

The Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, conducts an annual competitive grant program to benefit nonprofits serving Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The foundation’s purpose is to invest in programs and services that produce positive outcomes for residents and families. The program prioritizes innovative and collaborative approaches that demonstrate achievable outcomes, potential for replication, and sustainability beyond the grant term. Funding aligns with arts and culture, community development, education, environment, and health and human services. Additional areas of interest include music and the arts, cancer related health services, services for people in need or with special needs, programs for children with special or accessibility needs, and access to early childhood education. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or projects using a qualified fiscal sponsor that serve Franklin County. Grants do not fund advertising, capital campaigns, direct lobbying, individuals, umbrella organizations without a local presence, new staff roles without a sustainability plan, religious purposes, or retroactive projects. Awards are typically up to 7,000 dollars, with an overall stated range from 1,000 to 10,000 dollars, for projects occurring between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. Applications are submitted through TFEC’s process by May 1, 2024. Proposals are assessed for community impact, collaboration, and alignment with stated priorities. Official details are provided by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.