Private Arts Grants

The Selley Foundation, a donor-advised fund of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Greater New Orleans area through its grant program. The foundation's mission aligns with its grant-making by primarily supporting capital needs of nonprofits, with occasional consideration for programmatic requests. This strategic focus ensures that the grants contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of organizations serving the community. The target beneficiaries of the Selley Foundation's grants are nonprofits operating within the Greater New Orleans area. The foundation aims to create a positive impact by strengthening organizations in the key areas of education, arts, and occasionally the environment. The expected outcomes include enhanced facilities and resources for educational institutions and arts organizations, leading to improved learning environments and enriched cultural experiences for the community. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. In education, the fund supports capital items and special programs for higher learning institutions and high schools that demonstrate a record of excellence. For arts and culture, the foundation supports organizations that strive for excellence. This emphasis on excellence and capital needs reflects the foundation's strategic priority to build capacity and provide stable infrastructure for high-performing organizations. The Selley Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in the capital needs and specific programs of excellent organizations in education and the arts, it can foster sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on "capital needs" and "special programs" implies outcomes related to improved infrastructure, expanded capabilities, and enhanced program delivery within the supported sectors. The foundation generally does not fund athletics, annual operating budgets, special events, or fundraising benefits, further indicating its strategic focus on long-term, impactful investments.

The "Helping Today" grant program, sponsored by The Erie Community Foundation, is designed to bolster Erie County nonprofits that are directly addressing the most pressing needs within their community. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being by empowering local organizations to make a tangible difference. The grant aims to strengthen the capacity of these nonprofits, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle significant community issues. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals and families who are socio-economically disadvantaged, as well as historically marginalized communities within Erie County. The overarching impact goal is to uplift these populations by supporting projects that offer direct benefits and work towards equitable outcomes. By focusing on capacity building, the Foundation seeks to enhance the effectiveness and reach of its grantee organizations, thereby creating a more resilient and supportive community for all. The program prioritizes projects that enhance a nonprofit's ability to serve its community effectively. This includes support for a wide range of operational areas, such as general operations, program development, strategic planning, marketing and community awareness initiatives, capital purchases (including essential technology and vehicles), facilities improvements, and rigorous program evaluation. These focus areas reflect a strategic approach to fostering organizational health and sustainability, which in turn leads to more impactful service delivery. While the grant size can range from $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants are capped at $50,000 and must be utilized within a 12-month period. Expected outcomes include stronger, more efficient nonprofits that can more effectively address community needs, leading to improved conditions for disadvantaged and marginalized groups. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in the operational and programmatic capacity of local nonprofits, it can catalyze significant positive social change and contribute to a healthier, more equitable Erie County.

The **Women’s Giving Circle (WGC)**, a fund of the **Eau Claire Community Foundation**, supports initiatives that enhance the lives of women and children in **Eau Claire County, Wisconsin**, through the power of collective philanthropy. By pooling the resources and generosity of local women, the WGC aims to create meaningful, lasting change in the community. Its grant program funds projects that directly address the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing women and children, fostering greater equity, empowerment, and well-being. For the **2025 grant cycle**, the Women’s Giving Circle will consider funding requests of up to **$7,000**, with a grant period running from **January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025**. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those working with a qualified fiscal agent, as well as tax-exempt government, educational, and religious institutions. Projects must primarily benefit **women and/or children under 18 years old** and serve Eau Claire County residents. Applications should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and alignment with community needs, avoiding duplication of existing programs or services. The WGC places a strong emphasis on fairness, inclusion, and collaboration. Grants are not awarded to organizations that engage in discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, to ensure equitable distribution of funds, organizations funded in two consecutive years are ineligible to apply in the third year but may reapply in the fourth. Proposals should demonstrate how the initiative complements existing community efforts, fills an unmet need, and produces tangible outcomes for the intended beneficiaries. Certain requests will be evaluated **on a case-by-case basis**, including travel that supports project implementation and funding requests from other foundations or endowments. However, some types of funding are **not supported**, such as annual fundraising drives, capital campaigns, debt reduction, building funds, political activities, scholarly research, or religiously focused projects. The WGC also avoids grants for ongoing operational expenses or unrelated asset purchases, keeping its focus on direct-impact initiatives that create measurable improvements in the lives of local women and children. When reviewing applications, the Women’s Giving Circle prioritizes proposals that are clear, purposeful, and aligned with the applicant’s mission. Strong applications define a specific goal, outline how success will be measured, and demonstrate a lasting positive effect on the community. Through this program, the Women’s Giving Circle continues its mission of empowering women to be catalysts for change—investing in local solutions that nurture the health, education, and advancement of women and children throughout Eau Claire County.

This grant provides funding for experienced artists to collaborate with children in Boston's after-school programs to create a community art piece inspired by the Museum of Fine Arts' collection.

This grant provides funding for innovative arts, culture, humanities, and education projects in Memphis, Miami, and New York City, specifically for 501(c)(3) organizations.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South Carolina for creating and implementing engaging public humanities programs.

The Public Art Learning Fund, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), is designed to fortify the public art landscape across New England by offering professional development opportunities directly to artists. NEFA's overarching mission, as reflected in this grant, is to cultivate more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout the region. This initiative aligns with NEFA's strategic goal of fostering a sustainable and equitable public art ecosystem by investing in the skills, resources, and connections of artists working in the public realm. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are artists residing full-time in one of the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) who are actively engaged in public artmaking or are in the process of expanding their practice into this domain. The fund aims to empower these artists, contributing to more just and inclusive public art. Expected outcomes include artists developing enhanced skills and resources, leading to the creation of more vibrant public spaces and a stronger regional community of practice. The Public Art Learning Fund prioritizes opportunities that specifically expand an artist's public art practice and contribute equitably to more just and inclusive public artmaking. NEFA seeks clarity on desired learnings and their application to the artist's practice. The fund welcomes artists at various stages of their public artmaking careers from urban, suburban, and rural communities, recognizing that diverse cultural and artistic expressions are crucial for equitable and vibrant public spaces. A key focus of this grant is equity. NEFA acknowledges that various barriers, including race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography, can limit access to professional development. Therefore, the Public Art Learning Fund actively prioritizes equity in its funding decisions. This may include, but is not limited to, prioritizing artists who self-identify as Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and/or those who are rooted in rural communities, aligning with NEFA's theory of change that targeted support can address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive artistic landscape. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and support opportunities taking place between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants must also have a Creative Ground profile, and the proposed professional development must directly relate to strengthening their public art practice and occur within the grant period. These measurable results, such as the number of artists served and the nature of their professional development, contribute to NEFA's broader strategic aim of fostering a more equitable and sustainable public art ecosystem in New England.

The Clarence Johnson & Eunice Iwen Community Foundation offers grants for youth and community projects in the Arthur, ND area, prioritizing organizations that provide direct service to the community, are non-profit or government entities, and do not seek funding for day-to-day operations or individual benefits.

The Ida Alice Ryan Charitable Trust is offering grants to support charitable institutions located in or around Atlanta, Georgia. This grant program is aligned with the Trust's mission to foster community well-being by empowering organizations that serve vital needs in the region. The Trust's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on key areas that contribute to a thriving society within the Metro Atlanta 28-County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operate within the specified Atlanta area. The impact goals of the Trust are implicitly to strengthen the capacity of these local charities, enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness in addressing critical community issues. The Trust's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined, encompassing arts, culture, and humanities; education; health; human services; and public/society benefit. These areas represent the core sectors where the Trust believes its funding can yield the most significant positive change. By supporting organizations within these categories, the Trust aims to contribute to a more vibrant, educated, healthy, and supportive community. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided description, it can be inferred that the Trust seeks to achieve tangible improvements in the quality of life for Atlanta residents through the work of its grantees. The Trust's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in established and impactful charitable institutions, it can indirectly facilitate a wide range of positive social and cultural advancements across the diverse focus areas.

This funding opportunity supports community gardens in metro Atlanta by providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements and larger projects that promote sustainable food growing and community engagement.

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's Compass Society Grant program is designed to fund collaborative, visionary projects that create significant and sustainable impacts across various aspects of the community's quality of life. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to drive future-focused opportunities, aiming to build a better community for future generations. It emphasizes collective action, requiring organizations to work together to achieve outcomes greater than any single entity could accomplish alone. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties in the Greater Huntsville area. Projects are expected to address multiple focus areas within the Foundation's Quality of Life Framework, which includes Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environment, Health & Wellness, Neighborhoods & Communities, and Recreation. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the community by investing in programs that provide essential services, foster growth, and enrich lives holistically. Priority for funding is given to projects that demonstrate visionary, collaborative, and high-impact characteristics. "Visionary" projects create innovative, future-focused programs, while "collaborative" projects involve three or more partners, not necessarily all nonprofits. Projects must also span at least three of the Foundation's Quality of Life focus areas. "High-impact" initiatives are those that can affect a large number of people through scalable, ripple-effect transformations, indicating a strategic focus on widespread and lasting change. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around these priority areas. Projects are anticipated to produce innovative solutions, foster strong community partnerships, and demonstrate a broad reach across multiple quality-of-life indicators. The Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that collaborative, innovative, and impactful initiatives, guided by a future-focused vision, are essential for sustainable community development. By funding projects that meet these criteria, the Community Foundation aims to empower organizations to drive meaningful transformation and enhance the overall well-being of the Greater Huntsville area.

This program provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for the design, construction, or improvement of public access facilities for non-motorized waterway recreation.

The Dao Prize, funded by the Daofeng and Angela Foundation in conjunction with Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC), is an annual award designed to recognize excellence in investigative journalism. The program's mission aligns with fostering high-quality journalism, particularly in investigative, local, and multimedia formats. While the specific mission of the Daofeng and Angela Foundation or the NJC's broader strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a 'theory of change' in the provided text, the establishment of this prize clearly indicates a strategic priority to support and elevate journalists who produce impactful and well-researched stories, thereby contributing to an informed public and a robust journalistic landscape. The target beneficiaries of the Dao Prize are U.S.-based news publications and individual journalists, including those working for Substack pages, YouTube channels, podcasts, and other multimedia outlets. The impact goals are to encourage and reward exceptional journalistic work, particularly in areas often overlooked or under-resourced, such as local and multimedia journalism. By providing substantial financial awards, the prize aims to empower journalists and outlets to continue their critical work, thereby strengthening the foundation of American journalism and its ability to hold power accountable and inform communities. The program prioritizes excellence in investigative journalism, with additional categories specifically recognizing outstanding local and multimedia journalism. This focus ensures that the prize not only celebrates groundbreaking investigations but also acknowledges the vital role of community-focused reporting and innovative storytelling formats. Expected outcomes include a rise in the quality and quantity of investigative, local, and multimedia journalism, as well as increased recognition and financial stability for journalists producing such work. Measurable results include the annual selection of a grand prize winner receiving $100,000, along with runners-up and winners in the local and multimedia categories each receiving $10,000. The prize's impact can be measured by the caliber and reach of the winning stories, the ongoing careers of the recognized journalists, and the visibility of the award itself in encouraging future submissions and high standards. The explicit criteria for evaluation—based on a ten-point scale across five main categories—ensure a rigorous and transparent selection process, reinforcing the prize's commitment to recognizing true excellence.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Akron, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farmers in the Northeast to improve their milk storage and handling systems, enhancing efficiency and food safety.

This grant provides funding to community members and organizations in Philadelphia to improve public spaces and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

The Beacon House Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Gateway Foundation aims to expand substance use disorder (SUD) services in Monterey County, California, through community-based funding. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to re-invest in the Monterey County community by providing flexible grant funds to support local organizations. The program seeks to infuse financial resources for the operating, supporting, and/or renovation of SUD services, thereby improving access to treatment and recovery supports in the region. The target beneficiaries are individuals in Monterey County experiencing substance use disorder, with a specific focus on residents who make up at least 50% of the clients served by recipient organizations. The impact goals are centered on expanding access to SUD services and recovery support, as well as increasing the capacity of service providers. By providing flexible one-time costs, the Gateway Foundation intends to address critical gaps in service provision and enhance the overall health and well-being of the community. The program prioritizes established 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that are licensed by the state of California to provide behavioral health services, currently operate in Monterey County, and utilize evidence-based services. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes including staff development, training, equipment, repairs & maintenance, expansion of services/access, and reasonable start-up operational costs (not exceeding 50% of the total funding request). This flexible approach ensures that the funds can be tailored to the specific needs of local providers to achieve the greatest impact. Expected outcomes include improved access to SUD treatment and recovery services, enhanced capacity of behavioral health organizations in Monterey County, and a strengthened network of local service providers. The Gateway Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that can demonstrate a history of providing behavioral health services, sound financial management, and a client base predominantly from Monterey County. The underlying theory of change is that by investing directly in local, established providers, and allowing for flexible use of funds for one-time costs, access to essential SUD services will significantly improve, leading to better community health outcomes. The project period for funding is September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.

This program provides financial support to women entrepreneurs who own small food and beverage businesses in the U.S., helping them address their funding needs and participate in a virtual business development program.

The Minnewaukan Community Endowment Fund, affiliated with the North Dakota Community Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), is offering grants for community projects specifically within the Minnewaukan area. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to support local initiatives and strengthen communities by providing financial resources to qualifying organizations. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in projects that directly benefit the Minnewaukan community, fostering local development and addressing specific needs identified by the Advisory Committee. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are organizations serving the Minnewaukan area, including those recognized under IRS code 501(c)(3) and official city or state government entities like schools and park districts. Individuals are not eligible to receive grants. The impact goal is to support a variety of community projects, contributing to the overall well-being and growth of the Minnewaukan area. While day-to-day operations may receive lower priority, the fund aims to support projects that will have a lasting positive effect. The grant program prioritizes projects that serve the entire Minnewaukan community. Grants to religious organizations are limited to activities that are non-denominational and broadly benefit the community. The focus is on new or ongoing community-driven projects, with a clear understanding that multi-year requests (pledges) are not made, though organizations can re-apply annually if previous grant reporting is complete. This annual discretion by the Advisory Committee allows for flexibility and responsiveness to evolving community needs. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of community projects that address local needs and enhance the quality of life in Minnewaukan. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the requirement for previous grant reporting to be completed before re-applying suggests an emphasis on accountability and demonstrating the impact of funded projects. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing annual grants to local organizations, they can empower the community to undertake initiatives that contribute to its collective strength and vitality.

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