Private Arts Grants

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations in Washington state to implement projects that improve access to culturally appropriate dental care, promote healthy food access, and encourage water consumption while reducing sugary beverage intake, particularly for underserved communities.

The Paint Oklahoma Beautiful program, a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful initiative, is designed to empower community organizations and volunteers to rejuvenate unsightly buildings within their localities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering community engagement, promoting civic pride, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Oklahoma's communities through the creative and resourceful renovation of structures. The target beneficiaries of this program are groups and organizations located in Oklahoma that are dedicated to improving their communities. The program aims to encourage volunteerism and provide resources for community-led beautification projects. Impact goals include fostering a sense of ownership among residents, improving the visual landscape of towns and cities, and creating more inviting public spaces. The program prioritizes projects that utilize the provided 5-gallon pails of paint for renovation, with an option for a primer stipend if needed. Eligible projects encompass a wide range of community structures, such as downtown buildings, schools, community centers, playground equipment, fences, and walls. For safety, projects must avoid heavy traffic areas, highways, and streets. The program focuses on encouraging broad participation, while also offering a contest for those who adhere strictly to the provided paint. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of renovated community structures and a heightened sense of community spirit. Measurable results are demonstrated through the "Communities Primed for Change" contest, which awards prizes for first, second, and third place, with prizes of $1000, $750, and $500 respectively. This incentivizes participants to complete projects using only the provided paint and the structure included in their application, reinforcing the program's strategic priority of resource-efficient community improvement.

The Chamiza Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the cultural continuity of Pueblo tribes, focusing on supporting programs that sustain tribal life and traditions while fostering innovative change. Unlike efforts aimed at preserving Pueblo culture as an antiquity, the Chamiza Foundation views the culture of New Mexico's Pueblo tribes as a vibrant and valuable tradition worth sustaining. The Foundation is currently emphasizing the development of youth education programs in cultural traditions, Pueblo history, and language, alongside innovative technological applications in these areas. The Foundation supports 20 Pueblo Indian communities, including 19 in New Mexico and one in El Paso, Texas, offering grants for education, language preservation, youth projects, traditional arts and crafts, agriculture, and intercultural exchange. Eligible applicants include New Mexico’s Pueblo Indian organizations and tribal governments, Isleta del Sur Pueblo, community leaders, artists, and individuals within Pueblo communities, as well as non-Pueblo organizations with evidence of community support. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and organizations to develop programs that prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, focusing on skills development and workforce readiness.

The Community Good Grants Program provides funding requests once a year according to its grant cycle. These grants are intended to support a wide variety of needs within Knox County, including one-time project support, additional support, or expansions of initial projects. The funding is made possible through Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Applications for the 2024 cycle are accepted from August 1, 2024, through September 11, 2024, with a deadline at noon. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 509(a) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies serving Knox County. Nonprofit organizations not classified as 501(c)(3) public charities may be considered if the project is charitable and supports a community need, potentially requiring a fiscal sponsor.

Talbot Arts invites grant applications for its Community Arts Development (CAD) Program, aimed at funding arts activities that serve Talbot County, Maryland. This program aligns with Talbot Arts' mission to engage all community members through targeted outreach, fostering equitable access to diverse and inclusive local arts activities. The simplified application process, accessible support, and transparent evaluations are designed to create an even playing field for all applicants, ensuring that the focus remains on the artistic merit and community impact of proposed activities. The CAD program primarily targets non-profit and government-related organizations that provide artistic experiences for citizens and visitors to Talbot County. A particular emphasis is placed on bringing arts to underserved communities, including individuals in healthcare settings, the economically disadvantaged, seniors, and those with special needs. The impact goal is to broaden participation in the arts, enriching the lives of these specific groups and the wider community by making artistic expression and engagement more accessible. Priorities for funding include proposals demonstrating strong artistic merit and organizational effectiveness—the ability of the applying organization to successfully carry out the proposed activity. Crucially, Talbot Arts seeks projects that exemplify service to the community, focusing on how well the proposed activity or program will benefit students, residents, and guests of Talbot County. This strategic focus ensures that grants are awarded to initiatives that can demonstrate both artistic quality and tangible community benefit. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and inclusive local arts activities, particularly in underserved areas, and a more engaged community through participation in the arts. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics within the provided text, the criteria of "organizational effectiveness" and "service to the community" imply an expectation of successful project implementation and positive community reception. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $24,000, with an overall program size between $100,000 and $500,000, supporting activities for a duration of one year, specifically from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

The Cashiers Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Cashiers, North Carolina. This grant program directly aligns with CFWNC's mission to support projects that benefit local communities. The fund provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for a variety of charitable purposes, including programmatic needs, capital campaigns, and operating expenses, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive community development. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental, educational, and religious organizations with a documented history of substantial work in Cashiers. The impact goal is to support initiatives that yield significant community benefits, fostering a stronger and more vibrant Cashiers. Organizations that can demonstrate the greatest community impact through their proposed projects are given the highest consideration. The fund prioritizes projects that address direct community needs and offer sustainable benefits. While the grant details don't explicitly outline CFWNC's overarching strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on community benefit and supporting established local organizations suggests a strategy of empowering existing infrastructure and initiatives to achieve local impact. The grants generally do not support annual giving campaigns, scholarships, sectarian religious purposes, partisan political purposes, endowment funds, deficit funding, debt retirement, one-time events, or private primary and secondary schools (unless the project directly addresses community needs outside the school's students or staff). Expected outcomes include improved services, enhanced community resources, and strengthened local organizations in Cashiers. The grant duration of one year, with funds to be expended within that timeframe, implies an expectation of timely implementation and measurable progress. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "greatest community benefit" suggests that successful applicants will be able to articulate and demonstrate the positive changes their projects will bring to the Cashiers community. For more information, interested organizations are directed to visit the CFWNC website.

This funding opportunity provides substantial support to national organizations using music to drive systemic change across multiple U.S. states or territories.

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is actively seeking applications from organizations dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, rights, and justice. This grant program is deeply aligned with Borealis Philanthropy's broader mission to foster a more vibrant, just, and joyful world for people with disabilities. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in intersectional cross-movements and collaborative efforts, supporting initiatives ranging from arts and culture to policy and advocacy that dismantle ableism and promote authentic representation of disabled people. The primary beneficiaries of DIF grants are organizations whose work is driven by and accountable to the disability justice movement, with a particular emphasis on those most impacted by injustice and exclusion. This includes disabled people with multiple and intersecting social and political identities, such as race, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. The fund prioritizes organizations led by disabled people, specifically Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), queer, gender non-conforming, and women with disabilities, where over 50% of the leadership (management staff, advisory committees, or governing boards) identify as disabled. DIF's core focuses include promoting radical inclusion by removing barriers and ensuring access, valuing lived experience, and emphasizing the leadership of those most impacted. The program also fosters cross-movement solidarity, encouraging collaboration and bridge-building among disability justice activists and across various social movements like Black lives, climate change, immigration rights, labor rights, racial justice, and queer and trans liberation. This approach reflects a theory of change that believes systemic change occurs through interconnected movements and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Expected outcomes include strengthening grassroots disabled-led organizations, expanding their operational capacities for ongoing movement building, and driving narrative change that dismantles ableism in policy, society, and culture. Measurable results will stem from work that moves practices of disability inclusion and justice forward through community organizing, mutual aid, advocacy, and policy work, as well as strategies that celebrate and elevate the authentic representation of disabled people in arts, media, and literature. This two-year grant opportunity provides $75,000 per year, totaling $150,000, for eligible U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based 501(c)3 organizations or fiscally sponsored entities with an annual budget under $1 million.

The Media: Documentation & Creation Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, is designed to support artistic endeavors that document, create, or exhibit work interpreting the indigenous culture and heritage of Louisiana. This aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of communities in Louisiana through various cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities. The grant aims to foster projects such as art exhibits, visual art, photography, film, literature (fiction or nonfiction), Internet projects, podcasts, electronic media, documentaries, performing arts, or recordings, all contributing to the cultural landscape of the state. Target beneficiaries for this grant include 501(c)(3) organizations and registered Louisiana nonprofits, with commercial organizations being ineligible. While applicants are not required to be based in Louisiana, the proposed project's primary focus must be on an aspect of Louisiana's culture and/or heritage. The impact goal is to strengthen the documentation and artistic interpretation of Louisiana's rich cultural legacy, ensuring its preservation and continued celebration. Priorities for funding include projects that strongly align with the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission. Preference will be given to Louisiana-based applicants, and all grant funds must be spent within Louisiana, ensuring direct local economic and cultural benefit. The focus is on supporting activities that embody the spirit of the Foundation's mission, which broadly encompasses music, culture, and heritage. Expected outcomes include the creation and dissemination of new artistic works that shed light on Louisiana's indigenous culture and heritage. Measurable results could involve the number of projects completed, the audience reached by exhibits or performances, and the overall contribution to the cultural narrative of the state. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on cultural preservation and promotion, utilizing a theory of change that posits by supporting artistic and cultural documentation, they can sustain and enrich the unique heritage of Louisiana for future generations. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, with a grant period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration for funded projects.

The Blue Grass Community Foundation is offering its 2024 Early Childhood Education Literacy Grant, funded by the MacAdam Early Childhood and Literacy Fund. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to increase equitable access to quality pre-K education, early childhood care programs, and literacy programs for students in Central Kentucky. The foundation aims to narrow the achievement gap by supporting organizations and programs that serve low-income students, students of color, English Language Learners (ELL), and students with special needs. The grant targets charitable organizations serving Central Kentucky, specifically in Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott, and/or Woodford Counties. These organizations should be classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) designation, or be publicly supported organizations like school districts, municipalities, or government agencies. The focus is on early childhood teaching and learning, professional development for early childhood educators, parent engagement, and literacy-specific programs for learners of all ages, including adults. The foundation prioritizes proposals that address the needs of the wider community, especially from religiously affiliated organizations. They also require applicants to not have any overdue final reports for previous grants. The grant supports both project support and general operating support. Expected outcomes include increased equitable access to quality pre-K education, early childhood care programs, and literacy programs, ultimately narrowing the achievement gap. Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000, with the option of renewal for one additional year. The grant period is August 2024 – July 31, 2025.

The City of Bakersfield is offering competitive grants for property and/or business owners within designated Downtown business district corridors: 18th, 19th streets and Wall Street Alley (between F and Q streets), and H Street and Chester Avenue (between 24th Street and Truxtun Avenue). The grants are specifically intended for large-scale exterior façade improvements to eligible properties and applicants within these areas. This initiative is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, demonstrating a commitment to local economic recovery and revitalization. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment," the context indicates this is a city-led grant, and its mission is aligned with urban development and supporting local businesses impacted by economic downturns. The target beneficiaries for this program include small businesses (defined as having no more than 500 employees), non-profit organizations (tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)), and businesses within "impacted industries." Impacted industries are those that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic, specifically citing tourism, travel, and hospitality. Other industries are considered impacted if they experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels or comparable economic impacts. The impact goal is to stimulate economic recovery and enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the downtown business corridors, thereby fostering a more vibrant and attractive commercial environment. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on exterior façade improvements. The City anticipates awarding funding to 4-6 projects, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. For awarded funding of $100,000 and over, a 10% private investment match is required, along with a public hearing before the City Council. This matching requirement encourages community investment and shared responsibility in the revitalization efforts. The grant duration is two years, providing a reasonable timeframe for project completion. Expected outcomes include visible improvements to the downtown business districts, increased private investment in the local economy, and support for businesses and non-profits that have been economically impacted. The measurable results are tied to the number of projects funded (4-6 anticipated), the total amount of ARPA funding allocated ($1.5 million), and the specific improvements made to property exteriors. The strategic priority here is the revitalization of key downtown commercial areas, using ARPA funds to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic and promote long-term community resilience and growth. The theory of change posits that by investing in exterior improvements and supporting local businesses, the City can create a more appealing and economically robust downtown core, attracting more visitors and fostering greater community engagement.

The Finley Community Endowment Fund is accepting applications for grants, prioritizing projects with merit and local support in the Finley, ND area, specifically for IRS Code 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, excluding individual applicants and daily operational requests.

The Jefferson Parish Residential Façade Improvement Program, offered by the New Orleans Education League of the Construction Industry (NOEL) and the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority, is a voluntary grant program designed to enhance the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. Its core mission aligns with preserving home ownership and promoting attractive neighborhoods, thereby maintaining and enhancing property values for all citizens. The program offers financial assistance, up to $8,500, to homeowners for exterior home improvements, aiming to create more handsome and safe neighborhoods. The primary beneficiaries of this program are owner-occupied, detached single-family homeowners residing in Terrytown, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, who meet specific criteria including U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, at least one year of residency in their home, and certification that the home is their primary residence and not for sale. The program explicitly excludes communal areas, condominiums, and mobile homes. The impact goals are centered on fostering community pride, stabilizing neighborhoods, and ultimately increasing property values through visible improvements. The program's priorities and focuses are on exterior front façade improvements or, for corner properties, street-facing façades. Eligible costs include repair or replacement of front doors, shutters, windows, side doors and windows facing the street (for corner properties), soffit and fascia repair, rotten wood repair, driveway and front sidewalk repair or replacement, exterior painting, and landscaping. The work must adhere to nationally adopted enhancement standards, ensuring a consistent and high-quality outcome across participating properties. Expected outcomes include a visually enhanced neighborhood, increased curb appeal, and a strengthened sense of community among residents. Measurable results could include the number of homes improved, the total funds disbursed, and potentially, long-term increases in property values within the targeted areas. The program's strategic priorities are to support community efforts that directly contribute to the aesthetic and structural integrity of residential properties, reflecting a theory of change that by improving individual homes, the overall neighborhood environment is uplifted. This, in turn, is expected to attract and retain residents, further solidifying the community's stability and appeal.

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation's Community Grant opportunity is designed to provide statewide support to communities and nonprofit organizations throughout Arkansas. Its primary mission alignment is to focus on oral health education and services, specifically targeting underserved and uninsured Arkansas residents. This grant program is a direct reflection of the foundation's strategic priority to increase access to oral health care, particularly through community partnerships that fund preventative services and/or treatment. The target beneficiaries of these grants include underserved individuals of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic statuses in Arkansas. The overarching impact goal is to improve oral health outcomes by increasing access to dental care and promoting good oral health practices. The program supports transactional projects and services that aim to achieve this goal, aligning with the foundation's theory of change that by funding preventative services and treatment, health disparities can be reduced and overall community well-being enhanced. The grant program has two main focus areas: Prevention and Treatment. Under Prevention, the grants aim to provide preventive and basic oral healthcare needs for the community. Under Treatment, the focus is on treating at-risk or low-income populations with existing oral health conditions. The grant-making focus specifically supports projects centered on increasing access to both treatment and preventative care, as well as services that promote good oral health practices. Expected outcomes include providing oral health treatment, education, and disease prevention services; increasing access to oral health services for underserved Arkansans; and promoting collaboration across a wide range of health providers in the state. While measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of specific metrics, the prioritization of grant requests incorporating a clear oral health focus, a detailed project plan, active collaboration, inclusion of diverse groups, referral protocols, wrap-around support, and the initiation of oral health programs in underserved counties all point to an emphasis on tangible, community-level impact. Community Grants range from $2,500 up to $40,000 per organization, and funds can be used for programmatic, operational, capital needs, and dental clinic expenses.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Barnes, Ransom, and Griggs Counties, North Dakota, to address community needs in areas such as basic human needs, education, arts, community building, first responders, and behavioral health.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

The L-A-D Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, is offering grants to nonprofit and public interest organizations. This program aligns with the L-A-D Foundation's mission to benefit the natural and cultural resources of the Missouri Ozarks within its 12-county service area. The foundation seeks innovative projects that support the conservation of these resources. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS-approved entities, including government entities, school districts, and churches. These organizations must be working in Carter, Crawford, Dent, Madison, Maries, Oregon, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Ste. Genevieve, Shannon, or Texas counties. The impact goal is to foster conservation efforts and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Missouri Ozarks. The grant program prioritizes projects in areas such as environmental and conservation education, grassroots organizing, new program start-up costs, capital support, seed money, and workshops. It explicitly excludes requests for annual or operating support, social events, or benefits. This focus demonstrates the foundation's strategic priority on initiating and supporting specific, impactful conservation projects rather than ongoing operational expenses. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in conservation efforts, increased environmental awareness through education, and the successful establishment of new programs or initiatives that protect the Ozarks' unique heritage. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "innovative projects" suggests a desire for demonstrable progress and impact within the chosen project areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding targeted, innovative projects, they can catalyze significant positive change in the conservation landscape of the Missouri Ozarks.

The Leland Fikes Foundation is accepting grant applications until October 9, 2024. The Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in areas including reproductive health, civic engagement, and human services in the Dallas area. Their funding priorities include improving access to reproductive healthcare, strengthening democratic processes through public policy and advocacy, and addressing local community needs such as housing and health. The Foundation focuses on national, state-level (Texas), and local Dallas initiatives. Grants are not available for individuals or politically partisan groups. For more information, visit the Leland Fikes Foundation.