Private Arts Grants

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.

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.

This funding program provides financial support to early childhood education centers and family child care providers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to expand and improve their facilities, ensuring more quality learning opportunities for children from low to moderate-income households.

This grant provides funding to Colorado nonprofits and schools to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth through collaborative projects with professional artists.

The Building Communities Fund Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce (WSMA), offers state grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations and Tribes. The program's core mission is to support the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of nonresidential community and social service centers. Approved projects can receive reimbursement for 25% or more of their eligible capital costs, with the possibility of reduced nonstate match requirements under exceptional circumstances. This grant program aligns with a foundational mission of strengthening community infrastructure and enhancing service delivery, particularly in underserved areas within Washington State. The program specifically targets projects that will deliver services through social service and multipurpose community centers. A key focus is on facilities serving BIPOC and rural communities, as well as those located in "distressed communities" or serving a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged persons. The impact goals are centered on improving access to essential services and resources for vulnerable populations, fostering community well-being, and addressing disparities in service provision across the state. By investing in these crucial community hubs, the program aims to create lasting positive change. Priorities for the Building Communities Fund include supporting nonresidential facilities that directly contribute to community service. Projects must be non-complete at the time of application, demonstrating an active need for state funds. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have made progress in a capital fundraising campaign, indicating a broader commitment to the project's success. The emphasis on LEED certification or an exemption from Commerce, along with the requirement to pay state prevailing wages, underscores a commitment to sustainable development and fair labor practices. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to ensuring that grant funds are utilized effectively and responsibly, leading to high-quality, impactful community assets. Expected outcomes of the program include a significant increase in the number of acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated nonresidential community and social service centers throughout Washington State. Measurable results would encompass the square footage of new or improved facilities, the number of individuals served by these centers, and the types of services offered. The program's strategic priorities are to enhance community resilience, reduce inequities, and provide vital resources to those who need them most. The underlying theory of change posits that by providing capital funding for essential community infrastructure, the state can empower local organizations to deliver more effective and comprehensive social services, ultimately leading to stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.

The WNC Community Enhancement grants, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), are designed to support projects that improve the physical appearance and pedestrian experience in downtowns, commercial corridors, or districts. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of enhancing community well-being in Western North Carolina by investing in local infrastructure and public spaces. The grants specifically target qualified charitable organizations or eligible public agencies operating within selected counties of Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary, aiming to foster vibrant and accessible community environments. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are residents and visitors to the targeted downtowns and commercial areas, particularly those in rural or under-resourced communities, which are given priority. The impact goals are centered on creating more attractive, functional, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements such as enhanced pedestrian signals, decorative crosswalks, shade structures, public art, improved landscaping, better lighting, and the creation of spaces for economic activities like outdoor markets. These improvements are intended to directly contribute to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in these areas. The program prioritizes "stand-alone" projects that are distinct and achievable within a one-year timeframe. CFWNC anticipates projects will fall into broad categories: pedestrian/multi-modal improvements, beautification, infrastructure, and economic activities. Specific examples provided, such as bicycle racks, public art installations, stormwater management, and food truck parking, illustrate the diverse range of initiatives the foundation is interested in funding. The emphasis on rural or under-resourced areas underscores the foundation's strategic priority of equitable development and supporting communities with the greatest need. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its focus on community-led enhancement projects. By funding initiatives that improve public spaces and stimulate economic activity, CFWNC aims to create a ripple effect that strengthens local economies, encourages community engagement, and ultimately fosters more resilient and thriving communities. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects not exceeding a total cost of $50,000, indicates a commitment to supporting impactful, yet manageable, projects that can demonstrate clear results within a year of the award. Through these targeted investments, the CFWNC seeks to catalyze local efforts and empower organizations to address specific community needs and opportunities.

The Rockingham County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations to address local needs within Rockingham County, North Carolina. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support a broad range of community purposes, including human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The foundation emphasizes meeting local needs, indicating a strategic priority on community-driven impact and direct support for local initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations serving the local community in Rockingham County, North Carolina. This includes 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding for social outreach and charitable service programs benefiting the community at large, but not for general operating support. The program aims to create a positive impact by funding initiatives that cater to diverse community needs, from basic human services to educational and cultural enrichment. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. This indicates a holistic approach to community development, recognizing the interconnectedness of various social determinants of well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to be centered on fostering a vibrant and supportive community by addressing a wide spectrum of needs through local, qualified organizations. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller-scale projects or providing seed funding for local initiatives. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on a "broad range of purposes to meet local needs" implies a theory of change where targeted, modest funding can lead to tangible improvements in community well-being across multiple sectors. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination, ensuring equitable access and impact.

This funding opportunity supports South Carolina artists in launching or enhancing arts-based business initiatives that promote career satisfaction and sustainability.

This grant provides financial support and professional development resources to Black trans women visual artists in the United States, helping to elevate their work and address systemic barriers in the art field.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Worcester County for projects that enhance arts, basic needs, economic opportunities, health, and youth development.