Private Arts Grants

The Longleaf Fund, established by The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), is designed to create a sustainable pool of charitable dollars to invest in community projects or initiatives within its nine-county region. This unrestricted fund aims to align with the foundation's mission by addressing the constantly changing needs and strengths of the community through strategic investments. It serves as a mechanism for individuals and families to support responsive and impactful local endeavors. The primary target beneficiaries are 501(c)(3) qualified public charities or governmental/state/county agencies operating within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goal is to strengthen these communities by providing financial support for various charitable purposes, fostering growth, and addressing identified needs through a flexible funding approach. The fund prioritizes organizations with a minimum one-year operating history that possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement and measurable objectives. Financially, organizations with revenues over $200,000 must submit an audited financial statement, while those between $50,000 and $199,999 need to submit an audit review or compilation. Organizations with operating budgets below $50,000 are exempt from audited documents. These requirements ensure that grants are directed towards well-established and accountable organizations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse community projects or initiatives across the nine-county region, leading to tangible improvements in various charitable areas. Measurable results will likely be derived from the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the grantee organizations' plans, as well as the impact reported in their final grant reports. The grant duration for supported activities is one year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. For awards over $3,000, 100% of the amount is disbursed upon signing the grant agreement, facilitating immediate project commencement.

The West Haven ARPA Grant, administered by The Arts Council of Greater New Haven (ACGNH) in partnership with ArtsWest CT, aims to rapidly stimulate arts and culture activity in West Haven, CT. With $116,250 of ARPA funds from the City of West Haven, the program seeks to distribute microgrants of $2,500-$10,000 to artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses within the city. This initiative aligns with the ACGNH's mission to support and foster arts and culture within the greater New Haven area, extending its reach to West Haven to ensure a vibrant creative economy and community engagement. The target beneficiaries for these microgrants are individuals over 18 years of age, or organizations/collectives with a representative over 18, who are either based in West Haven or proposing a project that directly serves the West Haven community. The primary impact goal is to stimulate artistic, historical, and/or culturally-specific activities within West Haven during the project period of July-August 2024. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate feasibility and can be easily executed within the short timeframe, with a strong emphasis on projects that foster equity and inclusion, and strengthen community ties within West Haven. The grant focuses on two main categories for the use of funds: General Operating Support (GOS) and Project Support. GOS includes expenses like rent, equipment purchases/rentals, subscriptions, printing/mailing, and contract labor (e.g., graphic designers, consultants). Project Support covers physical materials, ground transportation, commissions, contract labor (e.g., performers, consultants, designers), advertising, and venue rental. Notably, expenses for salaried employees paid via payroll (W-2 employees) are not eligible, and recipients will receive a 1099, responsible for their own income taxes. Expected outcomes include a rapid increase in arts and culture activities within West Haven during the summer of 2024, with measurable results tied to the feasibility, equity, and community impact of the funded projects. The evaluation criteria, Feasibility, Equity + Inclusion, and Community, are designed to guide applicants towards projects that are not only achievable within the project period but also actively incorporate, serve, and support historically marginalized residents and activate and elevate the broader West Haven community through partnerships. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support, with an emphasis on local engagement and accessible execution, leads to a flourishing local arts scene and enhanced community well-being.

This funding opportunity supports individual artists and arts organizations in Catawba County, North Carolina, to create innovative projects that engage and benefit the local community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Oklahoma to create engaging cultural experiences that explore local history and heritage through public programs and events.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

This program provides coaching and community support for fundraisers of color at small nonprofits in Sacramento and Yolo counties, focusing on those addressing health and racial disparities.

The Emporia Community Foundation in Butler County, Kansas is offering a grant through the Flint Hills Community Fund for community and rural development, museums/historic preservation, and agriculture and conservation projects, prioritizing those with high volunteer involvement and organizations looking to expand, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

This grant provides funding to organizations that improve the lives of children and families by addressing education, basic needs, healthcare, climate change, and community support initiatives.

The Toolbox grant, offered by the Live Music Society, is specifically designed to support venue owners in implementing one-time, practical projects that enhance their spaces for performers, staff, and visitors. This grant directly aligns with the foundation's mission to elevate the live music experience by addressing essential, practical needs of music venues. Unlike the Music in Action grant, which focuses on broader audience development and community building, the Toolbox grant is strategically focused on tangible venue improvements. The primary beneficiaries of the Toolbox grant are live music venue owners in the United States and its territories who operate venues with a legal capacity of 50-300 and present a minimum of 50 music performances annually. The impact goals are to empower venues to improve safety and comfort, modernize operations through innovative technology, address practical challenges with expert consultants, and invest in staff training and education. The Live Music Society's theory of change is that by supporting these specific, practical improvements, venues can significantly enhance the overall live music experience for musicians, staff, and audiences. The priorities and focuses of the Toolbox grant are clear: supporting practical projects that lead to concrete improvements. This includes initiatives like enhancing safety and comfort, incorporating innovative technology, engaging consultants for specialized challenges (e.g., acoustics, ticketing, fundraising, branding), and providing staff training and education. While examples are provided, the funding is not limited to these, encouraging venues to propose any practical challenge they believe qualifies for support, thereby fostering a responsive and needs-driven approach. Expected outcomes include more comfortable and safer environments for all venue occupants, more efficient and modern operations, and improved capacity through specialized expertise and staff development. Measurable results could include the successful completion of specific projects, enhanced venue features (e.g., new sound systems, improved accessibility), and demonstrable improvements in staff capabilities or operational efficiency. Applicants can request up to $10,000 per application, with projects taking place between December 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, ensuring a focused and timely impact on the recipient venues.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region to promote and sustain small, community-based agricultural initiatives.

The South Carolina Arts Commission is offering the ArtsNOW Schools Advancement Grants of $10,000 to $100,000 over three years to ArtsNOW Partner Schools in South Carolina, to support arts integration, professional learning, curriculum mapping, and planning through innovative practices.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama is offering the Summit Grant Program, which is designed to strengthen not-for-profit organizations in its service area. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by encouraging short-term (12-month) projects that advance community leadership development, training, and organizational technology. The Foundation seeks to support organizations that contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the communities within its nine-county service area. The target beneficiaries of the Summit Grant are 501(c)(3) qualified public charities that have been physically located and operating for at least one year in Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, or Talladega counties in Alabama. The program aims to impact these organizations by fostering stronger community leadership and improving their technological capabilities. The grant prioritizes two main focus areas: Community Leadership Development and Training, and Organizational Technology Advancement. Within leadership development, the program seeks to support local city councils, school boards, not-for-profit senior leadership staff, not-for-profit boards, and county commissions. For technology advancement, the focus is on improving gift and donor tracking systems, enhancing remote work capabilities, updating current technology, improving financial tracking systems, and strengthening cybersecurity. The expected outcomes include strengthened not-for-profit organizations with improved leadership and enhanced technological infrastructure. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of 12-month projects, leading to advancements in the specified focus areas. For example, improved donor tracking systems would lead to better fundraising, and leadership training would result in more effective community governance. The Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that by investing in the capacity of local not-for-profit organizations, they can foster stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting both leadership development and technological advancement, the Summit Grant aims to create a ripple effect, empowering these organizations to more effectively serve their communities and achieve their respective missions. With $30,000 in total funding available and individual grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the program provides vital resources to achieve these strategic objectives over a one-year duration.

This funding opportunity supports artists and arts organizations in Akron, Detroit, and Miami-Dade County to enhance their digital practices and community engagement through technology.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund (WCCF), administered by The Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants to address various charitable needs throughout Vermont. Its mission aligns with the Foundation's goal of supporting communities by focusing on key areas like the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. A significant aspect of the WCCF's strategic priority is to support initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations within these focus areas. The fund also prioritizes proposals that foster cooperation, collaboration, and community building, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes collective impact for broader community benefit. The WCCF aims to benefit organizations serving either a statewide constituency with a unique contribution to Vermont, or those located in or serving the populations of Addison County or Brandon. Approximately 70% of available funds are allocated to programs and projects in/or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, with the remaining 30% supporting statewide initiatives. This targeted approach seeks to achieve impact goals of strengthening local communities while also addressing broader state-level needs. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to arts, improved educational opportunities, preserved historical sites, and strengthened social services, particularly for underserved groups. The fund offers both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. Small grants can be used for program/project support or general operating support, while large grants are strictly for program/project-specific initiatives and are reserved for organizations serving Addison County or Brandon. This structured approach to grant sizing and scope allows for both flexible support for smaller, local needs and more substantial, focused investments in specific projects with measurable results in the designated areas. The WCCF typically will not fund an entire project, preferring projects that demonstrate support from a variety of sources, which encourages broader community investment and sustainability. Eligibility for WCCF grants requires organizations to be located in or serve the people of Vermont, and to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation maintains a strict non-discrimination policy based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, and physical or mental ability, ensuring that its funding initiatives are inclusive and equitable. This commitment to non-discrimination reflects a core strategic priority to foster an inclusive Vermont where all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from community programs.

The Veterans grant program, funded by El Dorado County and administered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, aims to support the veteran community at large. This aligns with the foundation's mission to facilitate impactful local initiatives, by providing financial assistance for operations, programs, or property improvements/repairs specifically benefiting veterans. The foundation acts as a conduit for county funds, ensuring they reach eligible organizations dedicated to supporting this vital demographic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations or groups that serve individual veterans within El Dorado County, California. While individuals are not directly eligible for grants, the program is designed to ultimately benefit veterans by supporting the organizations that provide them with essential services and resources. The impact goals include enhancing the quality of life for veterans through various support mechanisms, such as program funding and infrastructure improvements, ensuring their needs are met within the community. Key priorities for the program include funding nonprofits and ensuring accountability in the use of funds. Preference is given to organizations with established programs and a track record of consistently applying for other grants or engaging in separate fundraising efforts, indicating sustainability and commitment. A significant focus is also placed on compliance, requiring organizations to be recognized charitable concerns by the IRS (including 501(c) corporations, churches, government agencies, and schools) and to be in compliance with the IRS, CA SOS, FTB, and CA DOJ. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of veteran-supportive programs, improved facilities, and enhanced operational capabilities for organizations serving veterans. Measurable results could be tracked through final impact reports, which are a mandatory requirement for previous grants before new funding is released. The grant amounts, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are intended to provide meaningful support that can lead to tangible improvements for the veteran community. The foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this program, revolve around community investment and targeted support for specific demographics. The theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding established and compliant organizations, the foundation can effectively leverage resources to address critical community needs, in this case, those of veterans. The emphasis on sustained engagement (organizations must sit out 1.5 years between requests) and financial prudence (funds do not need to be used in the year requested but long-term use must be specified) further underscores a commitment to long-term, impactful change rather than short-term fixes.

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

The FY 2024 Multicultural Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a grant initiative by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA). This program seeks applications from qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s Latino Youth community. The core mission of this grant is to provide meaningful and structured summer experiences and career readiness opportunities for District of Columbia youth aged 14-24, aligning with MOLA’s commitment to empowering the Latino community through impactful programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Latino youth residents in the District of Columbia, specifically those between the ages of 14 and 24. The impact goal is to foster career readiness and provide valuable summer experiences that contribute to their overall development and future success. The program aims to achieve significant, lasting change by engaging youth in activities that enhance their well-being and prepare them for future opportunities. The grant prioritizes six key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, Recreation & All Students on Pathways to Success, Workforce Development, Highlight East of the River, and More Democracy. These priorities reflect the broader strategic goals of the District of Columbia, focusing on urban revitalization, violence reduction, comprehensive youth development, economic empowerment, equitable investment in underserved communities, and civic engagement. Organizations applying for the grant must demonstrate how their proposed services align with at least one of these critical areas. Expected outcomes include increased participation of Latino youth in structured summer programs, enhanced career readiness skills, and improved engagement in community-based initiatives aligned with the funding priorities. The grant's duration is less than one year, with a project period from June 17, 2024, to August 23, 2024. Eligible organizations can receive up to $15,000, which is intended to facilitate the provision of direct services and programming within the District of Columbia. MOLA's theory of change is rooted in the belief that investing in youth, particularly through structured employment and development programs, leads to stronger individuals and more vibrant communities. To be eligible, CBOs must have a Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, be licensed in the District of Columbia, have their principal place of business in the District, and provide direct services to District residents. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR), and current grantees must be current on MOAA reporting obligations and reflect substantial progress towards their grant agreement goals. This rigorous eligibility ensures that funds are directed to reputable organizations capable of delivering impactful programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in East Hartford that promote civic engagement and benefit residents inclusively, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 available to eligible nonprofit organizations.

The DC Bar Foundation's General Support Grants Program offers private funding to legal services providers in the District of Columbia. This program is a cornerstone of the Foundation's mission to fund civil legal services, primarily for District residents with low incomes. Funding is sourced from individual, law firm, and corporate donations, alongside revenue generated by the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, which the DCBF administers. This ensures a consistent and dedicated stream of resources to support vital civil legal aid initiatives, directly aligning with the Foundation's commitment to access to justice. The target beneficiaries of this program are District residents with low incomes who require free civil legal services. The primary impact goal is to provide these essential services, addressing critical legal needs within this population. Strong applications will demonstrate an organization's ability to identify and respond to pressing civil legal needs, ensuring appropriate supervision, training, and development of staff, and utilizing stakeholder and client feedback for continuous improvement. Furthermore, applicants are expected to offer services that increase accessibility, such as self-help strategies, online legal information, and community legal education. The Foundation prioritizes applications that expand legal assistance for DC residents, avoid duplication of services, and enhance accessibility. Priority is also given to programs that expand pro bono participation by recruiting, training, and supervising law firm attorneys, and those that strategically leverage DCBF resources to support other service providers. Importantly, the Foundation seeks to fund services not supported by other funding sources and those that test innovative approaches to achieving these priorities, reflecting a forward-thinking and impactful strategy. Organizations applying for this private funding must demonstrate adequate capacity, as evidenced by experience in providing similar services and related current work. Sustainability is also a key factor, with the Foundation considering potential funding sources beyond DCBF and longer-term service delivery strategies. The expected outcomes include an expansion in the number of DC residents receiving legal assistance, improved accessibility to legal services, and the effective use of resources to address the most pressing civil legal needs of low-income residents, contributing to a more equitable justice system in the District of Columbia.

This grant provides significant funding to local nonprofits in Indianapolis that are tackling community challenges in key focus areas, with a structured application process culminating in an annual awards celebration.