Private Arts Grants

Established in 2000, the Argyle Community Fund (ACF) is a permanent endowment dedicated to the enhancement and improvement of life in the Argyle area. As part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, the ACF annually redistributes a portion of its earnings back to the community through grants. These grants are aimed at supporting a wide range of areas including education, youth, elderly, health care, historic preservation, the arts, and the environment. The advisory board selects recipients once a year, focusing on non-profit organizations, the local school district, and local government agencies that offer charitable programs or projects beneficial to the Argyle community. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline October 1st

The Portland Foundation's Teacher Creativity Mini-Grants aim to support enriching learning experiences for students that fall outside typical school budgets. These grants are specifically designed to empower teachers by covering costs for innovative educational endeavors, thereby aligning with the Foundation's broader mission of fostering educational excellence and student development within the community. The program seeks to bridge funding gaps, ensuring that students have access to creative and impactful educational opportunities. The primary beneficiaries of these mini-grants are K-12 students in all counties of Indiana, whose teachers propose unique and engaging projects. The immediate impact goal is to enhance the educational experiences of these students by providing resources for class projects, programs, music or art instruction, speakers, and specialized educational materials. The ultimate goal is to spark creativity, broaden horizons, and provide learning experiences that might otherwise be unavailable due to financial constraints. The Foundation prioritizes creative and innovative projects. While the grants are generally not intended for ongoing projects, those previously funded through this program, or materials that could reasonably be expected in school budgets, exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. This flexibility allows for support of truly exceptional proposals that demonstrate a significant potential for student engagement and learning. The focus is on projects that introduce new concepts or approaches, offering a fresh perspective to students' education. Expected outcomes include a more diverse and enriched learning environment for students, increased teacher autonomy in developing unique educational initiatives, and the successful implementation of creative projects that inspire and educate. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of students reached, the variety of projects supported, and qualitative feedback on the impact of these experiences on student learning and engagement. The Foundation's strategic priority is to invest in education, and its theory of change posits that by empowering teachers with mini-grants for creative projects, they can directly foster student growth and innovation, contributing to a more vibrant and well-rounded educational landscape.

This grant provides multi-year funding to small nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area to tackle health, education, environmental, and food system challenges in their communities.

The Men's Fund of Vanderburgh County, managed by the Vanderburgh Community Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, by collectively funding significant grants for charitable initiatives. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address current community needs and create positive social change through the efforts of male philanthropists. The fund is open to nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Non-501(c)(3) public charities may also be considered if their proposal is charitable, supports a community need, and meets the stated criteria, requiring a fiscal sponsor in such cases. The target beneficiaries of the grants are underserved residents of Vanderburgh County, with impact goals centered on improving their quality of life. The fund prioritizes both program activities and capital projects across various areas, including Community Development, Education, Health/Mental Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development). Endowment creation is also an area considered for both program and project funding. The strategic priorities emphasize supporting organizations that demonstrate long-range planning, financial stability, sustainability, and sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues. Key considerations for funding include a commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability. Organizations should have sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues identified by research, specific and realistic plans for program or project evaluation, and a desire to promote collaboration to prevent duplication of services. The fund also values project methodologies utilizing preventative strategies for addressing issues and solving problems, along with evidence of organizational planning and management. This reflects a theory of change that emphasizes well-managed, collaborative, and preventative approaches to community challenges. The expected outcomes include significant improvements in the quality of life for Vanderburgh County residents through funded initiatives. Measurable results are tied to the specific evaluation plans outlined in successful proposals. The 2024 Impact Grant Award will be for $30,000, and funded programs and projects must commence within six months of the award and be completed within two years from the grant receipt date. Past recipients of the Impact Grant must observe a two-year waiting period before reapplying, ensuring broader access to funding for various community organizations.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have established the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund. This fund supports projects focused on assessing, removing, and disposing of marine debris in coastal communities affected by hurricanes and other storm events. The initiative aligns with the foundations' broader mission to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and their habitats, as well as to benefit human communities impacted by natural disasters. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are coastal communities in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina that were impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Nicole, and Typhoon Merbok. The impact goals are to reduce the effects of marine debris on these communities, protect industries, and prevent further harm to habitats and fish and wildlife populations. The program aims to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of storm-related marine debris. The program prioritizes projects that offer dual benefits, meaning they benefit both human communities and fish and wildlife. Emphasis is placed on projects that are ready for direct clean-up efforts and have already completed marine debris assessments, addressed hazardous materials, and secured necessary permits and disposal logistics. Community engagement and co-design processes that incorporate traditional knowledge are also encouraged to ensure maximum benefits and sustainability. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters, leading to enhanced ecological integrity and functionality of ecosystems. Measurable results will include the reduction of impacts to properties, community infrastructure, assets of economic and cultural importance, and improved navigational safety. The grant duration is four years, with awards of up to $6 million to achieve these accelerated and comprehensive outcomes for impacted coastal resources and communities.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund, established by the Central New York Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting community-based projects that foster self-sufficiency and enhance the physical and economic well-being of the Black community in Central New York. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to strengthen race-related matters and promote social and educational growth within the community. By investing in projects that directly address the unique needs and challenges faced by Black residents, the fund aims to create a more equitable and thriving environment, reflecting the Foundation's strategic priority of community development and social justice. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and projects that explicitly serve the Black community, particularly in Onondaga and Madison counties. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Black individuals and families through various interventions. The program aims to empower the Black community by building upon existing capabilities and addressing systemic disparities. This is achieved by focusing on specific interest areas that have been identified as crucial for community advancement and well-being. The fund prioritizes projects within several key focus areas, including Black Creatives, Black Leadership + Advancement, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Mental Wellness, Black Legacy + Generational Wealth, Black Business, Black Maternal Health, Black Civic Engagement, Black Youth + Students, and Black Tech. These areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these sectors will lead to holistic development and greater equity. Projects are encouraged to contribute to dialogue that strengthens race-related matters and supports social and educational growth, indicating a strategic approach to fostering long-term, sustainable change. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, improved physical and economic conditions, and enhanced community well-being within the Black community. Measurable results are tied to the types of projects funded, with different funding levels supporting various initiatives, from grassroots efforts and pilot programs to the expansion of existing projects and large capital projects. The eligibility criteria, which mandate Black leadership in senior executive positions and at least 51% Black board membership, further ensure that the projects are community-led and responsive to the needs of the Black population, thereby maximizing impact and fostering authentic community empowerment.

The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, established to honor the legacy of Margaret E. Burnham, a lifelong resident of Falmouth, Maine, supports nonprofit organizations operating within Maine. The Trust is dedicated to funding projects in five main areas: Community and Social Services (40%), Medical (10%), Education (20%), Arts and Culture (20%), and Environment (10%). It awards grants annually to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, prioritizing those that do not request multi-year funding, and explicitly excluding awards to individuals or religious organizations. The Trust reviews applications once a year in December, with a submission deadline of October 1st. Occasionally, the Trust also recognizes organizations for exemplary work or significant promise in these focus areas without a formal request. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support for large-scale public art projects in southwest Minnesota, aimed at organizations, cities, and tribal governments that will create a lasting arts legacy in the region.

The Thursday Club Foundation's 2024-2025 Benevolence Grant program aims to support non-profit organizations based in San Diego County with a Federal 501(c)(3) and State 23701D charitable status for a minimum of two years. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated, is clearly aligned with supporting the San Diego community through targeted grants. The program offers two tiers of funding: TC Tier 1 Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000, and TC Tier 2 Grants from $15,001 to $30,000, with an overall grant size of $10,000 to $100,000. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of San Diego County, as all funded grants must be used within the county to benefit its residents. The impact goals are to support specific, stated purposes outlined in the grant applications, ensuring that funds directly address identified community needs. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for fund utilization and impact. The program focuses on specific expenditures, explicitly excluding general operating expenses, salaries, capital campaigns, endowment/investment accounts, and political or religious purposes. This indicates a strategic priority on direct program-related costs and tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding specific initiatives within San Diego County, they can create measurable positive change for its residents. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of grant-funded projects and services that directly benefit the San Diego community. Measurable results are reinforced by the requirement for beneficiaries of the 2023-2024 grant year to provide a balance sheet and income statement with supporting documentation confirming the expenditure of all funds by December 31, 2024. This commitment to accountability ensures that the grants achieve their intended purpose and allows the foundation to assess the effectiveness of its strategic priorities. Additionally, approved applicants are encouraged to volunteer, fostering a deeper community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations and government entities to implement public humanities projects that engage local audiences through activities like exhibitions, oral history projects, and community programs.

The Spark Cleantech Accelerator (CTA) is a 12-week in-person program at the UT Research Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, designed to support early-stage cleantech businesses and drive the commercialization of their technologies. Created in partnership with Evergreen Climate Innovations, the program aims to foster innovation in Tennessee, the Midwest, and the Southeast. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of supporting sustainable technological advancements and economic development in the region by focusing on emerging cleantech enterprises. The program targets early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs and companies, particularly those with applications from Tennessee, the Midwest, and beyond. Eligible businesses are those demonstrating a positive impact on energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, carbon capture, increased recycling/upcycling, and a circular economy. The program prioritizes companies with strong market potential, defensible intellectual property (issued or pending patents), and technologies that can address the challenges of Spark partners such as utilities, local governments, and manufacturing companies. It also focuses on software or hardware technologies, including intelligent connected devices and advanced materials processes, at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2-6, and applicants open to establishing a permanent business location in Tennessee. The Spark CTA provides a comprehensive suite of services, including $15,000 stipends to offset travel/living costs and support business/technical milestones, prototyping services through the University of Tennessee’s Center for Materials Processing, and one-on-one mentorship from experts in various fields like business, market analysis, IP/patent strategy, product design, engineering, and manufacturing. It also facilitates crucial connections with customers, investors, strategic partners, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories, along with training workshops. The program emphasizes partnership opportunities with key organizations such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Lab, and the City of Knoxville. Expected outcomes include the successful commercialization of new cleantech innovations, the growth of early-stage cleantech businesses, and the creation of a vibrant cleantech ecosystem in Tennessee and surrounding regions. Measurable results would encompass the number of businesses supported, the development and deployment of new technologies, the securing of investments, and the establishment of new partnerships. The program's strategic priority is to accelerate the development and market entry of technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, operating on a theory of change that by providing targeted support, resources, and connections, early-stage cleantech companies can overcome barriers to commercialization and achieve significant impact.

This program provides funding for out-of-school arts initiatives that help underserved youth develop essential skills for success in education and careers through artistic engagement.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Impact100 Grant Program is currently seeking applications, inviting proposals across a broad spectrum of community needs. While the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the foundation are not detailed in the provided text, the grant program itself demonstrates an implicit commitment to fostering positive change in areas vital to community well-being. By supporting projects in arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education, the foundation aligns with a general philanthropic mission to enhance the quality of life for residents within its service area. The program's openness to operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects beyond an organization's means, indicates a flexible and responsive approach to community investment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, or Paris, IL. Specifically, organizations with 501(c)(3) status or other qualified charitable, religious, or government organizations are eligible. A prioritization is given to 501(c)(3) organizations recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of three years, suggesting a focus on established and sustainable entities. The overarching impact goal is to address critical needs within these communities by funding projects that fall within the designated categories. The grant program focuses on a diverse range of project types and subject areas. These include arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This broad scope indicates a desire to support a holistic improvement of community life. The funding also specifically supports operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects. These priorities highlight the foundation's understanding that effective community support can take many forms, from sustaining ongoing operations to catalyzing new initiatives and addressing urgent needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the nature of the supported project types implies a desire for tangible community benefits. For instance, funding for social services would likely aim for improved well-being for vulnerable populations, while education grants would seek enhanced learning opportunities. Similarly, support for conservation/environment would aim for improved ecological health, and health grants for better public health outcomes. Organizations applying are likely expected to articulate their own specific, measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's broad areas of interest, demonstrating how their proposed projects will generate positive, quantifiable change within the communities served. With $200,000 available funding for 2024 and individual grants ranging from no minimum to $50,000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is strategically investing in local organizations that are working to address the most pressing issues in Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, and Paris, IL. Their theory of change, while not explicitly stated, appears to be rooted in empowering local non-profits to effect positive change through direct service, program development, and critical infrastructure improvements. By providing financial resources to a diverse array of projects, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and overall vitality of the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant region.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and tribal governments in New York State for projects that engage the public in meaningful discussions and reflections on current issues through the humanities.

This program provides funding to rural communities in Tennessee for building or improving arts and cultural facilities to boost local economies and enhance quality of life through arts programming.

The Responsive Grant Program at the CFNRV is an annual initiative designed to address ongoing or emergent community needs, as identified by local nonprofits directly serving those needs. This program aligns with the Community Foundation of the New River Valley's mission to support the well-being and development of the region by providing flexible funding that empowers organizations to respond effectively to challenges and opportunities. By entrusting nonprofits with the discretion to allocate funds where they are most needed, the foundation demonstrates its commitment to a responsive and community-driven philanthropic approach. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the communities within Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Wythe counties, along with the City of Radford. The grant aims to support organizations classified as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities or units of government, such as libraries or schools, that serve these areas. The expected impact is to strengthen the capacity of these nonprofits to deliver essential services and programs, ultimately leading to improved community outcomes across various sectors. The flexibility of the operating support provided is a key element in achieving this goal, allowing for adaptive and impactful interventions. The program's primary focus is on providing operating support, with grants typically up to $4,000. This emphasis ensures that nonprofits have the necessary resources to maintain their operations and address their most pressing needs, rather than being restricted to specific project-based funding. The foundation does not support civic or membership organizations that redistribute money to other nonprofits, nor does it fund programs that proselytize or require religious instruction. This clear delineation of priorities ensures that funding is directed towards direct service provision and community outreach, particularly from religious institutions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's strategic intent is to foster a resilient and responsive nonprofit sector capable of addressing the evolving needs of the New River Valley. By providing flexible operating support, the foundation aims to empower organizations to achieve their own impact goals, which in turn contribute to the overall well-being of the communities they serve. The foundation's theory of change implicitly relies on the belief that by strengthening the operational capacity of effective nonprofits, broader positive societal outcomes will naturally follow.

This grant provides financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to small businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky, helping them with various business improvement expenses.

This grant provides funding for the rehabilitation of historic properties in small rural communities along the Erie Canal in New York, aiming to enhance local tourism and economic development.

This grant provides financial support for arts-based projects in rural South Carolina that aim to enhance community engagement and access to the arts while addressing local challenges.

The Thomaston Savings Bank Phase II Grant Program is an annual initiative by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc., designed to enhance the lives of community members in Litchfield County, Connecticut. The Foundation is deeply committed to addressing the human and material needs of the community, aligning its mission with a broader goal of improving the quality of life for its neighbors through dedicated grant programs and community outreach initiatives. This grant cycle specifically targets local nonprofit and government agencies that demonstrate significant local impact within the designated geographic areas. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies. Religious organizations may also be considered if their programming supports community needs and falls within the priority focus areas. The impact goals are centered on assisting organizations that address critical community needs within specific towns, aiming to foster positive change and improve overall well-being. The Foundation seeks to support initiatives that will have a tangible and meaningful effect on the lives of residents in these communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to ensure alignment with the Foundation's strategic objectives. These include Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education & Youth Services, Health & Human Services, and Public Safety. Grant applications are carefully considered based on how well an organization's mission or services align with these identified priority areas. The geographic areas of focus are Bethlehem, Harwinton, Plymouth/Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, and Watertown/Oakville, ensuring that the grants directly benefit the communities served by Thomaston Savings Bank. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the Foundation's strategic priorities imply an expectation of improved community well-being and enhanced quality of life within the supported towns. The theory of change suggests that by investing in organizations that address these critical focus areas, the Foundation will contribute to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. The program explicitly states what it generally does not invest in, such as individuals, endowment campaigns, lobbying, political activities, religious purposes, other foundations, and discriminatory organizations, which further refines its strategic approach to grantmaking and ensures resources are directed towards its core mission.