Private Arts Grants

The various grant programs are structured to address systemic community challenges, reflecting a core alignment with the foundations’ missions to drive change, promote equity, and foster vibrant communities. The Community Foundation (Des Moines) offers three key competitive grants: Leadership, Capacity Building, and Strategic Alignment, all rooted in community plan alignment and focused on inclusive engagement and impact. Leadership Grants are designed to catalyze systems change by investing in solutions that challenge existing systems and address root causes, not just projects. Similarly, the San Antonio Area Foundation employs trust-based philanthropic principles, offering general operating and multi-year support to help non-profits focus on their missions and achieve stability as a direct means to closing opportunity gaps. The grant-making strategies are defined by specific priorities that target key community issues, often reflecting a multi-sectoral and cross-cutting approach. The Minneapolis Foundation’s grants, for instance, focus on priorities like creating an equitable education system (Reimagine Education) and being nimble in response to emerging community needs (OneMPLS), previously addressing issues like affordable housing and pandemic relief. The San Antonio Area Foundation structures its work around four pillars: Cultural Vibrancy, Livable and Resilient Communities, Aging Adults Success, and Youth Success, with activities like building capacity for under-resourced arts groups or supporting programs to strengthen safety nets for older adults. This demonstrates a comprehensive approach where investments aim to address a diverse range of interconnected human, animal, and environmental health issues. Target beneficiaries and high-level impact goals are diverse yet universally focused on empowering vulnerable populations and transforming systems. Beneficiaries include schools, students, small businesses, older adults, youth, and non-profits across various sectors. For instance, the ACDP in Liberia aims to meet the real needs of the most vulnerable rural populations, reducing poverty while strengthening human capital and resilience. Its specific goal is to significantly improve conditions for residents of targeted rural and urban communities through environmentally sustainable and equitable access to basic services by 2025. Other goals include advancing criminal justice reform through the Fund for Safe Communities, and promoting conservation education for K-12 students via specialty grants like the Explore the Ozarks Fund. A strong emphasis is placed on generating clear, measurable results that align with the strategic theory of change—that focused investments lead to demonstrable community benefits. Outcomes are expected to be specific and measurable, often guided by the SMART mnemonic (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound). These expected outcomes describe the consequences and results of the work, detailing the change in participants or the programmatic/operational level. For example, expected results include achieving greater stability for non-profit partners through multi-year support, or, in the public health sphere, strengthening the institutionalization of a functional One Health approach in Liberia to address Public Health events and develop joint policy guidance on prevention, detection, response, and recovery.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit initiatives in Houston that enhance health, education, community development, and LGBTQ+ support, particularly for marginalized populations.

This grant provides funding for arts education projects in Warren and Washington Counties, NY, aimed at K-12 schools and community groups to promote hands-on artistic experiences.

This fellowship supports emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists in New York City by providing them with the opportunity to develop and exhibit their work, along with access to mentorship and professional development resources.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools in nine Minnesota counties to collaborate with professional artists on various arts projects, promoting access to the arts for historically marginalized communities.

The United Engineering Foundation provides grants to advance engineering arts and sciences for the welfare of humanity. The foundation prioritizes programs in diversity, emerging technologies, engineering ethics, safety, security and leadership, and kindergarten through grade 12 education. Preference is given to innovative, broad based, interdisciplinary programs that integrate multiple engineering fields, include community outreach, and are collaborative across organizations. Projects outside an organization’s routine operations are preferred. Multiple year proposals are welcome, but funding is awarded one year at a time, and projects must be performed between January and December of the grant year. Proposals specifying that funds will not offset existing staff salaries are preferred. Eligible applicants are U.S. based organizations classified as 501(c)(3). Technical research proposals and proposals by individuals are seldom accepted. Proposals must meet submission deadlines and page limitations established by the foundation. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information is available from the United Engineering Foundation.

This grant provides funding to registered non-profit organizations in Washington for specific projects that promote financial literacy, support low-income community members, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This competition invites U.S.-based content creators aged 21 and older to produce a 30-second commercial celebrating the legacy and cultural significance of the American Black Film Festival, with cash prizes and festival access for the best submissions.

The Vermont Community Foundation's grant program seeks proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities to close the opportunity gap by fostering inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to support local governments in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state. Developed in collaboration with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, the program primarily supports communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program, though limited grants are also available for non-participating communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are all people within Vermont communities, particularly those who may feel excluded, discriminated against, or fear visiting, living, or conducting business due to a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias. The program specifically aims to benefit Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals by ensuring they feel safe and supported, thereby enabling their recruitment and leadership in businesses and local governing bodies. The overall impact goal is to cultivate communities where all residents feel connected and safe, regardless of their background or how long they have resided there. The program prioritizes a range of activities designed to meet locally defined community needs. These include funding for consultant-led work, such as introductory and implicit bias trainings, equity assessments, planning efforts, and reviews of hiring practices. Additionally, the program focuses on supporting community-wide conversations, the creation and work of municipal equity committees, and providing stipends for community members to ensure their involvement is appropriately compensated (e.g., for time off work, childcare, or transportation). This flexible approach acknowledges that communities are at different stages in their equity journey and require varied support. Expected outcomes include a reduction in feelings of fear or exclusion within communities, increased recruitment and leadership of BIPOC individuals in local businesses and governance, and enhanced capacity for educators, students, local leaders, and families to address discrimination and bias effectively. Measurable results will stem from the progress municipalities make in their learning and actions related to equity and inclusion. While not explicitly detailing a 'theory of change,' the Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to empower local governments as leaders in fostering a more equitable and inclusive Vermont by providing resources that facilitate ongoing progress rather than expecting a single project to resolve all challenges.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations and community initiatives in Westminster, Colorado, to support projects that enhance community well-being, promote environmental conservation, and empower youth.

The Bunbury Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations in central New Jersey, particularly Mercer County, enabling them to effectively pursue their missions and achieve sustainable organizational maturity. The foundation's core mission revolves around "capacity building," which is defined as work that enhances an organization's ability to deliver its mission with increased confidence. This strategic alignment ensures that grants directly contribute to the long-term effectiveness and stability of recipient organizations. The fund targets non-profit organizations that operate and provide services within the geographic region covered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This includes Mercer County, Eastern Bucks County (PA), Northern Burlington County (NJ), Southern Hunterdon County (NJ), Southern Middlesex County (NJ), and Southern Somerset County (NJ). The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these non-profits to "do their best work" by empowering them with the necessary resources and strategies. The fund encourages projects that prioritize anti-racism strategies and embed racial equity at the core of their work, signifying a commitment to inclusive and equitable community development. The Bunbury Fund offers various grant types with specific focuses. One-year capacity-building grants, up to $50,000, support areas such as board governance, leadership succession planning, strategic partnerships, scenario planning, systems upgrades, racial equity and inclusion practices, human resources, and technology improvements. Multi-year capacity-building grants, up to $150,000 over three years, are designed for comprehensive, phased projects that require extended development for organizational effectiveness. Additionally, planning grants of up to $10,000 are available to help organizations evaluate the resources needed for more extensive capacity-building initiatives, acting as an initial step in assessing viability. The expected outcomes include enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved service delivery, and a greater ability for non-profits to achieve their missions with confidence. Measurable results would stem from the specific capacity-building areas addressed by the grants, such as improved governance structures, stronger leadership, more efficient systems, and the successful implementation of racial equity strategies. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower non-profits through capacity building, operating on the theory of change that by strengthening the internal capabilities of these organizations, they will be better equipped to serve their communities and create lasting, positive impact, particularly through the lens of racial equity.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) offers grants to support health and wellness within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of individuals experiencing poverty. This initiative aligns directly with the AACF's mission to foster a healthier community by providing essential resources and support where it is most needed. The grants aim to create a tangible, positive impact on the well-being of residents, especially those who are vulnerable. The grant program targets residents within Douglas County, focusing on individuals who are underserved or experiencing poverty. The overarching impact goal is to improve overall health and wellness in the community. This includes providing health education to prevent disease, supporting food and nutrition education, and helping isolated individuals build social connections to combat the negative health effects of loneliness. The AACF prioritizes grant proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They also favor projects that build or support collaborative efforts among various community partners, including other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and citizen groups. Sustainable positive impact, the building of social capital across diverse community segments, and highly visible projects that inspire additional investment are also key focuses. Furthermore, projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly regarded. Expected outcomes include a reduction in preventable diseases through increased health education, improved nutritional health within the community, and enhanced social connections for isolated individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on health education, nutrition support, and social connection building implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved community health indicators and stronger social fabric. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering a connected, healthy, and equitable community through collaborative and impactful initiatives.

The Cultural Facilities Grants are designed to support Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing, creating, or expanding the capacity of existing buildings to offer cultural activities to the public. These activities broadly include artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic, or scholarly events such as performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, workshops, and more. Eligible projects may involve improvements to wiring, heating, lighting, plumbing, accessibility features, stage enhancements, permanent display installations, environmental controls, hazard mitigation, and energy efficiency upgrades. The grant period is set from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, and includes a mandatory match on a 1:1 basis with specific requirements for cash and in-kind contributions. Applications are encouraged from entities that own a facility in Vermont that has been in existence for at least ten years.

This grant provides $7,000 to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Houston Region that are dedicated to serving the Latinx community and demonstrate strong community engagement and inclusivity.

This program provides funding to organizations that help low-income households in rural Washington State make essential home repairs to improve health, safety, and living conditions, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children.

Founded in 1958 by Herman and Mary Wegener, the Wegener Foundation is a private entity focused on enhancing the quality of living and educational opportunities in the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that support youth and families, health and wellness, arts and humanities, and education, aiming to improve the quality of life for Central Oklahoma's citizens. It seeks to support sustainable charitable organizations with mission statements that boost living conditions for people across all levels of abilities. The Foundation values long-term partnerships with recipients that consistently meet the expanding needs of their communities.

Florida Humanities’ Community Project Grants are designed to support public humanities programming throughout Florida. These grants align with the foundation's mission to preserve, promote, and share Florida's history, literature, culture, and personal stories, thereby offering Floridians a deeper understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. The program seeks to strengthen vibrant communities and cultures, promote civic engagement, spark thoughtful community dialogue, and encourage reflection on the human experience. The target beneficiaries for these grants are nonprofit cultural organizations across Florida, as well as Florida-based nonprofits and public agencies, including libraries, museums, schools, and tribal governments. Higher education departments within Florida colleges and universities are also eligible. The primary impact goal is to increase public participation in and access to the humanities by providing relevant, engaging, and meaningful humanities-based programming to all Floridians, including broad general public audiences and new or underserved communities. The program prioritizes projects that are deeply rooted in the humanities and humanities scholarship, involving humanities scholars, community experts, or subject area experts in both development and delivery. Key focuses include programming that fosters connections between different communities or demographic groups, promotes networking and collaboration between institutions, and links humanities-associated organizations with other community partners. All supported projects must be free or not cost-prohibitive for the public to attend. Special consideration is given to small to mid-sized organizations with budgets under $1 million and applicants located in Rural Areas of Opportunity. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased public engagement with humanities content, enhanced community dialogue, and strengthened cultural understanding. The grants aim to generate various forms of public humanities programming such as media projects (podcasts, film, radio), community conversations, interpretive exhibits, lectures, reading/film-and-discussion programs, cultural festivals, oral history projects, and interpretive tours. These activities collectively contribute to the foundation's strategic priorities by fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry that appreciates Florida's diverse heritage. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, high-quality humanities programming, they can cultivate a more reflective, connected, and civically engaged populace. By empowering local organizations and experts to deliver these experiences, Florida Humanities believes it can achieve widespread impact, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Florida's human experience is preserved and shared for future generations, ultimately contributing to stronger, more vibrant communities across the state.

The Louisiana Project Grants (LPG) program, funded by The Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) and administered by The Acadiana Center for the Arts for Region 4, aims to cultivate innovative arts projects with lasting impact. Replacing the Decentralized Arts Funding (DAF) program that began in 1995, LPG supports arts projects that address local needs and provide artistic value within communities. The program offers funding for a wide variety of arts initiatives that meet specific community requirements. Applications for the FY25 cycle open on May 1, 2024, and must be submitted online by June 28, 2024. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit organizations, public and private schools, local government agencies, and colleges and universities within Acadiana’s Region 4. The funding period spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with grant amounts ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.

The Montclair Foundation's grant program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals within the greater Montclair community. This mission alignment is evident in their support for organizations that serve the Montclair community and its environs. The foundation's strategic priorities are focused on addressing critical community needs through specific focus areas, aiming for a positive and measurable impact on the well-being of the community. The grant program targets beneficiaries within the Montclair community, with a particular emphasis on areas such as Mental Health and Well-Being, Food Security, and Housing. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in these key sectors, they can create a more stable, healthy, and secure environment for residents. The grants aim to support initiatives that directly impact these areas, leading to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to mental health services, reduced food insecurity, and improved housing stability for community members. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each outcome, the foundation's emphasis on funding special projects or items suggests a desire for tangible, project-specific impact. They also review applications equally each year, indicating a focus on the merit and potential impact of each proposal. The foundation offers grant awards ranging from $3,000 to $15,000, with a commitment to making 2-3 larger grants of $10,000-$15,000 each cycle. While general operations can be funded, there is a preference for special projects or items, further aligning with their goal of targeted impact. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) organization for three or more years and serving the Montclair community. Organizations can generally apply once within a 12-month period, with an exception for fall 2024 for those meeting specific criteria in mental health, food security, or housing. Multi-year grants are possible, with a commitment not exceeding three years.