Private Arts Grants

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, presented in collaboration with Deloitte, aims to support the advancement of women-owned businesses. This program is an extension of BMO's long-standing commitment to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women, a tradition that has celebrated over 240 women since 2012 through the BMO Celebrating Women Program. The grant initiative was specifically created in 2020 to continue supporting women during the pandemic when in-person celebrations were canceled, demonstrating BMO's dedication to providing financial aid and fostering growth for women entrepreneurs, aligning with its purpose to "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life." The primary target beneficiaries are women-owned businesses operating in the U.S. that meet specific eligibility criteria. These businesses must be at least 51% owned or controlled by women, currently active and operating legally, and have a physical location in one of the selected states. They must also be for-profit with annual revenues of $5 million USD or less and have been in operation selling a product or service for at least two years as of April 1, 2024. The program's impact goal is to provide an additional source of financial aid to these businesses, thereby promoting their growth and resilience. The program prioritizes supporting business growth, welcoming applications that detail high-level plans for new products/services or expansion into new markets. BMO is offering fifteen $10,000 grants, aiming to directly inject capital into these businesses to fuel their development. This focus on financial support underscores the program's theory of change, which posits that direct funding can empower women-owned businesses to achieve their growth objectives, contribute to economic development, and overcome financial challenges, especially those exacerbated by events like the pandemic. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of business growth plans by the grant recipients, leading to sustained or increased operational capacity and market presence. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the utilization of the $10,000 grants for specific growth initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the immediate financial aid is designed to produce tangible improvements in the short to medium term. The program reflects BMO's strategic priority of fostering diversity and inclusion within the business landscape by actively investing in women entrepreneurs.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Volusia and Flagler Counties to enhance programs focused on education, financial stability, and health for community improvement.

This program provides financial support to grassroots watershed organizations in Western Pennsylvania for projects focused on water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and community outreach to protect and restore local watersheds.

This fund provides financial assistance to artists and arts workers in Los Angeles County who have been impacted by recent wildfires, prioritizing those with significant economic hardship and losses not covered by insurance.

The City of Fort Collins and the Department of Neighborhood Services offer neighborhood grants to foster positive neighboring activities and community improvements. These grants provide financial assistance to encourage community resiliency by fulfilling needs identified by neighbors through solutions developed by neighbors. The program aligns with the City's mission to bring people together, serve underrepresented communities, and promote sustainable choices. The target beneficiaries for these grants include residents, residents associations, homeowners associations, and nonprofits within Fort Collins city boundaries. The impact goals are to strengthen community connections, enhance neighborhood environments, and empower residents to address local challenges collaboratively. The program prioritizes projects that encourage creative ideas to improve neighborhoods and foster connections between neighbors. While the specific "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the grant program itself serves as a strategic initiative of the City of Fort Collins and its Department of Neighborhood Services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance and encouraging neighbor-led solutions, they can build stronger, more resilient communities. Expected outcomes include a variety of community improvements, ranging from cleanup events and community gardens to sustainable block parties. Measurable results would be evidenced by the successful implementation of diverse projects that enhance neighborhood life and promote neighbor-to-neighbor engagement. The funding range of $150-$1000 also provides a framework for the scale of these community-led initiatives.

This grant provides funding for projects that conserve and restore grasslands and wildlife in the Southern Great Plains, particularly benefiting rural communities and enhancing climate resilience.

Maine: Investing in Leaders of Color Grant Program offers a maximum award of $6,950 to support nonprofit leaders of color and their organizations. The program provides one-on-one coaching, a stipend for professional development and operating costs, and networking opportunities. It is designed for people of color in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations that serve communities of color and promote racial equity in Maine. Priority is given to leaders from organizations led by people of color. The grant consists of capacity-building funding, including one-on-one coaching, professional development, and operating costs. The program aims to promote and increase racial equity in Maine through supporting leaders and organizations serving communities of color.

This grant provides funding for projects in St. Lawrence County that focus on preserving historical sites, supporting places of worship, and aiding military veterans.

The South Arts In These Mountains (ITM) initiative is a grant program designed to support projects that promote the sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, documenting, and continuity of folk arts and traditional culture within Central Appalachia. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural preservation and community enrichment, particularly in underserved regions. The program seeks to empower communities through their unique cultural heritage, ensuring these traditions are passed down through generations and remain vibrant within the region. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are nonprofit organizations and educational organizations located in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This includes a wide array of entities such as community cultural organizations, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, community festival organizations, and faith-based organizations. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the traditional arts and cultural fabric of these communities, particularly those in rural areas with populations under 50,000, by providing essential funding for relevant projects. South Arts has several key priorities and focuses for this initiative. They are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, actively encouraging applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led and LGBTQIA+-led organizations, as well as organizations led by people with disabilities. Furthermore, they prioritize applications that feature BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and traditional artists with disabilities. Another significant focus is on funding traditional arts projects specifically in rural communities. The grants are awarded in the amount of $10,000, with a project period from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the ITM initiative include a sustained and increased engagement with folk arts and traditional culture in Central Appalachia. Success will be measured by the number and quality of projects that effectively share, teach, learn, preserve, document, and support the continuity of these cultural practices. The prioritization of diverse and rural-led organizations aims to ensure that funding reaches those most in need of support and that a wide array of voices and traditions are represented and uplifted. The strategic priority of South Arts, as evidenced by this grant, is to build a more equitable and culturally rich Central Appalachia through targeted investment in its traditional arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to artists and creative workers in Indiana who are facing mental health challenges related to substance use and addiction, enabling them to access therapy and wellness services.

The Mertz Gilmore Dance Research Grants, administered by Staten Island Arts, offer crucial support to dance artists, collectives, and nonprofits at various career stages. This grant program is specifically designed to foster the research and development of new dance works. While the overall mission of Staten Island Arts is not explicitly detailed, this grant aligns with a broader goal of supporting artistic creation and addressing specific challenges within the local arts community, particularly the lack of venues for dance presentations in Staten Island. The grants aim to alleviate these significant challenges by focusing on the foundational stages of creative development, thereby contributing to the vitality of the local dance scene. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are individual dancers, choreographers, dance collectives, and dance nonprofits who are residents of Staten Island and are at least 18 years old, and not full-time students. The impact goals are centered on enabling the creation of new dance work. By providing funding for the research and development phase, the program seeks to empower artists to explore innovative ideas and bring new projects to fruition, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of Staten Island. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to support the development of new dance works that are either undeveloped or in their early stages. Crucially, the grants explicitly exclude funding for work that has already been presented. This emphasis ensures that the funds are directed towards novel creative endeavors. The grants are designed to alleviate challenges related to the lack of presentation venues by focusing on development, rather than presentation costs. Ineligible activities include capital improvements, fundraising events, scholarships, juror fees, prizes, lobbying expenses, and entertainment, reinforcing the program's dedication to direct artistic creation. The expected outcomes include the successful research and development of new dance works by Staten Island-based dance artists and organizations. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the program implicitly aims for an increase in the quantity and quality of new dance pieces being created in the borough. Awards are set at $7,500 per artist, indicating a significant investment in individual creative processes. The underlying strategic priority is to strengthen the dance community in Staten Island by nurturing artistic talent and supporting the creation of original work from its nascent stages. The theory of change seems to be that by providing dedicated funding for early-stage development, artists will be better equipped to overcome resource limitations and contribute new, innovative dance to the community.

The Susan Bradbury Animal Welfare Fund, supported by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Essex County, Massachusetts. These grants are specifically designed to support programs and services that provide safe havens and care for domestic and/or wild animals. The ECCF's broader mission, as evidenced by its commitment to non-discrimination, ensures that the fund aligns with principles of equity and inclusion, supporting organizations that recruit, hire, train, promote, and serve individuals without regard to various protected characteristics. The primary target beneficiaries of this fund are domestic and wild animals in Essex County, specifically those in need of safe havens and care. The impact goal is to improve animal welfare within the region by providing essential support to organizations dedicated to this cause. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant amount, the expectation is that the funding will enable recipient organizations to expand or enhance their animal care services, leading to a direct, positive impact on the lives of animals. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly on animal welfare. The grants are intended to directly support the operational and programmatic needs of nonprofits working in this sector. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be qualified 501(c)3 nonprofits serving Essex County, ensuring that the grants are directed to established and legitimate organizations within the designated geographical area. The ECCF's strategic priorities, as indicated by their non-discrimination policy, suggest a broader theory of change that values community well-being through supporting diverse and inclusive organizations. While the specific theory of change for the Animal Welfare Fund is not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that by investing in animal welfare organizations, the foundation aims to foster a more compassionate and supportive community for all its inhabitants, both human and animal. Grants are for up to $5,000, with a general size between $1,000 and $10,000, and will not be awarded for individual use, sectarian or religious purposes, political purposes, debt or deficit reduction, or capital campaigns.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee's rural counties for diverse arts projects that promote community engagement and vitality.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit theater organizations in select Western U.S. states for professional productions that address contemporary social issues and engage diverse audiences.

This program provides financial support to rural nonprofit and governmental organizations in select Southern states for presenting touring artists across various disciplines, including film, performing arts, and visual arts.

CJI’s Leadership Circle is soliciting proposals from grassroots organizations led by formerly incarcerated and directly impacted individuals. The program aims to transform and reimagine the U.S. criminal legal system by building alternative community-based solutions and organizing to prevent the criminalization of marginalized identities and communities. This initiative directly aligns with CJI's mission to support meaningful, transformative, and systemic change within the criminal legal system, empowering future leaders who have often experienced incarceration themselves. The foundation's strategic priority is to support movement-building organizing that creates a new world, a "world they demand NOW." The target beneficiaries are formerly incarcerated individuals and directly impacted people, including primary family members, as well as marginalized groups within their communities (e.g., poor, houseless, young, elders, queer, trans, people with mental illness, people with disabilities). The program's impact goals include ending mass criminalization and incarceration, creating safe and healthy communities that do not rely on arrest and incarceration, and re-establishing rights and access for those formerly incarcerated or newly criminalized. The Leadership Circle's theory of change emphasizes shared authority among donors and community organizers, many of whom have lived experience with incarceration, to drive systemic change. The program prioritizes several key areas. This includes building alternatives to traditional carceral systems, investing in approaches that end mass criminalization, creating policies to reform and dismantle repressive legal systems, and uplifting the leadership and experience of those affected by the criminal legal system. Other focuses include re-establishing rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting transformative and restorative justice, and supporting culturally appropriate healing programs connected to the criminal justice movement. CJI also has specific funding preferences for organizations led by formerly incarcerated individuals, groups operating in difficult political environments, those developing new leaders from marginalized backgrounds, and work addressing discrimination against incarcerated or detained people, particularly in the South, Indian country, and other rural areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the development of community-based interventions, changes in policies and institutions (like parole and probation), and a demonstrable commitment to systems change through organizing. The program seeks to empower new leaders, particularly from marginalized communities, and foster innovative collaborations among diverse organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not provided in the description, the emphasis on "movement-building organizing" and "achieving systems change" suggests that the success will be measured by the demonstrable impact on criminal legal system reform and the empowerment of affected communities. CJI is particularly committed to supporting smaller, emerging organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, indicating a focus on grassroots impact and capacity building.

This grant provides funding to North Dakota organizations for tailored workforce initiatives that address regional employment challenges, including talent attraction, retention, and infrastructure investments.

The Clifton-Fine Community Fund is offering grants to enhance the quality of life for both year-round and seasonal residents within the Clifton-Fine region. This region encompasses the communities of Clifton, Cranberry Lake, Fine, Newton Falls, Oswegatchie, Star Lake, and Wanakena. The fund aims to support initiatives that will have a positive impact on the community, economy, and tourism in these areas. The overall mission is aligned with fostering a vibrant and thriving environment for all residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of the Clifton-Fine region, including both permanent and seasonal inhabitants. The impact goals are broad, focusing on improving the overall quality of life. This can manifest in various ways, from economic development and job creation to cultural enrichment and environmental conservation. The fund is particularly interested in proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to regional challenges and show strong community support. Proposals will be evaluated based on several key priorities and focuses. These include the potential impact on the community, economy, and tourism, the ability to leverage and secure additional funding, and the creativity and innovation of the proposed solutions to regional challenges. Additionally, the organization's capacity to effectively implement and manage the requested funds, along with demonstrated overall community support, are crucial considerations. Grants for operating support are generally not considered, though exceptions may be made for unique events or circumstances. Expected outcomes and measurable results are vital for this grant. Successful projects are anticipated to contribute to a better quality of life for residents, foster economic growth, and boost tourism within the Clifton-Fine region. While specific measurable results will depend on the nature of each project, applicants should clearly articulate how their initiatives will lead to tangible improvements. The available funding for this grant application is up to a total of $6,000, and grant recipients will have up to one year from the date of award to complete their projects. This timeframe allows for the completion of meaningful initiatives that can demonstrate clear progress and impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations of color in New England with annual expenses under $500,000, helping them sustain and expand their cultural programming and community engagement.

The PATH Foundation’s **Better Together Fund** is designed to strengthen community connections by supporting local events that bring people together in celebration, collaboration, and shared purpose. Established in 2021, the fund reflects PATH’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Virginia’s Piedmont region by fostering engagement, well-being, and unity among residents. Through this program, the foundation aims to make small but meaningful investments in events that inspire belonging and reinforce the social fabric of local communities. Eligible nonprofits and organizations operating in **Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties** may apply for grants of up to **$2,500 per event**. Funding can be used to support a wide variety of community-facing gatherings—such as festivals, cultural celebrations, educational activities, and other inclusive events that encourage participation and connection among local residents. The initiative is particularly focused on efforts that celebrate diversity, build relationships, and create shared experiences that strengthen the sense of community. To qualify, events must take place within one year of submission and comply with all applicable health and safety guidelines. Applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, or local government entities. The program’s flexible structure allows for a broad range of creative and community-driven ideas, ensuring that small towns and neighborhoods have the opportunity to host meaningful events that align with PATH’s goal of cultivating healthier, more connected communities. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding operates on a rolling basis, emphasizing timeliness and local relevance. Events supported by the Better Together Fund are intended to be accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to the broader public rather than serving narrow organizational or private interests. The fund’s straightforward application process encourages both established and smaller community groups to apply, removing barriers for those who may not typically pursue grant funding. Through the Better Together Fund, the PATH Foundation continues to champion collaboration and social cohesion as essential pillars of community health. By investing in shared experiences that unite people across backgrounds, the foundation underscores its belief that thriving communities are built not just through infrastructure and services—but through connection, empathy, and collective joy.