State Arts Grants

The Farm Transition Grant (FTG) is a competitive matching grant program designed to support Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives in advancing their operations. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the program funds projects aimed at diversification, transitioning to value-added production, and market development for locally grown products. The grant requires measurable outcomes that demonstrate significant progress beyond the applicant’s current status. For the 2025 grant cycle, applications are open from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with awards announced by February 21, 2025. Projects are expected to begin in March or April 2025, depending on the size of the award. The FTG offers four funding categories tailored to meet different agricultural needs. The New Farmer Micro Grant provides up to $5,000 for individuals with 1–3 years of production history, requiring a 25% cash match. The Infrastructure Investment Grant allocates up to $25,000 for farmers with at least three years of production history to expand or diversify operations, with a 50% match required. The Research and Development Grant funds up to $25,000 for exploring new products, services, or markets, requiring a 40% match. Finally, the Innovation and Diversification Grant offers up to $49,999 for implementing new products or services that expand business operations, with a 25% match requirement. Each applicant may submit only one project per grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be for-profit farm businesses in Connecticut. Nonprofit organizations are excluded but may apply to other programs offered by the Department of Agriculture. Applications must include a comprehensive description of the project, demonstrate alignment with grant goals, and comply with the specified match requirements. Certain costs, such as land acquisition, routine business expenses, and previously incurred expenses, are ineligible for funding or as matches. To assist applicants, the Department of Agriculture will host a Farm Transition Grant Overview Webinar and virtual office hours on December 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, providing opportunities for applicants to ask questions and refine their submissions. Completed applications must be submitted electronically through the grant’s online platform, accompanied by required documentation, such as budget details, quotes, and landlord consent forms if the project is on leased land. The Farm Transition Grant prioritizes projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and market expansion, with a special focus on supporting historically underserved farmers and veterans. For additional information, applicants can contact Alison Grabarz at Alison.Grabarz@ct.gov or visit the program’s website. This grant provides a valuable opportunity for Connecticut farmers to advance their operations and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities in Minnesota for projects aimed at controlling and eradicating harmful noxious weeds.

The 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services offers $100,000 to $500,000 to California state agencies for projects aimed at improving cybersecurity governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development over a 3-year period.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is offering up to $10.3 million through the Grid Enhancement Grant program, leveraging federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This initiative aims to enhance and modernize America's power grid, particularly in Arkansas, by strengthening its resilience against natural disasters and reducing the impact of electric outages. The program is aligned with a broader mission to improve the reliability of the electric grid, protect against outages, and support economic development through grid infrastructure improvements. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Arkansas, especially those in communities more susceptible or vulnerable to electric power outages. The impact goals are to increase grid resilience, reduce the frequency and duration of sustained interruptions, and decrease the number of customers affected by all-hazard events. The program also seeks to encourage investments into the state’s grid workforce, thereby supporting the development of a skilled workforce responsible for these enhancement projects. The DFA's priorities and focuses for this grant are clearly outlined through three main objectives: increasing the reliability of the Arkansas electric grid, achieving whole community impact, and supporting the development of the state’s grid workforce. These objectives aim to reduce outages, ensure benefits reach vulnerable communities, and foster professional and workforce development opportunities for grid enhancement. Expected outcomes include a more resilient electric grid, fewer and less impactful electric outages, and a stronger, more skilled workforce to manage and maintain grid infrastructure. Measurable results would involve a reduction in outage frequency and duration, particularly for high-impact customers, and an increase in the number of trained and retained individuals in the state's grid workforce. The program's strategic priorities are to deliver direct benefits to Arkansans, increase grid resilience, protect against outages during natural disasters, and encourage investments into the state’s grid workforce. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in adaptive protection, advanced modeling, hardening infrastructure, and workforce development, Arkansas can create a more robust and reliable electric grid that better serves its communities and fosters economic stability.

This grant provides funding to California-based nonprofit organizations and public agencies for community-driven humanities projects that engage underserved audiences and foster public dialogue and understanding.

INTENT: To activate vacant and underused spaces through the arts to help bring together community members around the art, history, and culture of the community. DESCRIPTION This program provides funding for communities with populations of 15,000 or less to reinvigorate spaces by creating new murals or public art that incorporate the community’s history, culture, heritage, tourism, or other community led art piece. This mural and public art grant program is intended to support projects in rural communities that are immediately ready to begin work on their mural, with community engagement, location selection, site approvals, and muralist selection being completed by May 10, 2024. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS Communities with a population of 15,000 or less, located in a county of 50,000 or less. Units of local government Economic/Community Development and Tourism non-profits (501c3 or 501c6) Federally recognized tribes Non-profit organizations (501c3) MAXIMUM REQUEST: $7,500 MATCH REQUIREMENT: • Dollar for dollar (1:1) • The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request. • The match requirement must consist of at least 25% cash expenses provided by the applicant • In-kind non-monetary donations and volunteer hours may be counted, up to 75% of the required match MATCH EXCEPTION Organizations or projects in communities with populations of 1000 or fewer: • In-kind non-monetary donations may be counted as 100% of the required match PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE • May 2024 – December 31, 2024 • Murals painted on exterior walls using paint or an adhesive material need to be completed by mid-October 2024 to ensure weather does not inhibit the curing process. • If more time is needed to complete your project, KCAIC has an additional program that could be a better fit. ELIGIBLE COSTS/EXPENSES • Artist and consultant fees including travel expenses and accommodation expenses • Applicable project materials and supplies • Additional administrative costs (beyond annually budgeted general operating costs) related to the approved project • Allowable marketing expenses directly related to the approved project (This does not include campaigns or materials used solely to raise awareness of the organization.) • Equipment purchases needed to complete art or mural project under $5,000 • Wall or surface repair – limited to 15% of total project cost (tuckpointing, mortar repair) • Surface preparation (smoothing, resurfacing, cleaning, etc.) • Lighting or display materials to highlight the art piece • Landscaping or clean-up of the space that could affect the visibility of the mural INELIGIBLE COSTS/EXPENSES INCLUDE: • General operating costs of an organization not directly related to the approved project (Applicable general operating costs directly related to the approved project may account for no more than 50% of an applicant’s cash match) • Fundraising campaigns or related expenses, scholarships • Construction, purchase, or renovation of facilities • Financing of political activities, lobbying, or murals that are directly tied to a political party affiliation • Honorariums (artists and contractors must be paid as fees for services rendered) FUNDING PRIORITIES • Communities or Counties that have not previously received funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce for murals or public art • Projects that can show that they are ready to begin. This means that the community engagement phase is complete, muralist has been identified and they are available, and that the location of the mural has been identified and approvals given to put the mural on the wall. • Projects that can be completed by December 31, 2024, or if they will be painted on an exterior wall, that this will be completed before mid-October. • Murals or public art that is done collaboratively across the county or as a region to celebrate their history or culture as a Kansas community See KCAIC Mural Making Guidebook further information. Please contact the Office of Rural Prosperity at RuralKanProsper@ks.gov or 785.289.3763 with any questions. Grant Timeline: February 23, 2024 Spring 2024 ORP Rural Mural Grant Opens May 10, 2024 Spring 2024 ORP Rural Mural Grant Closes (11 weeks) By June 15, 2024 Awards Announced – Projects can begin upon award notification Mid July Grant Award Payments issued

This grant provides flexible funding to small arts and cultural organizations in California to help sustain their core operations and programming, particularly those that serve diverse communities.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking proposals for its 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. This grant program is habitat-focused, aiming to enhance, restore, or protect various natural environments across Minnesota. Eligible activities include work on forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitats vital for fish, game, and wildlife. All applications must clearly identify the direct habitat benefits, specifying species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features that will be positively impacted. This program aligns with a mission to conserve and manage Minnesota's natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations, focusing on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse ecosystems and wildlife within Minnesota, as well as the communities and organizations dedicated to their preservation. The impact goals are centered on measurable improvements in habitat quality and quantity. Restoration and enhancement projects are specifically funded on lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, and special district entities), or within public waters as defined by MN Statutes. The program prioritizes projects that contribute directly to the health and sustainability of Minnesota's natural heritage, supporting a strategic approach to environmental stewardship. The funding information for the Traditional (Statewide) cycle totals $4,400,000, with up to two funding cycles available. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a total project cost not exceeding $1,000,000. The grant period typically lasts 3 to 3.5 years, commencing upon the full execution of the grant contract. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the described project activities, encompassing contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This financial framework ensures that resources are directed towards impactful projects, with a clear understanding of funding limits and duration. Eligibility for the CPL funding is restricted to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, though partnerships are highly encouraged. Examples of eligible non-profit applicants include land trusts, lakes associations, charitable organizations, private colleges and universities, fishing and hunting organizations, and "Friends of" groups. Government entities such as cities, counties, tribal governments, federal agencies, conservation districts, public universities, and school districts are also eligible. This targeted eligibility ensures that the grants support organizations with a proven commitment to public and environmental benefit, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports arts projects that promote healing and self-expression for North Carolina's military service members, veterans, and their families, fostering community connections through various artistic initiatives.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering 2025 Source Water Protection Grants to fund projects aimed at safeguarding public drinking water sources. These grants are designed to support activities that reduce the risk of contamination to drinking water, ensuring the long-term quality and safety of Idaho's water supply. The program aligns with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically Section 1452, which provides funding for source water assessment and protection efforts. By focusing on preventative measures and community-wide protection, the DEQ seeks to uphold its mission of protecting human health and the quality of the environment. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are public water systems, local government units, special districts, associations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribes within Idaho. The impact goal is to improve the protection of one or more public water supply sources by reducing the threat of contaminants. Projects are expected to provide long-term benefits to source water quality, ultimately ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the state. The program prioritizes efforts that go beyond normal operational standards and existing infrastructure deficiencies, focusing on proactive and sustainable solutions. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing various strategies to protect source water. These include contaminant source identification through research, contaminant pathway removal such as the closure of abandoned wells, contaminant removal through hazardous waste collection and pollution prevention, and contaminant management via the implementation of best management practices and structures to divert contaminated runoff. Additionally, the grants support the restoration and conservation of ecological functions within source water protection areas, as well as education and information sharing campaigns to raise awareness. Security measures to protect physical extraction structures like wells, springs, and intake structures are also eligible, including fencing, gates, alarms, signs, cameras, locks, and lights directly related to source water area protection. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the risk of drinking water contamination, improved source water quality, and enhanced long-term protection for public water supplies. The grants anticipate fostering a proactive approach to water resource management, leading to more resilient and secure drinking water systems. With up to $750,000 available for project funding in SFY2025, and a maximum request of $24,000 per project proposal, the program aims to support numerous initiatives that collectively contribute to a safer and more sustainable water future for Idaho. The emphasis on community public water supply systems and aquifer/watershed-wide protection efforts reflects a comprehensive strategic approach to water resource stewardship.

Alabama Arts Project Grants support a wide range of arts activities and events, aiming to deliver positive arts experiences to the public. These include festivals, performances, exhibitions, and workshops among others, with the goal of fostering community engagement and appreciation for the arts. Applications are accepted from April 1 through June 4, 2024, for activities between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, and from July 1 through September 3, 2024, for activities between January 1 and September 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

This program provides financial support and resources to local arts agencies in California, helping them promote artistic access, equity, and cultural preservation within their communities.

This program invites nominations to honor individuals, organizations, and communities in Kansas for their outstanding contributions to the arts, celebrating creativity and cultural enrichment in the state.

This grant supports the well-being of California’s cultural vitality by helping sustain a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. Funds may be used to support any eligible expenses associated with the general operations of an arts or cultural organization, including but not limited to rent, utilities, and staff salaries. Applying for this grant does not restrict an organization from applying for other CAC project-based grants. General Operating grants areintended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission. Funding is not intended to support a specific project.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts districts, and individual professionals in Pennsylvania to help them recover and stabilize after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Delaware to help cover their annual operating expenses and ensure ongoing access to the arts for the community.