Best Grants for Visual Artists in Pennsylvania

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding for creative, cultural programming through the J R Simplot Company Foundation. Focused on arts, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture, the foundation invites U.S. nonprofits to apply for support, with requests reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Nonprofit organizations running established visual arts, wellness, or middle-school education programs in Pennsylvania and select nearby states can apply for the Corinne R & Henry Bower Memorial’s invitation-only grants, typically around Approximately US $8,300, to support year-round, direct-service programming. Visual arts organizations with measurable outcomes and at least three years of operations may be eligible.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits and visual artists can seek funding for visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental projects, with awards up to US $10,000. Focused on smaller organizations, the Joseph Robert Foundation supports innovative visual art programming, community-based environmental work, and animal welfare initiatives, offering both project and general operating support where eligible.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on literacy, children, the arts, social justice, or the environment can seek program or project support, including visual arts initiatives. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help eligible organizations, with awards up to US $5,000 and a preference for groups in select Pennsylvania counties such as Franklin and Fulton.

Pennsylvania college and graduate students in visual arts or music programs can receive scholarship support for degrees such as BFA, BA in Studio Art, MFA, or music degrees. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Cynthia and Alan Baran Fund backs majors in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and music, including acoustic mandolin or guitar.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, university departments, and individual visual artists with projects tied to the Thoma collection areas can seek support for exhibitions, convenings, and scholarly work, including in Pennsylvania. Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation particularly welcomes innovative visual arts and art history projects, with a focus on significant exhibitions and programs supporting artists.

Women-identifying visual and fine artists in Pennsylvania creating environmental art projects can apply for up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress work with public engagement. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support U.S.-based projects led by individual artists that address ecological and social ethics through themes like regeneration, climate change, or systems restoration.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in fine and visual arts can receive need-based scholarship support for full-time study at accredited institutions, including those from Pennsylvania. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help cover educational costs for disciplines such as crafts, performing arts, music, literary arts, creative writing, and poetry across the U.S.

American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students in fine or visual arts fields can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship; awards range from $100 to $30,000 per year. Eligible students in Pennsylvania attending accredited U.S. institutions full-time and meeting Tribal and GPA requirements may benefit.

U.S. college and university students in fine, visual, performing, or technical arts can receive support for their degree studies through scholarships from UNICO Foundation; awards are US $2,500. This national program requires full-time, campus-based enrollment, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and residence in a state with an active UNICO chapter, including Pennsylvania.

Visual artists and arts nonprofits in Pennsylvania can apply for VIA Art Fund’s Artistic Production Grant Program; awards US $25,000 - US $100,000 for new public or nontraditional visual art commissions. Eligible projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue or presenting partner and emphasize artistic excellence, thought leadership, and strong public engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in rural communities under 20,000 people can seek up to US $12,000 to develop, implement, or sustain visual, literary, music, and performing arts programs. Grants from the Laura Jane Musser Fund help eligible groups in select rural counties, including Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, expand community access to the arts.

Graduating high school seniors in Shawnee, Oklahoma planning to major in music, visual arts, dance, or drama can receive scholarship support for higher education. Focused on arts-focused college study, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma invites eligible students to apply; visual arts students, including aspiring fine artists, may particularly benefit from this opportunity.

Ann and Anthony La Pietra Scholarship

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts and achievements in an area that reflects the lifelong pursuits of Ann and Anthony La Pietra, longtime Marshall residents. These areas include the fine arts, community service and advocacy to support people in need, prevent discrimination, protect the environment and work toward peace and understanding. Applicants should be pursuing studies/majors related to one or more of these areas. Academic success and financial need may be considered but are not necessarily determining factors. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program focuses on supporting artists and organizations that are often marginalized. In even years, proposals are accepted in fine arts, music, and photography. With a maximum grant size of $3,500, it aims to empower individuals and groups with limited resources to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring diverse artistic expressions thrive in society. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one proposal is permitted per year.

The MFA Fellowship, funded by the Dedalus Foundation, provides a $15,000 stipend to final-year students graduating from MFA programs in Painting and Sculpture in the U.S. Annually, four fellowships are awarded based on nominations from department chairpersons, allowing institutions to nominate two candidates each. Nominees must graduate in the following spring semester and submit application materials including work samples and a biographical statement. This initiative supports emerging artists in their professional development.

Visual artists and art organizations creating environmentally focused, solution-oriented projects in any medium can apply for Puffin Foundation support, with projects prioritized in the U.S., including Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants include individual artists, organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects led by citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients using art to address climate and other pressing social issues.

The AFNGA AusArt Scholarship, offered by the American Australian Association, supports Australian graduate students in fine arts or related fields for one year of artistic development in the US. With funding of US $30,000, recipients can cover travel, living, and tuition costs. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, emerging artists, and have a formal offer from an accredited US institution. This scholarship fosters cultural exchange and artistic growth between Australia and the US.

Pennsylvania visual arts students may be eligible if they are residents of Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire Counties in Massachusetts pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their freshman year. These one-year scholarships from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provide up to US $3,000 toward college costs, with reapplication allowed each year.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing instrumental music or art degrees can receive scholarship support for higher education from the Greater Salina Community Foundation. With a mission to enhance quality of life, the foundation assists Solomon Valley area students, including those in Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, who are preparing for future careers in the fine and visual arts.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant annually to support sculptors and writers on sculpture, promoting creativity and artistic development. This grant is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as O-1 Visa holders, who demonstrate a strong commitment to sculpture. Eligible expenses include materials, research, and living costs. The foundation values diversity and does not discriminate based on background, ensuring a wide range of applicants can apply.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant for writers focusing on sculpture, encouraging diverse voices in this field. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or hold an O-1 visa, and have published work within the last five years. The grant aims to support fresh perspectives on the history and aesthetics of sculpture, promoting artistic growth and innovation. Applications are limited to one submission per individual, ensuring a fair opportunity for all.

The Walter Blackburn Scholarship, established by Alpha Blackburn in memory of her husband, supports Marion County residents pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine arts, performing arts, or construction management. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to public school and minority students. Awards cover educational expenses at accredited institutions, including tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board, fostering educational opportunities in Central Indiana.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Mathilda & Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 5+ years, studying fine arts and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The Anne Gilbert Visual Arts Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support undergraduate college sophomores pursuing studies in fine arts, graphic design, art and design, or fashion design. Applicants must be residents of Muskingum County, have completed their freshman year, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship encourages artistic development and community engagement, allowing students to further their education and creative pursuits.

The Bethel Park Community Foundation (BPCF) offers small grants up to $500 for community-benefiting initiatives. Applications must be submitted by the 2nd Thursday of the month for review. The foundation prioritizes projects in areas such as community facilities, education, recreational activities, arts exposure, and health and safety. Note that requests from the Bethel Park School District and Municipality, as well as those serving only one individual, are ineligible for funding.