Best Arts Access & Participation Grants

Support for arts organizations and local governments to strengthen operations and expand community engagement in the arts.

Non-matching Special Opportunities: Arts Forward grants (up to $5,000) are available to Tennessee arts organizations and local governments. Designed for flexibility, this program supports a wide range of activities—including technical assistance, small equipment or supply purchases, and arts events in Tennessee communities.

Applicants are asked to identify appropriate, realistic strategies for strengthening their organizations or addressing challenges and opportunities, and to demonstrate readiness to carry out the proposed activity. Proposed projects should enhance the overall artistic, educational, and/or cultural value of the organization to its community and help maintain a strong infrastructure for the arts statewide.

CFEM Margaret Dulaney Arts Grant

Margaret Dulaney was a leader in the Meridian arts community who understood the value of the arts and worked tirelessly to share that passion with others.

Through the Margaret Dulaney Art Endowment, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi honors and celebrates the long-standing contributions Mrs. Dulaney made to our community through the arts.

Proposals will be accepted from nonprofit organizations and schools. Projects awarded are focused on enhancing new or existing art programs and activities in East Mississippi.

BCF Community Event Sponsorships

Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) proudly sponsors community events that strengthen and celebrate the Brookline community. Through this program, BCF provides financial support to initiatives that bring residents together, promote civic engagement, and enhance community well-being.

Requests typically range from $50 to $1,500.

William D. and H. Marie Betrus Smith Scholarship for Theatrical Arts

The purpose of the scholarship is to enhance the performance quality and technical aspects of theater arts for Monroe County residents. Many actors train at length in special programs, conservatories, universities, or colleges to develop their skills. To promote the highest level of accomplishment, the scholarship will fund the mastery of textual interpretation, voice, and movement. Technical awards are considered when portfolios are submitted with applications.

All ages should consider applying, from 7 to 70. If you have been in a show this season, your audition may be waived. Technical awards are considered, so if you have been active backstage, consider applying as well. Note your production role and the approximate number of hours worked to be considered for an audition waiver as well.

Community Foundation of Monroe County

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Greater Milan Area Community Foundation

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation (GMACF) was born in 2005 from a powerful vision shared by three dedicated residents – Isabelle Schultz, Donald Harkness, and Millard Phillips. Their mission: To improve the cultural, economic, educational and environmental quality of life in the Milan, Michigan area. 

As a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation of Monroe County, GMACF combines local leadership with proven charitable infrastructure, ensuring Milan-area residents have direct access to grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities focused exclusively on this community’s unique needs and aspirations.

Greater Milan Area Community Foundation Grants

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation supports projects that strengthen the cultural, economic, educational, and environmental quality of life in the Milan area. Grants are available for initiatives that respond to local needs, build community connections, and benefit residents of the Greater Milan Area.

The Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

The CFGV Creative Community Fund, established in honor of former Director Maryo Gard Ewell, supports innovative projects that enhance the Gunnison Valley community. Through engaged philanthropy and strategic grantmaking, the fund aims to empower artistic initiatives that foster creativity and collaboration. By inviting proposals that think outside the box, the fund continues its mission of strengthening community ties and enriching local culture.

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County offers Community Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. This program supports initiatives in arts, culture, education, and community betterment, encouraging nonprofits to provide compelling cases for funding. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis to 501(c)(3) organizations and other public charities, focusing on projects that yield substantial benefits and foster long-term change for the community.

The Southwest Gate Portal Artworks Grant invites artists to design and install significant artworks for the Houston Airports West Concourse Expansion at William P. Hobby Airport. This project aims to create six unique pieces that reflect Houston's diverse culture and vibrant spirit, enhancing the experience of millions of travelers. Commissioned by Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines, these artworks will form a vital part of the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection, celebrating local creativity and identity.

The Bews Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in Idaho's Treasure Valley, focusing on various sectors including education, health, community enhancement, and the arts. Grants up to $10,000 require a simple letter, while larger requests must follow a formal application process. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives and will not accept applications for services outside the Treasure Valley, ensuring that funds directly benefit the community.

The Museum on Main Street Grant, funded by Florida Humanities, offers up to $10,000 to support public humanities programming and local exhibitions that explore Native American culture. Selected communities will host the traveling exhibition "Americans" from August 2026 to June 2027, promoting discussions on the representation of American Indians in broader culture. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of shared history, especially as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. approaches.

The North Carolina Arts Council (NCAC) Grassroots Grants aim to enhance access to quality arts experiences across the state. Administered by the Arts Council of Moore County, these grants support local organizations in Moore County to conduct diverse arts programs, including performances, festivals, and educational initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to strengthen community engagement through the arts, fostering creativity and cultural enrichment while prioritizing support for qualified organizations and artists.

The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on music, arts, education, and environmental action. Established in 1996, the foundation prioritizes programs that enhance participation in acoustic guitar music, community activities in the Nazareth, PA region, and the preservation of America's guitar heritage. Grants are aimed at effective 501(c)(3) organizations, while political or religious activities are excluded from funding.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

The Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color, supported by the Altman Foundation, offers a transformative leadership training program for 16-18 BIPOC arts administrators from April to September 2024. This initiative emphasizes professional development, inclusivity, and racial equity, aiming to enhance the sustainability and success of their organizations. Participants will engage in discussions, explore innovative models in arts administration, and build a supportive community, ensuring their voices influence the broader arts landscape in New York City.

The Community Funds Grant by the Marshall County Community Foundation supports local organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on charitable initiatives. Grants typically range from $5,000 and are awarded biannually. Eligible projects include start-up costs for new programs, one-time needs, and other specific requests identified by the foundation. However, individuals and projects for sectarian purposes or long-term funding are not eligible. This grant aims to foster philanthropy and enhance community impact.

The NYSCA - A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund, administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts, offers crucial operating support grants of $2,000-$5,000 to small professional theatres in New York State. Aimed at enhancing cultural equity, this program targets theatres with budgets under $500,000, enabling them to overcome barriers to funding. By prioritizing organizations that have historically faced challenges, the fund promotes diversity and strengthens the artistic community across the state.

The Arc Artist Fellowship provides $12,000 in unrestricted funding to support artists in King County, Washington, allowing them to address crucial expenses and develop their creative practices. This fellowship particularly focuses on Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Native artists of diverse international ancestral lands. Recipients will also engage in community presentations and planning for future funding cycles, ensuring that the fellowship evolves alongside the artists it supports.

The Operating Support: Launch Grant for Emerging Organizations by 4Culture provides essential funding for new cultural and science organizations in King County. Selected organizations will receive three years of general operating support, allowing them to cover various expenses including start-up costs and staff salaries. The program aims to empower emerging entities to build capacity and enhance community engagement through arts and culture.

The 'Moving Stories' project invites six artists to create short-form graphic novels that illustrate narratives from communities along King County Metro's RapidRide lines. Each artist will receive $54,000 to develop two graphic novels, focusing on community engagement, storytelling, and visual narrative creation. This initiative supports the expansion of public transit by showcasing diverse local stories, encouraging artists with ties to the area to apply, regardless of prior public art experience.

The Local Share Account (LSA) program in Fayette County, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance community and economic well-being. Funded by local share assessments from licensed gaming facilities, LSA supports various projects focused on economic development and public interest. This initiative ensures that resources are allocated effectively to foster a resilient and thriving community, benefiting residents and local businesses alike.

The Access for All Abilities Mini Grants program, funded by the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, supports local businesses and organizations in Rhode Island that enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Grants are available for projects that promote social, recreational, and cultural engagement, such as installing accessible facilities or providing adaptive materials. Since 2009, over $180,000 has been awarded, fostering inclusive community participation and empowering diverse abilities.

The Japanese American Community Foundation Grants support programs for the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 for projects focusing on senior health, history, arts, culture, and youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 public benefit nonprofit organizations. Note that organizations with open grants cannot apply until their current grant is closed. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before the full proposal.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Since 1987, we have strengthened communities through philanthropy and leadership. We channel generosity where it is needed, bringing together resources and passion to tackle our region’s most pressing issues and create lasting change.

The Region We Serve

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation serves Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwest Litchfield counties. This unique area where New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts meet contains 2,200 square miles of natural beauty and small-town charm that is home to nearly 230,000 people.

Fund for Columbia County: General Operating Support Grants

Introduction

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for Columbia County (FCC) in 1998 to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in Columbia County. The fund serves as a resource for organizations that make life safer, healthier, and more equitable for all residents of the county.

Grants for General Operating Support

Through its General Operating Support Grants, FCC supports organizations that have a deep, lasting, and positive impact on the residents of Columbia County, with particular emphasis on low-income and underserved adults and children.

FCC’s primary focus areas include:

• Youth development
• Education
• Services for the elderly
• Health and social services
• Civic and community engagement through arts, culture, and education

These Grants provide flexible general operating support, which may include:

• Personnel and overhead costs
• Planning and implementation of programs
• Technology, equipment, or material costs
• Strategic planning, staff/board development, and/or succession planning
• Investments to increase organizational capacity
• Other annual operating expenses

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. With over $510 million in assets across 1,000+ funds, we've granted more than $370 million to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout our region.

We connect donors with causes they care about while bringing together leaders, organizations, and resources to tackle our community's biggest challenges. What began with Walter E. Terhune's vision in the 1920s continues today as we help individuals, families, and businesses create positive change that will benefit our region for generations.

Ottawa County Community Foundation Grants

The Ottawa County Community Foundation, Inc. (OCCF) is a public charitable organization created by the citizens of Ottawa County to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in Ottawa County. Grants from unrestricted funds support a variety of programs in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts.

About HAA

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture non-profit agency whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. HAA’s work is conducted through contracts with the City of Houston, overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. HAA also executes privately funded programs and projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation and research on the state of the arts in Houston.

In short, HAA helps artists and nonprofits be bold, productive, and strong.

Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI)

The Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI) grant provides funds of up to $15,000 for specific projects that create and present new works of art or complete work already in progress throughout Houston. 

Applications are accepted from all artistic disciplines and creative practitioners, including but not limited to musicians, visual artists, performing artists, textile artists, digital artists, conservation artists, and creative entrepreneurs such as hairstylists, make-up artists, nail techs, gallerists, writers, photographers, and arts administrators. Creatives are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity in whatever form it takes.

Based on community input requesting greater stability, the SACI grant program is awarded based on cash in hand and not from projected income. This practice helps guarantee grant amounts with greater certainty.

SACI grants are funded by City of Houston via the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), funded by cash-in-hand and available in one annual cycle.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Community Grants (restricted)

TCFHR manages a number of funds that make grants ONLY to organizations working primarily in specific fields.

Mary Spitzer Etter Endowed Fund

This permanent fund helps finance projects that benefit the arts in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.