Best Arts Access & Participation Grants

The MAC Mini-Grants for Individuals program offers reimbursement grants for professional artists in Mississippi to support their development through training, conferences, and workshops. It also covers promotional materials and art supplies. Priority is given to first-time applicants and those from underserved counties. Grantees must initially cover expenses and will receive reimbursement upon submitting their final reports and documentation.

The Teaching Artist Roster connects professional artists and arts educators with schools and community organizations, fostering the integration of the arts into educational settings. Through mini-grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission, these artists can conduct workshops, presentations, and residencies. The program aims to enhance arts learning opportunities, align with educational standards, and support ongoing arts education, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Mississippi.

The Portland Arts Project Grant Program, administered by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, aims to enhance artistic development and community engagement in Portland, Oregon. This program supports individual artists and organizations with funding ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for projects that foster public participation in the arts. Eligible applicants must reside or operate within Portland city limits. The program prioritizes investment in under-represented communities, ensuring equitable access to the arts.

The Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental bodies in Mahaska County. With an emphasis on arts, education, health, and youth development, the foundation aims to enhance community quality of life through innovative projects. No minimum or maximum grant amounts are specified, encouraging diverse applications. Notably, MCCF does not fund completed projects or ongoing operational support, ensuring that resources are directed toward new initiatives with community impact.

The Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) City Challenge Grant supports local projects to enhance community development in Mahaska County. This grant is available to the ten municipalities within the county and focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and youth development. The MCCF aims to promote collaboration and address community needs, ensuring that funds are allocated to projects that will make a significant impact on residents' lives.

The Madison County Community Foundation (MCCF) Impact Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for residents by supporting nonprofit agencies in programming, capacity building, and capital improvements. Focus areas include arts, culture, health services, education, and community development. With a commitment to responsible stewardship, MCCF seeks to attract charitable gifts and make impactful grants, fostering effective community leadership and collaboration to address local needs.

The Madison County Community Foundation offers Emergency Grants to support nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their missions. These grants are available year-round, with applications submitted via email. Organizations can receive one emergency grant annually, and decisions are made within 14 days. The Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Madison County by providing financial stewardship and community leadership, focusing on various sectors including arts, education, and health.

The Creative Chapters Public Library Program, funded by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports public libraries in hosting artist residencies. These residencies enhance community engagement through artistic disciplines intertwined with educational initiatives. Libraries can employ teaching artists from a designated directory, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility while adhering to safety protocols. This program fosters collaboration between artists and libraries, enriching the cultural landscape and providing diverse artistic experiences to audiences across Kentucky.

Arts Residencies in Schools Grants (ARSG) provide financial support to teaching artists in Montgomery County, MD, enabling them to create curriculum-based art programs in local schools. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000, foster collaboration between artists and educators, enhancing arts education for students from under-resourced communities. This initiative aims to enrich student experiences, promote diverse artistic expressions, and strengthen community ties through interactive art programs during the 2026 school year.

The Steelcase Foundation Grant supports independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Grand Rapids, MI, focusing on enhancing access to quality public education and fostering communities for children and families. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that provide quality learning experiences, engage multiple generations, and promote arts and culture. Grants typically range from $30,000 to $250,000, with an emphasis on projects demonstrating feasibility, community benefit, and alignment with social justice principles.

The Arts Residencies in Schools Grant provides funding to teaching artists in Montgomery County, MD, allowing them to create curriculum-based arts programs that serve students in local schools. This initiative aims to enhance arts education, promote diversity, and foster relationships among artists, teachers, and students. By supporting these residencies, the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County seeks to ensure that under-resourced communities have access to enriching arts experiences throughout the school year.

The Artists & Scholars Project Grant supports individual artists and scholars residing in Montgomery County, MD, for projects in diverse arts and humanities disciplines. Aimed at fostering creativity and enhancing skills, the grant encourages innovative work that reflects the multicultural essence of the community. By promoting strategies for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA), the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County aims to nurture talent and support distinctive artistic endeavors between May 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027.

The Three Lakes Community Foundation, established in 2013, provides Short Form Grants under $1000 to support local innovative projects. These grants aim to enhance community quality of life, support education, arts, and community development, and foster collaboration among local nonprofits. Eligible applicants include local nonprofits, schools, and government entities. The Foundation prioritizes projects that promote community efficiency and distinguish Three Lakes from other areas, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of the community.

The Three Lakes Community Foundation, established in 2013, supports initiatives that enhance community life in Three Lakes. With over $120,000 in grants awarded, the foundation aims to foster partnerships among local nonprofits and enhance services in education, health, and the arts. They invite grant requests from organized groups, ensuring a focus on projects that benefit the public and uphold community values. The foundation prioritizes innovative ideas that differentiate Three Lakes from other communities.

The Arts Access Assistance program, run by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for innovative arts programming aimed at underserved communities. This initiative fosters creativity and well-being by utilizing arts-based strategies that evolve with each grant cycle. The program seeks to enhance cultural engagement, promote lifelong learning, and increase participation in the arts across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Make/Shift Pitch Haus Competition, hosted by CultureSource, aims to celebrate Michigan's vibrant creative community by awarding four grants of $25,000 each. This initiative supports artists, makers, and cultural entrepreneurs who contribute to the state's identity and economic growth. Participants will utilize a versatile shipping container for various artistic activations, fostering collaboration and innovation. By investing in creative talents, Pitch Haus not only enhances cultural expression but also aids in talent retention and community development across Michigan.

The Creative Space Assistance Program, overseen by the City of Austin's Cultural Arts Division, supports creative commercial spaces facing displacement or high lease costs. With a minimum operating budget of $60,000, eligible applicants include live music venues, performance theaters, and art galleries. Funds can be utilized for rent payments, insurance, and space improvements. This initiative seeks to enhance Austin's cultural identity while promoting economic growth and a vibrant creative community.

The Senator Montigny's Children's Fund aims to empower underserved youth in Greater New Bedford by providing grants between $15,000 and $50,000 for nonprofit organizations focused on youth literacy, arts, culture, and recreational opportunities. This initiative, supported by the Southcoast Community Foundation, prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $2 million, ensuring impactful contributions to the community's cultural and educational landscape.

The Community Impact Annual Grant, provided by The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community welfare in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. This grant focuses on initiatives in arts, economic development, child and family services, health, and professional growth. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits that serve the community's needs without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes collaborative and impactful projects that align with its strategic vision.

The Butler Family Foundation Community Grant provides two-year funding to 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota focused on arts, environment, and human services. Grants support general operations or specific projects, with minimum awards of $30,000 for operating costs and $20,000 for program support. Priority is given to organizations serving urban areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis, promoting community arts, environmental stewardship, and essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly youth and families.

The Crabill Family Foundation, established in 2018 by Angela and Scott Crabill, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Springfield, Ohio, through grant funding. Prioritizing tax-exempt organizations, the foundation supports initiatives in healthcare, education, housing, and the arts. While they primarily select projects through family recommendations, unsolicited proposals are also considered. The foundation does not fund individual scholarships, sponsorships, emergency relief, or political activities, ensuring alignment with their values.

The ASCA - America 250 program supports Alaska-based non-profit organizations in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Grants of $50,000 or more are available for community projects that involve artists and cultural bearers. Eligible activities include creating art, educational programming, and events that reflect on Alaska's unique history and contributions. This initiative fosters arts education, strengthens creative industries, and promotes the importance of compensating artists fairly for their work.

Promega Corporate Giving is dedicated to advancing science and improving life globally. With over 45 years of experience, Promega supports initiatives in science, education, and creativity, focusing on innovative solutions and community wellness. They fund organizations in the U.S. and Canada that prioritize experimental initiatives while steering clear of political, religious, and fraternal causes. Their commitment lies in fostering long-term contributions from scientists to meet future global needs.

The Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) program, under the Greater New Orleans Foundation, empowers community members to drive change through collaborative grantmaking. This six-month initiative connects emerging leaders with local nonprofits, fostering skills in grant review and decision-making. With a focus on Arts & Culture, Health, and Human Rights & Justice, EPNO supports organizations that uplift underrepresented communities while promoting civic engagement and philanthropy in the Greater New Orleans region.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) offers Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to support high-quality arts projects that enrich the cultural landscape of The Bronx. Open to individual artists and nonprofit organizations, these grants foster cultural equity and community connection. Applications are encouraged from diverse artists, including those historically excluded. Since 1982, BCA has been dedicated to nurturing artists and building strong cultural ties within the borough.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) provides Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to enhance cultural life by funding community-based arts projects across various disciplines. Since 1982, these grants have supported individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit organizations, promoting cultural equity and nurturing diverse artistic expressions. Applicants from historically excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply, fostering a rich cultural ecosystem in The Bronx while recognizing outstanding local talent.

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) offers Community Engagement Grants (CEG) to support innovative community-centered arts projects. Since 1982, these grants have empowered individual artists, collectives, and nonprofit organizations in The Bronx to enhance cultural connections. The program encourages applications from diverse artists, including those historically excluded, fostering a rich cultural ecosystem. Applicants can apply for three funds simultaneously, promoting a variety of artistic disciplines and community engagement.