Search Through Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin in the U.S.

Background

EIn 1955, Ted re-established what was then known as the Glenellen Foundation, renaming it the A. O. Smith Foundation. The Foundation's mission was to support qualifying charitable, educational, human services, scientific, literary, cultural, arts, and civic organizations located primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation has facilities.

Throughout his life, Ted engaged in numerous civic and community activities in Milwaukee. He and his wife Lucy established a convalescent home for children suffering from tuberculosis. Ted also gave a lot of his time to the Medical College of Wisconsin, heading “Project Merit” to raise $17 million to construct a medical education and research complex.

Our Mission

The A. O. Smith Foundation is committed to making our communities a better place to live and work. We achieve this by partnering with and supporting education, arts and culture, health, and human services in the communities in which we operate. At the same time, the Foundation encourages A. O. Smith employees around the world to live the Company’s values through volunteerism and community involvement.

La Crosse Community Foundation

Mission

Connecting people, passion, and giving in the La Crosse area forever.

Vision

The catalyst for a vibrant, generous, and inclusive community.

Funding

La Crosse Area Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations with missions aimed at enhancing the quality of life in La Crosse County Wisconsin. In 2024, we awarded $1,052,149 in competitive grants across our eight impact areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement, Culture & Diversity, Education, Environment, Faith, Health & Human Services, and Recreation & Wellness.

Micro Grants

Micro grants are designed to be responsive to the needs of nonprofit organizations serving La Crosse County who may otherwise have limited access to resources. La Crosse Community Foundation has allocated $70,000 this calendar year specifically for nonprofits seeking awards of $250 - $3,000 for projects offering a new strategy, improved strategy, or to support growth in order to meet community needs/demand.

Best Life Community Awards

Nominate a nonprofit that you support with your time, talents, or money to receive a grant.

Funding

The winner will be awarded $10,000!

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is the philanthropic entity for WPS and other subsidiaries of our holding company, WEC Energy Group. In other words, the foundation and the utility are two different organizations, with two very different purposes. The foundation provides for charitable contributions to our local communities, while WPS and our other utilities are focused on providing safe, reliable electricity and natural gas to customers. The foundation is funded by our shareholders, not by our utility customers.

Through direct grants, scholarships and the employee Matching Gifts program, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation actively supports the quality of life in the communities we serve. The foundation provides nearly $1.4 million annually in contributions to programs in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture: Arts and culture add to the richness of life in our communities. We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people, including theater, dance, music, drama and museums.
• Community & Neighborhood Development: Communities become stronger when neighbors work together. We support nonprofit organizations dedicated to community improvement.
• Education: Life-long learning helps ensure a strong future for our communities and their economies. We support programs that complement our company's educational programs and philosophies, including opportunities for minorities and women. We support programs where businesses and educational institutions partner, provide career planning and mentor youth.
• Environment: As a company, we protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We also support others' efforts for the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.
• Human Services & Health: The physical and emotional well-being of everyone in our communities is a measure of the health of the communities. We support programs that serve limited-income, senior and handicapped individuals. And we support programs emphasizing wellness.

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) supports initiatives for community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education and environment. The company matches its employees’ charitable giving to those initiatives and also conducts an annual workplace giving campaign for the United Way. Financial support is provided to the activities of nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in communities served by WPS. Most of the charitable support is through the WPS Foundation, funded by stockholders of WEC Energy Group.

Contributions are made in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture: Arts and culture add to the richness of life in our communities. We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people. This includes theater, dance, music and museums.
• Community & Neighborhood Development: Communities become stronger when neighbors work together. We support nonprofit organizations dedicated to community improvement.
• Education: Lifelong learning helps ensure a strong future for our communities and their economies. We contribute to programs that complement our company's educational programs and philosophies, including opportunities for minorities and women. We support partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, career planning and youth mentorship.
• Environment: As a company, we protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We also support others' efforts for the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.
• Human Services & Health: The physical and emotional well-being of everyone in our communities is a measure of the health of the communities. We support programs that serve limited-income, senior and handicapped individuals, and those emphasizing wellness.

History

WPS Foundation was incorporated in 1964, funded with paper company stocks and bonds repurchased by WPS in the late 1920s. The transfer of the certificates, accomplished over a four-year period, gave the foundation a financial base of $2 million. The resulting tax credits increased the value of WPS stock by $.20 per share, and gave the company a consistent means of contributing to charitable, educational and scientific organizations. Over the past 30 years, the foundation's stocks and bonds were redeemed, and the money has been used to buy mutual funds.

The foundation is a strong supporter of capital projects, the United Way and start-up programs in communities served by the four energy companies in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

Each region the energy companies serve has a Contributions Committee of local employees from a cross-section of departments. Donation requests for a region are sent to the region's Contributions Committee, which reviews the requests based on the needs and issues in the community.

Purpose

As a company started by jewelers in 1913, our dedication and passion for jewelry and the arts runs deep. We are committed to fueling the love of jewelry while supporting and strengthening the jewelry industry and our communities through a focus on youth empowerment, technology advancement and community progression.

What We Fund

Youth Empowerment

• Focused on inspiring and cultivating the next generation of jewelers through support of arts education, as well as supporting organizations that give youth opportunities to enhance their skills, knowledge, confidence and capacity to make positive changes in their lives and communities.

Technology Advancement

• Dedicated to supporting the use of technological innovation and resources to advance the jewelry industry and enhance customer experiences, as well as support organizations that recognize the transformative role technology plays to help more our communities forward.

Community Progression

• Centered on supporting the arts to drive positive, sustained development – socially, economically and culturally – in the communities our employees live and work.

Our Mission

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is an organization of women who collectively award transformative grants that make a lasting impact on the community.

Grants

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee challenges your established nonprofit organization to think creatively about the needs of your community. Dream big, know your plan and how you’ll measure the outcomes, and you could earn a grant to make a transformative, impactful and sustained change in the greater Milwaukee area.

Focus Areas

All programs or projects must fall within one of the following Focus Areas:

• Arts & Culture
  • Projects or programs that cultivate, develop, educate or enhance the artistic and/or cultural climate in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Education
  • Projects or programs that improve or advance educational opportunities for children and/or adults in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Environment & Revitalization
  • Projects or programs in the Greater Milwaukee area that:
    • preserve, enhance, revitalize or restore facilities, spaces or surroundings;
    • promote the protection and welfare of animals; or
    • encourage conservation.
• Health & Wellness
  • Projects or programs that positively impact the mental or physical health of people living in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Family
  • Projects or programs that strengthen or enhance the lives of children, adults and families living in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Youth Foundation

The Youth Foundation promotes the welfare and betterment of children and young people up to 25 years of age in a variety of ways contributing to their physical and intellectual development and formation of character.

History

The Youth Foundation is managed by the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® and has a history that is deeply immersed in the real estate industry here in the Metro Milwaukee area. The Youth Foundation roots begin in 1951 when REALTOR® and local builder Arthur Richards developed the Wisconsin and Maryland Hotels, the Marshall Hall Apartments, and the Empire Building. As his success grew in the construction and development business, so did passion for youth and the challenges that they face. Arthur’s commitment to youth became a continual benefit when upon his death he willed a portion of his assets to be given to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®. Arthur’s instructions for his gift was that it be used only to help children and young adults through age twenty-five in the areas of Education, Social Services, and the Arts.

Grant Guidelines

Thank you for the work you do and for your interest in the Youth Foundation. The Youth Foundation Mission is to assist and promote the welfare and betterment of children and young people up to 25 years of age that contribute to their physical and intellectual development and formation of character. All grants made by the Foundation must meet these criteria.

The Youth Foundation welcomes applications from the Metro Milwaukee Area that can demonstrate how they are making a significant contribution towards the area’s youth. 

St. Croix Valley Foundation Mission

To enhance the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley by:

• Encouraging charitable giving in the Valley
  • Building permanent funds that will provide resources for the needs of today and tomorrow
• Connecting people and programs
  • Bringing together people’s charitable interests and the funding needs of programs and organizations
• Encouraging collaboration
  • Forming partnerships and providing servant leadership through programs that enhance the quality of life in our region’s distinct communities

Valley Arts Initiative Grant

The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) recognizes that participation in arts and cultural activities enriches the region’s quality of life, promotes interaction among residents, and builds community across diverse groups. Therefore, the Valley Arts Initiative grant program intends to fund high quality arts experiences – supporting artists and nonprofits, engaging the community, and ultimately fostering a rich and diverse arts ecosystem in the St. Croix Valley.  

Funding Categories

Social Services

Services that provide safety nets and supports for under-resourced, low-income communities. This includes programs that assist homeless or almost homeless people with immediate needs and/or future success; programs that provide help for marginalized communities such as veterans or people exiting the prison system; shelter/housing; food/anti-hunger programs; and employment programs.

Health and Human Services

Support for programs that provide subsidized, low cost or free healthcare for the uninsured and under-insured of all ages; access to mental health; access to low or free-cost dental services; healthcare outreach programs; assistance for disabled individuals or other populations with specific challenges; and services for the elderly.

Environment

Our interests are primarily focused on conservation efforts to protect wildlife, the preservation of natural areas and public interest environmental law.

Education

Funding for exceptional early childhood, school age, high school, and college programs; after school programs; adult continuing education; and educational opportunities for adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our funding often goes toward scholarship programs so that low-income communities have access to the same high quality programs as their peers.

Art and Culture

Most grants are designated for arts/culture access for under-privilaged populations such as subsidized entry to museums or other cultural sites or events. 

About Us

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community.

We manage over 250 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Community Grants

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin offers two competitive grant cycles annually to support programs and projects in Portage and Waushara counties that align with our Values and five Mission areas. Community Grant requests are limited to $25,000; larger projects are recommended to apply during the Major Projects cycle in the spring. Community Grant applications will be evaluated by a committee of community volunteers, with final approval of the CFCWI Board of Directors.

Mission Areas

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Environment
• Helping People
• Wellness

Wisconsin Art Board

Mission Statement

The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every culture and heritage. 

Values

The Wisconsin Arts Board values:

• ​imagination
• creativity
• curiosity
• freedom of expression
• respect and appreciation for all cultures and people
• artistic quality
• a broad definition of the arts
• audience and patron development
• community engagement

Creative Communities Grants 

The Creative Communities (CC) grants program encourages arts education and community arts development in Wisconsin. It provides support for projects that further the Arts Board’s goals in the following three areas: Arts Education, Folk or Traditional Arts, and Local Arts. Through direct financial support of specific art​s projects, the Arts Board sustains the vitality of Wisconsin culturally, educationally and economically.

An eligible Creative Communities project is a collaborative endeavor that is carefully planned and designed to achieve a particular aim within an identified community. It is either:

• less than three years old at the time of application (this means that the project itself must have been in existence for less than three years, not that the project has received WAB funding for less than three years), or
• a newly expanded dimension of an existing project (this means that the grant application must request support for costs related only to the new elements).

A project must be distinct from the organization's regular, ongoing programs/services.

Examples of Eligible Projects:

• A community center presents a series of participatory arts activities for adults and/or youth.
• A neighborhood organization organizes a summer arts festival.
• A school plans a three week artist residency wherein the artist (a potter) works with students in their chemistry class, their world history class, and their literature class, as well as in the art studio.
• A local museum or historic society programs performances and workshops on and with local folk and ethnic heritage arts and artists.
• A heritage organization develops a focus on foodways as a new theme for their annual festival.

About Us

We are a community of Pioneers. Forward thinking individuals settled into Rhinelander’s rugged landscape in the 1800s and envisioned a community powered by waters of the Wisconsin River. Our predecessors left a rich tradition of innovation and established Rhinelander as the commercial hub of the region.

Today, Rhinelander faces challenges that, if left unattended, will further diminish the vibrancy of our community. Rhinelander Community Foundation–a groundbreaking organization–stands together to face these challenges head-on. 

Mission

The mission of the Rhinelander Community Foundation is to facilitate charitable giving and, together with our donors, enhance the quality of living in the Rhinelander community now and for future generations.

Vision

The Rhinelander Community Foundation envisions the Rhinelander area realizing its full potential through philanthropy.

Rhinelander Community Foundation Grants

Our goal is to make community organizations stronger. Charitable organizations provide essential outreach and services to meet needs and enrich lives. Opportunities for partnerships, grants, resources, and collaboration may be available to charitable organizations that are aligned with the mission of the Rhinelander Community Foundation.

RCU Foundation Grant

Our nonprofit foundation has given more than $10 million to support organizations and initiatives in our communities.

The RCU Foundation is a perfect example of how we are striving to live out our core purpose of creating a positive impact in the lives we touch. The Foundation awards grant funds to organizations in the communities Royal serves across Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. Since it began in 2012, the RCU Foundation has given more than $10 million to our communities.

Criteria

Requests are carefully evaluated on several criteria, including:

• Demonstrated need and community benefit
• Geographic focus on areas that Royal serves, especially near office locations
• Significance and impact, especially the total number of people that will benefit
• Organization or initiative capacity and credibility
• Future sustainability and plan for ongoing expenses
• Demonstrated financial support from a variety of sources, with the RCU Foundation not the largest or sole source of project funding

Walter & Jessie Francisco Charitable Foundation

 Grants are made to preferred beneficiaries and charitable organizations serving citizens in Janesville and Rock County, Wisconsin.

Program Areas

• Arts and Culture
• Education
• Human and Social Services
• Religious
• Scientific

Burmester Charitable Trust

The Foundation makes grants for the support of charitable purposes. They primarily support organizations in Wisconsin.

Program Areas

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Environment,
• Health and Medical Research,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious,
• Scientific

History of the Foundation

Fern Pachel formed the Pachel Foundation with the assistance of the Biga family in 2007. Fern and her sister Elsie lived together in the Twin Cities until Elsie’s death in 1977. They took good care of their parents who lived on 19th Avenue East in Duluth. They also traveled to many countries, including Cuba. Elsie wisely advised Fern to put a little money away every paycheck. They successfully invested in the stock market starting in the 1950’s. The interest income is used to support many nonprofits in the state of Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

History

It was the wish of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld that, upon their deaths, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area. Since Ethel's death in 1997, the Foundation translated that wish into an investment of many millions of dollars in the community with more to come in the future.

Richard and Ethel lived in Milwaukee and on Pine Lake for most of their lives. Richard’s father was the founder of a company that bought and managed the Boston Store from 1906 to 1948. There, after serving in World War I and graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Richard worked his way up from stock boy in 1920 to president in 1940. Boston Store was sold to Federated Department Stores, Inc. in 1948. Ethel Ann Davis Herzfeld was born in Chicago and attended Milwaukee-Downer College. She received her B.A. degree from Wellesley College in 1920. Her mother, Emma J. Davis, resided on Marietta Avenue in Milwaukee.

Richard and Ethel were active in the Milwaukee community and contributed significant time and resources to enriching cultural life in the city. Sparked by a spirit of innovation and recognizing the need to adapt to an ever-changing world, both took a lively interest in all aspects of the greater Milwaukee area and ways to enhance the quality of life of its institutions and citizens.

What We Support

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Civic Improvement (On a limited basis and by invitation only)

Arts Awareness Grant

Grants are intended to promote awareness of the visual and performing arts in metro Milwaukee – including the value of such arts, the challenges facing artists and arts organizations, and potential solutions to those challenges – through newspaper, news website, radio, or television reporting. They will be awarded to organizations that propose strategies to expand their existing coverage of the arts or initiate new or different forms of coverage. Such coverage can be achieved through reviews or previews of performing or visual arts offerings; journalistic reporting on issues facing artists and the arts communities in metro Milwaukee; or ideally both.

Funding

Maximum grant is $100,000. One- and two-year grant proposals will be considered.

History

It was the wish of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld that, upon their deaths, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area. Since Ethel's death in 1997, the Foundation translated that wish into an investment of many millions of dollars in the community with more to come in the future.

Richard and Ethel lived in Milwaukee and on Pine Lake for most of their lives. Richard’s father was the founder of a company that bought and managed the Boston Store from 1906 to 1948. There, after serving in World War I and graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Richard worked his way up from stock boy in 1920 to president in 1940. Boston Store was sold to Federated Department Stores, Inc. in 1948. Ethel Ann Davis Herzfeld was born in Chicago and attended Milwaukee-Downer College. She received her B.A. degree from Wellesley College in 1920. Her mother, Emma J. Davis, resided on Marietta Avenue in Milwaukee.

Richard and Ethel were active in the Milwaukee community and contributed significant time and resources to enriching cultural life in the city. Sparked by a spirit of innovation and recognizing the need to adapt to an ever-changing world, both took a lively interest in all aspects of the greater Milwaukee area and ways to enhance the quality of life of its institutions and citizens.

What We Support

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Civic Improvement (On a limited basis and by invitation only)

Small Arts Organization Project Grant

Grants are intended to help strengthen the capacity and build the sustainability of small- and medium-sized arts and cultural organizations; and support programs or projects that create opportunities for individuals to have meaningful arts-related experiences, particularly in underserved communities. While we will consider grants to support general operations, priority will be given to applications that propose use of grant monies in ways that enhance capacity-building and long-term organizational fiscal stability for the applicant(s) and that demonstrate innovation in audience-building, revenue enhancement, or financial/organizational management. For applications to support specific programs or projects, priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate or promote collaboration among two or more arts or community-based organizations and expand public access to and awareness of the arts.

Funding

Maximum grant is $25,000, minimum grant is $5,000

La Crosse Community Foundation

Mission

Connecting people, passion, and giving in the La Crosse area forever.

Vision

The catalyst for a vibrant, generous, and inclusive community.

Funding

La Crosse Area Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations with missions aimed at enhancing the quality of life in La Crosse County Wisconsin. Last year, we awarded $1,023,144 in competitive grants across our eight impact areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement, Culture & Diversity, Education, Environment, Faith, Health & Human Services, and Recreation & Wellness.

Mini Grants

Mini grants are part of our historic competitive grants program to be responsive to the needs of nonprofit organizations serving La Crosse County. La Crosse Community Foundation has allocated $100,000 this calendar year specifically for nonprofits seeking awards of $1,000 - $15,000 for result-oriented projects and programs that address a proven community need or priority aimed at making La Crosse County a better place now and for future generations.

About GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs.

The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. GIG Fund grants help cover fees for touring or local artists. Funds may also be used for project costs such as accessibility accommodations and marketing. We work with a panel to help us review applications and distribute grants annually.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community.

We manage over 250 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Major Projects

The Major Projects cycle at the Community Foundation supports the growth and development of a community project that makes a major impact in Portage and/or Waushara counties.

This cycle will fund up to one project annually in the range of $25,000-$50,000.

Mission Areas

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Environment
• Helping People
• Wellness

Declined projects are invited to apply to the CFCWI Spring Community Grants for up to $25,000.

About Wispact Foundation

The Wispact Inc. Foundation was established in 2021 in recognition of its dedication to provide a broader scope of service and create more opportunities for improving the lives of persons with disabilities across Wisconsin.

As an agency endowment fund established by Wispact Inc. and managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the organization endeavors to make lasting community impacts through grants to organizations that serve persons with disabilities.

Grants

The Wispact Inc. Foundation provides charitable grants to non-profit organizations providing services to persons with disabilities.

Consideration will be given to, but not limited to, proposals addressing needs in the following areas:

• Housing:
  • programs designed to improve the day-to-day living conditions, for persons with disabilities, through the provision of safe living environments and enhancing the accessibility to such environment
• Assistive Devices:
  • devices designed, made, or adapted to assist a person to perform a particular task; examples include: canes, crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, and shower chairs are all assistive devices
• Education/Recreation:
  • inclusive educational programming including, but not limited to, workshops, summer camps, art classes; educational equipment such as computers, software, projection equipment, art supplies, etc. that promote fulfillment and edification for persons with disabilities
• Expansion of current services in place
• Transportation

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Fund Description

John T. and Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund is designed to attract programs of artistic quality to the Duluth-Superior area and enrich performances, exhibits and artistic services for area organizations. 

 Illinois Arts Council 

The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to: 

Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all.

Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council. 

Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.

Illinois State funding for the arts includes programs offered by Arts Midwest.

About Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness.

GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities.

The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements:

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Reach an Underserved Audience: At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming).

These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.