Best Grants for the Arts in Arkansas

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Focused on arts and community programs, Windgate Charitable Trust invites Arkansas arts and culture organizations to seek support for arts-related operations alongside education, health, and basic needs initiatives. Only organizations that have received Windgate funding in the past five years may apply through the grantee portal.

Arts and culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas located within 50 miles of a James Avery retail or corporate location can apply for James Avery Charitable Foundation’s corporate grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for programs. Funding supports arts programming, cultural opportunities, community improvement, wellness, education, diversity, veterans, and first responder initiatives that enhance quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas within 50 miles of a James Avery retail location or major facility can seek more than US $10,000 to support arts, community, education, wellness, veterans, and first responder programs. James Avery Charitable Foundation offers limited cash, event sponsorships, and in-kind support once per year for qualifying groups.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations presenting arts and cultural projects in Arkansas and other states east of the Rocky Mountains can receive support for Japanese arts and culture programming. Japan Foundation New York provides reimbursement funding for performances, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, and online cultural exchange, covering costs like publicity, artist travel, honoraria, shipping, and digital production.

Early-career LGBTQ+ performance artists in Arkansas creating new avant-garde work can receive US $5,000 to develop original performance art through the XENO Prize. Focused on conceptual and performance art, Franklin Furnace Fund invites vocational, non-student generative artists in eligible restrictive-care states, including Arkansas, to propose new projects for the 2025–26 Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering arts, culture, or community vitality programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for projects within Union Pacific–served communities. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support artistic and cultural experiences, youth development, basic needs, environmental sustainability, safety, and workforce development, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in arts and culture, workforce advancement, or housing can seek funding to support community programs and services. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

Arkansas arts nonprofits, schools, libraries, festivals, and churches in Arkansas can access funding through Arkansas Heritage to hire professional artists from the Arts on Tour Artist Roster. Grants reimburse up to US $2,000, or 40% of artist fees, supporting literary, performing, and visual arts programming and cultural and educational events.

Established nonprofit arts organizations in Arkansas can receive general operating support to cover administrative and other non-programmatic costs. Focused on sustaining arts infrastructure, Arkansas Heritage invites local arts agencies and single-discipline arts groups with incomes of $50,000 or more and a paid executive director to apply for assistance with salaries, marketing, facilities, utilities, and staff travel.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas can apply for the Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust’s support for educational, cultural, human services, and health care programs, including arts and culture. Grants may fund capital projects, medical research, endowments, start-up programs, or limited operating needs; arts organizations may be especially competitive given the trust’s cultural programming focus.

Focused on art and culture, National Performance Network invites Arkansas arts organizations and NPN National Partners collaborating with artists to support early-stage creation of new work advancing racial and cultural justice. Eligible projects receive approximately US $15,000 in unrestricted funds for artist fees, research, materials, and other creative needs, plus potential multi-phase development support.

Immigrant culinary professionals working in the U.S. can apply for the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise, which provide US $50,000 in unrestricted awards for culinary arts, food and beverage, and media and storytelling. Arkansas-based chefs, artisans, writers, and culinary media creators who meet the immigration and experience requirements may be eligible.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations offering arts and culture programming in Arkansas can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support community-focused initiatives. Programs that also advance financial literacy, education, or stronger communities in Canada or the U.S. may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running educational, arts, cultural, or preservation programs can apply for support that improves quality of life in their communities. Focused on societal betterment, Valley Foundation invites groups in Arkansas and across the U.S. to seek funding for art, culture, historic preservation, health, and human services initiatives.

Charitable organizations and local governments working on arts and cultural programs, education, health, housing, safety, or related services can apply for funding from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Focused on charitable purposes, this fund supports projects in the Siletz Tribe’s Oregon service area and Native American organizations across the U.S., which may benefit Arkansas-based Native initiatives.

Arkansas arts students seeking scholarship support can access funding through Arts Council of the Morris Area for post-secondary study in dance, drama, visual arts, or music. This US $1,500 Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship is awarded based on artistic excellence, dedication, and character, with funds paid directly to the recipient’s chosen college or arts program.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing college-level studies in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 toward tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help emerging artists advance their training, and similar arts-focused students in Arkansas may look for comparable scholarship-style support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Arkansas can seek funding to improve people’s lives through creative programs, education, and cultural initiatives. The Hays Foundation also supports health, youth, and economic achievement projects nationwide, and requires all applicants to submit a letter of inquiry aligned with its mission before a full proposal.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The XENO PRIZE for Artists’ Books offers a $5000 grant to support the publication of an artist's book addressing the themes of book banning and burning. Open to independent artists in the U.S., the prize will be awarded based on submissions to be accepted starting March 1, 2025. A minimum of 100 copies must be printed, with winners announced in September 2025. This initiative aims to highlight and preserve avant-garde art forms and their cultural significance.

The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation Community Leadership Fund provides essential support for leadership development in Muhlenberg County, KY. It aims to empower individuals and groups seeking innovative solutions to local challenges. Eligible applicants include those pursuing personal leadership growth or researching effective community strategies. The fund underscores inclusivity, welcoming diverse applicants without discrimination. This initiative fosters a vibrant community by equipping leaders with the resources needed to effect positive change.

The Indigo Oak Fund is a Colorado-based foundation dedicated to empowering individuals through support for education, the arts, and social justice. Focused on fostering lifelong learning and creative expression, the Fund aids various programs that enhance community engagement. It supports both youth and adult initiatives, including classes and community events in diverse artistic disciplines. By prioritizing equal opportunity and personal potential, the Fund strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community.

The Career Enhancement Fellowship, offered by Citizens & Scholars, supports junior faculty from diverse backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. With stipends up to $35,000, funding for research, and travel support, this program nurtures academic diversity and enhances campus perspectives. Since 2001, over 400 fellows have advanced their careers while fostering a rich academic community. The fellowship promotes innovative scholarship and leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.