Search Through Grants for Performing Arts in Florida in the U.S.

Why It Matters

Art and culture are core to thriving communities and vital to connecting people to their neighbors and each other. It can reflect our society and the times in which we live and can be a strong catalyst to improve the health and vitality of our community. Art and culture also allow artists to use their unique and compelling vantage points to make powerful statements on today’s issues.

Americans for the Arts Florida factsheet, as of March 16, 2022, indicates that art and culture in Florida is a significant industry contributing to economic growth and jobs for residents, representing 2.9% of the state’s GDP. Historically, arts programs have been underfunded and are the first program to be reduced during challenging financial times. The art and culture sector has struggled to stay afloat and suffered a direct economic impact from the pandemic of more than $26 million in terms of loss of revenue and new expenses. As state and local budget cuts continue, more support is needed to create a thriving arts scene that reaches every corner and neighborhood in Broward.

Too many residents remain cut off from the power of art and culture programs that can unite, inspire and revitalize our community. We want to see art and culture embedded into the DNA of Broward in ways that:

• Ignite creativity, build community pride and identity, and engage all residents.
• Transcend differences and break down barriers.
• Help people heal during difficult times.
• Inspire and foster dialogue and interaction.
• Celebrate our rich and diverse cultures and history.
• Support cultural treasures.

Since 2012, the Foundation has given substantial financial support and energy to art and cultural engagement, and we are broadening our focus and reach into more communities by creating opportunities for more arts and culture organizations and artists to be supported.

What We Are Looking For

To expand access to the arts for all including young, old, special needs, LGBTQ residents, or arts education, lifelong learning, multicultural heritage, and historic experiences. For example:

• Art Education — Enable the arts to improve youth and adult literacy using arts as a tool and stimulate career pathways.
• Art Therapy — Provide help to residents to heal during difficult times.
• Cultural Assets — Sustain and grow our art and cultural assets, propel the arts to create a more enriching community with a focus on libraries, cultural institutions, history, and humanities.
• Traditional Arts — Elevate and prioritize the arts within the public and private sectors and promote collaboration to strengthen the arts sector and for educational, social, and economic impact through live performances, painting, murals, film, public art installations, song, dance, and more.
• Individual Artists — Support provided through our partnership with Broward Cultural Division’s Artist Innovation program for Broward-based professional artists.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to promote the arts, education, and initiatives that seek to better our world by utilizing nature and the sciences.

General Grants

Our Letter of Inquiry form is the first step in the general grant process. The letter of inquiry should be used for projects that fall outside our three programs' scope. Some additional areas of focus for our Foundation include:

Environmental Ingenuity

We are working with organizations to reduce human environmental impact and increase fresh and saltwater quality.

Medical Research

Focusing on funding initiatives involving high-mortality, under-funded diseases, specifically, but not exclusively, pancreatic and colon cancer.

Visual and Performing Arts

We fund projects that provide students and children in the regions we serve with opportunities to experience quality arts programming, both visual and performing.

Veterans Initiatives

We work with several veterans organizations to provide respite locations, therapeutic programming, and service animals for our wounded, recovering, and returning servicemen, women, and members.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Our Mission

The Foundation’s mission is to utilize its assets to assist any not-for-profit organization seeking to promote the arts or create programs that inspire, engage, and teach.

We hope that someday the arts will no longer be considered a school elective or an interest for the few but a necessity for living a full life and for the health of our hearts and minds. 

Through our partnerships in the community, we are utilizing the arts to harness its extraordinary power to inspire, raise educational outcomes for students, and enrich the overall quality of life in marginalized communities.

We believe that there is a great synergy in combining the talents of musicians, museum educators, nonprofit arts advocates, actors, teachers, and writers. We believe that the arts, in all forms, have significant intrinsic societal value and can take on multiple roles in youth education for healthy brain and social development. 

In keeping with our mission, the Foundation values and will support organizations protecting and utilizing nature to enrich peoples’ lives through conservation and beautification. We believe that a healthy environment means a healthier population overall. 

Studies have shown that children benefit both mentally and physically from outdoor activity and clean air. We seek to continue to work with organizations that understand the value of our human connection with and reliance on a thriving and accessible green infrastructure.

Our Foundation is also interested in supporting health science and medical research. We understand that supporting cutting-edge technology and research is paramount in gaining important ground on treating and hopefully curing all forms of cancers and diseases. We are specifically interested in supporting research in treating and curing pancreatic and other forms of high-mortality illnesses that have lagged in funding and medical advancement. 

P/Arts Program

P/Arts Program Information

P/Arts stands for Philanthropic Arts and is our Foundation’s own initiative launched in 2019 to help catalyze non-profit, tax-exempt public charities, accredited schools and universities, and government or public agencies. We want to help implement or enhance educational programs utilizing the arts in daily curricula for early childhood education programs as well as K-12 students.

The P/Arts Program Was Created To Encourage Partnerships Within The Philanthropic Arts And Education Communities.

Organizations applying for P/Arts funding must be accredited 501(c)(3) organizations that are using performing and/or visual arts education to help:

• Enhance and Transform Existing Outdated Public School Curricula
• Motivate & Engage Children and Students
• Deepen Professional Development for Teachers, Professors, and Childcare Workers
• Link School and Home
• Use Evidence-Based, Arts-Based Instruction
• Help to Lessen the Education Achievement Gap

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Our MissionAdvancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs.

Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process. 

Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations

Program Description

South Arts strongly believes that skill and knowledge building for arts organizations are integral to success and sustainability. These grants are designed to support the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations for increasing organizational capacity to achieve long-term sustainability, growth, and/or operational stability. This grant program is open to film, visual arts, performing arts, traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary arts organizations.

Funding can support staff or board participation at conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities and events. In addition, these grants can support expenses for in-person and virtual professional development for organization-wide staff learning and training. Funds support travel expenses (for example, lodging and air/ground transportation), admission/registration fees, or other related expenses (for example, consultant/service fees for staff learning/training sessions). 

In Our Community

Republic Bank recognizes the importance of making a lasting IMPACT, and that starts by strengthening the communities in which we live and work. We believe Republic Bank not only serves the community but is also a part of the community.

Together, we can make an impact that goes beyond banking. Bank with us, and let’s strengthen our community – together.

Generally, organizations and activities meeting the established criteria will fall into one of the following categories:

• Education and Youth Programs
• Family and Community Welfare
• Civic Projects
• Healthcare and Human Services
• Performing Arts and Cultural Activities
• Recreation and Preservation Programs

In-Kind Donations

Republic Bank occasionally donates used computer equipment, office equipment, and furniture to community organizations. 

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

Tourist Development Council (TDC) Grants Program

The Tourist Development Council (TDC) Grants Program is responsive on a quarterly basis to organizations/events which promote Miami-Dade County’s appeal as a tourist destination by sponsoring tourist-oriented sports events, cultural and special events (visual and performing arts, including theater, concerts, recitals, opera, dance, art exhibitions, and festivals) and television origination projects. The TDC’s objective in funding events is to attract tourists from outside of Miami-Dade County into the area; encourage overnight stays in Miami-Dade County motels and hotels; and perpetuate an environment for growth in the tourism industry in Miami-Dade County.

The TDC investments are focused on further developing exemplary existing programs and stimulating new activities. Applicants not meeting these criteria should consider applications to other Department programs. The TDC will provide priority attention to grant requests for activities and events that serve as major tourism generators in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year (July - September). The TDC, a nine member volunteer advisory board established by Florida Statute Section 125.0104, meets as a panel to review and make funding recommendations to the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners with the idea of developing and enhancing the image of Miami-Dade County locally, nationally and internationally. 

Maximum Request:

• Division A - Total Project Budget of $50,000 or less may request up to $5,000
• Division B - Total Project Budget of $50,001 - $100,000 may request up to $10,000
• Division C - Total Project Budget of $100,001 - $250,000 may request up to $25,000
• Division D - Total Project Budget of above $250,000 may request up to $35,000

Cutler Bay Community Fund

Mission Statement

The Cutler Bay Community Fund was created to support nonprofit organizations that endeavor to improve the life of residents in the Town of Cutler Bay through educational, aesthetic (community beautification), environmental, cultural, social services and other philanthropic programs and services. (Resolution #13-57)

About the Cutler Bay Community Fund

The Town of Cutler Bay established the Cutler Bay Community Fund (Resolution #13-57) in 2013 with the goal of establishing partnerships that will help to improve the quality of life of residents in our community, as well as supporting local nonprofit organizations. The Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that is overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of the current Cutler Bay Mayor and Town Council. Grant awards range between $500 to $2,500 and only one application per organization will be accepted each year.

100% of the funds collected through the community fund are solely used for charitable purposes with priority given to organizations that provide services within the Town of Cutler Bay. The Fund currently has six service categories (priority areas) that direct our grant making; education, aesthetic, environment, culture, social services, and other philanthropic activities.

Cutler Bay Community Fund Priority Areas

Education

The purpose of this fund is to impact student achievement by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that serve both children and youth, from the time they enter daycare through completion of grade 12, who reside in or attend schools in Cutler Bay. Activities include but are not limited to; out-of-school programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, educational field trips, teacher incentive programs, curriculum enhancement/development activities, educational equipment/supplies, personal safety/prevention activities (i.e., anti-bullying, distracted driving awareness, abuse prevention), parenting skills training, life skills training, civic engagement, and college/career preparation.

Aesthetic

The goal of this fund is to support 501(c)(3) organizations that implement programs to enhance the overall safety and anesthetics of our community. Examples include but are not limited to community beautification projects, assistance with code compliance matters for the elderly or low-income residents, graffiti abatement, community message boards, landscaping, community gardening, preserve/enhance green spaces, and/or any other general aesthetic improvements.

Environmental

The Town of Cutler Bay was the first municipality in Miami-Dade County to receive “Certified Silver” designation as a Florida Green Building City. In keeping with our initiative to “Go Green”, the Cutler Bay Community Fund supports 501(c)(3) community programs that promote environmental responsibility. Examples include but are not limited to “green” education and awareness activities, community gardening, recycling, alternative transportation (bicycle, walking programs), conservation, maintenance of environmentally sensitive lands, and/or any other general environmental improvement activity.

Cultural

Culture is represented through art, literature, and music, but mainly through the customs and traditions of a particular nation, people, or other social group. It is the common bond that brings the people of a community together. This Fund aspires to ensure that cultural activities are accessible to all residents regardless of age, ability, or economic status. To this end, 501(c)(3) organizations that provide the following activities will be supported through the Fund; concerts, art in public places, heritage festivals, cultural awareness programs, community festivals, intergenerational activities, artistic performances, monthly cultural displays at Town Hall (Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc.), history preservation, and other general cultural activities.

Social Services

The objective of this fund is to support local 501(c)(3) social service agencies for projects that help Cutler Bay residents in need. Examples include but are not limited to; workforce development, healthy living (community bike events, nutrition activities, anti-bullying campaigns, etc.), youth development (support for programs that encourage youth leadership and assists in their transition to adulthood), basic needs (utility assistance, food, and emergency shelter, etc..), outreach efforts, aging in place programs, housing, and other generally defined social services.

Other Philanthropic Programs/Services

The needs of the citizen’s in the Town of Cutler Bay continually evolve. This Fund targets support of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that meet the unforeseen needs of this community or needs that do not fit in any of the other funding priority areas. Examples may include but are not limited to; disaster relief/preparedness, fitness activities, sporting events, healthcare, transportation for the elderly or disabled, efforts that fulfill urgent need in the community, and other generally defined philanthropic services.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

About the Foundation

The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation was established in 1985 by Mrs. Adams out of her desire to support various charitable initiatives. Arthur Adams was a business entrepreneur who managed the Gary Group of telephone interests in the Midwest. Under his leadership as president and CEO, the Strowger Automatic Electric Company of Chicago developed and patented the dial telephone. Alice (“Elise”) Adams was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Her family relocated to Egypt during her childhood, and she spent much of her time in private school in Switzerland. She became proficient in the use of foreign languages and eventually mastered eleven of them. In the late 1930s, Arthur met and married Elise. They maintained several homes and eventually settled in Miami Beach, Florida. Following Arthur's death in 1958, Elise spent much of her time supporting philanthropic causes until she passed away in 1987.

Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation Grant

The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation was established in 1985 as a private foundation to honor its founders, Mr. and Mrs. Adams. The foundation provides grants to charitable organizations primarily to benefit arts, culture, humanities, and education in the Memphis, Miami, and New York City areas.

Program areas

• Arts, culture, and humanities
• Education

Presentation Grants Program

Presentation Grants are an opportunity for organizations in South Arts' nine-state region to receive fee support to present Southern guest film directors, visual and performing artists, or writers from outside of the presenter's state. Artist fee support is awarded for:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance),
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry),
• traditional arts, and
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media).

Projects must include both a public presentation (film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement component. These grants are limited and very competitive. Based on the artist fee, the maximum request is $9,500 for modern dance and contemporary ballet or $7,500 for other artistic disciplines. 

South Arts is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We have prioritized this commitment to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led organizations, LGBTQIA+ led organizations, and organizations representing persons with disabilities are represented as both applicants and grantees. In addition, we encourage applications for projects that engage BIPOC artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

The Program

Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants are available to support the professional development needs of Southern presenters, programmers, or curators, for strengthening program design or increasing organizational capacity. South Arts strongly believes professional development for presenters/programmers/curators is integral to success, including traveling to see new works and attending convenings. This grant program is open to film, visual arts, performing arts, traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary organizations.

This funding can support staff’s travel expenses to conferences, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. Funding also supports guest artists’ or guest curators’ travel expenses for onsite planning meetings with presenting organizations. These grants support travel expenses (for example, lodging and air/ground transportation), admission/registration fees, and other related expenses. In addition, these grants support expenses for virtual professional development opportunities and staff training (for example, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility training or technology training for virtual engagements).

South Arts is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We have prioritized this commitment to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led organizations, LGBTQIA+ led organizations, and organizations led by people with disabilities are represented as both applicants and grantees. In addition, we encourage applications for projects that engage BIPOC artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

About the Program

The Specific Cultural Project (SCP) grant is designed to fund a single cultural project, program, exhibition or series taking placing within the grant period (July 1 – June 30). The grant activities must support the mission of the organization or artist and further the state's cultural objectives. Organizations and individuals are both eligible to apply.

Grants for Organizations

All applicants must be either a public entity or a Florida non-profit, tax-exempt corporation as of the application deadline. For more information, see pages 6-7 of the SCP Guidelines.

See program guidelines for more information about eligibility requirements.

• Arts in Education projects promote arts and culture in education. There are two types of Arts in Education grants for organizations.
  • Artist Residency projects place professional Florida artists in a variety of education and community settings.
  • Arts Partnership supports projects that will advance arts education and the development of long-term partnerships between community arts and cultural organizations, social service agencies and educational entities.
• Discipline-based projects include dance, literature, media arts (i.e., film, radio or television), museum, music, presenter, theatre, traditional arts and visual arts.
• Underserved Cultural Community Development projects assist with the development of underserved cultural organizations.

Grants for Artists

All applicants must be Florida-based artists and may not be enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Artists applying as individuals must create a profile in the grant portal .

For more information about the project types and eligibility requirements, see pages 7-19 of the SCP Guidelines.

• .Individual Artist project grants supports artist-driven projects that have public benefit and enhance the State of Florida through the creation or presentation of artistic work. Individual Artist projects can be in all artistic disciplines, genres and styles.
• Arts in Education promotes arts and culture in education.
  • There are two categories for artists.
• Artist Performances on Tour provides funding to performing artists for touring activities to underserved communities; touring activities include both a performance and an educational component.
• Teaching Artist funds artists providing educational services in Florida public schools. Applicants must be able to provide evidence of classroom experience.

Pérez CreARTE Grants

The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation aims to develop South Florida as a world-class urban center. A thriving, equitable arts community is essential to making Greater Miami a vibrant, connected and culturally engaging place to live. In 2021-2022, the Foundation’s CreARTE Program will invest over $1.5 million in Miami-Dade organizations working to cultivate this ecosystem by expanding residents’ access to the arts and making our city a global hub for artistic excellence.

The Foundation believes that effective arts education can inspire creative development in local youth, drive a lifelong interest in and appreciation for the arts, and build audiences for the future. The Foundation seeks to support top artistic talent and attract artists to Miami by creating local fellowship and residency programs.

Through our investments, we want to provide capital and support for exemplary organizations to embrace artistic risk-taking, expand the diversity of creative experiences and audiences, and present work that inspires with its excellence and relevance.

Focus Areas

Through the Pérez CreARTE Grant Program, the Foundation will award grants in three main areas of focus:

• Arts Access: Funding to support meaningful and diverse public engagement with, and access to, various forms of high-quality art across Greater Miami and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life.
• Arts Education: Funding to support high-performing, innovative organizations in Greater Miami working to ensure that all young people have equitable access to arts education opportunities. We aim to invest in the most effective, scalable, multidisciplinary arts education programs, in school and out of school, as well as pre-professional training programs that prepare future artists in a variety of disciplines.
• Artist Fellowships and Residencies: Funding to support the creation and/or expansion of artist fellowship and residency programs to expand local options for artistic professionals to hone their talents and showcase their work. The programs should recognize and cultivate artists, local and national, in pivotal phases of their careers, celebrate outstanding achievement and support their artistic development.

Within the areas of focus, in addition to requests to support the creation of programming, we will also consider requests for funding that will allow organizations in Greater Miami to expand their existing spaces/operations and/or support the development of new spaces. We want to ensure artists and arts organizations have access to affordable creation spaces that serve as centers of creativity.

Funding

Grant amounts will vary, depending on proposed activities and the organization’s capacity. All grants will be awarded as two-year grants in the $100,000 to $250,000 range.

Program Description

General Program Support (GPS) funding provides funding for Florida’s arts and cultural organizations, both public and private. GPS is designed to fund general program activities (as opposed to a specific project) of an organization. The grant funding should further the State’s cultural objectives by:

• conducting, creating, producing, presenting, staging or sponsoring cultural exhibits, performances, educational programs, or events; or
• providing professional services as a State Service Organization or Local Arts Agency.

The Division offers four types of General Program Support:

• Arts in Education program support for organizations that promote excellence in arts education.
• Discipline-based program support for cultural and artistic programming in the areas of dance, literature, media arts (i.e. film, radio or television), museum, music, presenter, theatre, traditional arts and visual arts.
• Local Arts Agency program support for designated Local Arts Agencies (LAA). LAAs are public entities whose primary mission is to support arts and culture organization and artists through advocacy, disseminating information and serving as a convener for arts and culture. LAAs must be officially designated in at least one Florida county to apply.
• State Service Organization program support for State Service Organization (SSO). SSOs are non-profit organizations operating on a permanent basis, providing services in at least 40 Florida counties.

Cross-Sector Impact Grants

South Arts’ mission is advancing Southern vitality through the arts, and this program addresses a strategic goal to cultivate and strengthen deep, cross-sector partnerships that are artist and community centered. As our communities continue to change, the arts play an incomparable role in addressing many of our communal and individual challenges and strengths. The value of partnership and working together across sectors brings new opportunities, increased effectiveness, and greater depth to our collective work. Through this program, South Arts seeks to provide significant support to projects developed by partners that harness the power of “Arts & …” (these are projects at the intersection of arts and other sectors). This year, we are shifting to a new program model.

Over the next three years, South Arts is committed to one community impact area – Health and Wellness. Eligible projects must focus on the “Arts & Health and Wellness” theme - for example, arts & mental wellness or arts & physical health. Matching grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to support approximately 18 projects. We anticipate funding these 18 projects for three grant cycles and expect applicants to commit to the collaborative work for a three-year duration. Funding will be awarded in three separate fiscal years with streamlined, grant renewal forms submitted for cycles two and three. Matching grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to continue or advance the project with the same two partners in cycles two and three.  

South Arts’ mission is advancing Southern vitality through the arts. This program addresses two of South Arts’ strategic goals:

• Connect artists and arts professionals in the South to resources that will increase opportunities for success within and outside the region
• Advance impactful arts-based programs that recognize and address trends and evolving needs of a wide range of communities in the South

Project Requirements

SSouth Arts welcomes applications from partnering entities working together on a project that addresses Arts & Health and Wellness through cross-sector partnerships. Projects must utilize the arts as a tool in creative approaches to address and advance a health and wellness issue that is of importance in their community. Projects should also establish or advance relationships across at least two different sectors, one being in the arts. 

Arts disciplines may include, but are not limited to:

• Performing arts, including dance, music, theater, musical theater, opera;
• Literary arts, including fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry;
• Visual arts, including craft, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media;
• Film or media;
• Traditional and folk arts, including music, craft, storytelling, dance; or
• Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artforms.

Community impact areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical (overall well-being and the ability of the body to function properly);
• Mental/Emotional (overall well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life and their emotions);
• Social (overall well-being that stems from connection and community); or
• Occupational (overall physical, mental, and social well-being of workers). 

Matching Requirements

The minimum grant request is $5,000 and the maximum request is $15,000 (subject to funding availability). A match of at least 1:2 is required; meaning for each grant dollar, the grantee must provide $.50 towards the project expenses. For returning grantees, in cycles two and three, the maximum request is $10,000 (subject to funding availability).

Up to half of the match may be comprised of in-kind contributions such as donated materials, donated services, or other contributed non-cash assets or staff time diverted to this project. At least half of the match must be cash. For staff time diverted to this project, up to 10% of the total project expenses, but no more than $5,000 can be included as a cash expense or cash match for staff time. The remaining staff time must be an in-kind contribution. Contracted individuals and services specifically for this project are eligible cash expenses. 

Detailed Program Description

Grants of up to $2,500 for organizations to make arts programs accessible to persons with disabilities.

The Southeast is home to some of the world’s more diverse and vibrant artistic communities. At South Arts, we believe that the arts are for everyone. The arts enrich the lives of people of all abilities and backgrounds. In our commitment to amplifying the success of the Southeast’s arts ecology, South Arts offers micro-funding to supplement the efforts of arts organizations throughout our service area.

Art making is for everyone too! South Arts encourages arts organizations to hire artistic personnel of all abilities at all levels; for these grants in particular, we encourage arts organizations to work directly with artists who identify as disabled. 

Through our partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts offers small grants that compliment existing efforts by arts organizations to include audiences and artists with disabilities. Accessibility micro-grants are available to support Nonprofit, 501c3, arts organizations located within the South Arts Service region states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This funding program is open to a wide variety of organizations, including community cultural organizations, museums, performing arts presenters, theatre companies, visual arts and music organizations. Priority funding will be given to new applicants to South Arts.

South Arts has prioritized the following:

• South Arts prioritizes applications from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identifying organizations.
• South Arts prioritizes applications from organizations led by persons with disabilities or organizations that provide significant programming to artists or audiences with disabilities.
• South Arts is committed to funding artists organizations in rural communities (with populations under 50,000).
• Primary consideration will be given to new applicants.

Usage of Funds

Grants awards may reimburse the applicant for any combination of qualifying expenses incurred during the grant period. Projects may include but are not limited to the following:

Programs

• Usage of large print or braille program materials for patrons/audiences with low vision
• Artist/consultant fees to provide accessibility training or audits
• Transportation of constituents or performers with disabilities
• Preparation for special exhibitions (i.e. space modifications or accessibility audit)
• Audio description
• Sign language interpretation
• Website accessibility
• Docent training for visual or audio enhancement
• Consultant fee to develop an overall accessibility plan for your organization
• Inclusive programming
• Staff training to learn about accessibility as it relates to programming, operations, or facilities modifications (i.e. travel to a workshop and/or training)
• Other accommodations that make programs accessible

Facilities Enhancements

• Accessibility signage for exterior and/or interior space
• Modification of restroom(s) signage
• Modification to drinking fountain(s) signage
• Installation of Braille plaques

Who We Are

As Central Florida’s local arts agency, United Arts raises and distributes funds for arts, science and history organizations in our region. Our grants, programs, and resources fuel local arts and culture.

Operating Support Grants

Operating Support Grants support the operations of cultural nonprofit organizations, increasing the variety of cultural experiences available to residents and visitors in Central Florida. This comprehensive grant program recognizes the high value of arts and culture for our region and the established institutions that provide cultural programming for the public year-round.

Through Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, United Arts of Central Florida is facilitating a subsidy program for the use of event venues in Orange County for an exhibition or performance. This program addresses the need for arts and cultural programming that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

This program offers the opportunity to present cultural programming at a publicly accessible venue, providing a performance platform that elevates the production value and access opportunities for all 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Orange County, Florida.