Best Grants for the Arts

About

Established in 1968, the VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. Through allocations made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, the VCA utilizes investments to empower arts leaders, arts educators, and arts practitioners. In doing so, we create a virtuous cycle of those who not just participate in and appreciate the arts, as stated in our enabling legislation, but those who serve as change agents and advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mission Statement

To invest in the arts in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Capacity Building Grants

Purpose

Capacity Building Grants help Virginia arts organizations enhance artistic quality, strengthen community engagement, and improve management capabilities by providing access to external expertise.

Description

Capacity Building Grants provide targeted assistance for Virginia arts organizations seeking to strengthen their internal operations and sustainability. These grants help organizations access specialized expertise or training that supports strategic growth, improved management, and long-term effectiveness.

Micro Arts Program Grant

Supporting small organizations through arts programming

The Micro Arts Program (MAP) supports the work of Kansas organizations with annual total cash income of $20,000 or less. These organizations are the backbone of Kansas’ grassroots arts community, and this program can serve as an introduction to Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) funding by providing grants of $1,000 – $2,000 with 6-month periods of performance and quick turnaround time.

Eligible projects include cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for arts-centered non-profits to harness the power of the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas.

Excellence Grant

The Community Foundation’s Excellence Grants provide much-needed support to nonprofits that dispense programs and services throughout the local community. Learn more about this year’s grantees who make an ongoing impact in the areas of Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education and Arts & Culture! Each was chosen after careful consideration by our selection committee for the stellar work done every day for the benefit of our community members. 

About

The McLean Foundation is led by the passion and commitment of its volunteer directors, officers and a small staff team.

The McLean Foundation supports charitable organizations in Canada that help make life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and our environment more durable.

Impact Areas

People: enhancing social and economic wellbeing

Places: building vibrant and creative local communites

Planet: contributing to more durable and resilient environments

We are committed to supporting work that is not as easily funded by others, but that can make a positive difference. We look for projects that show promise of increasing the wellbeing of people, communities, and our environment but may initially lack broad public appeal.

What We Fund

How We Work

We look for projects and partners who understand challenges and opportunities facing their communities, sectors and/or fields and are known for promising approaches to making life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and/or our environment more durable. We are flexible and responsive to our partners' priorities, and we defer to each organization to share where funding can make the biggest difference in their work.  

We look for charitable organizations that address needs and gaps in the communities they work in, demonstrate strong community buy-in, and centre the experiences and priorities of communities most impacted by injustice in their work. These are generally smaller, local organizations. 

Funding Streams

Partnership Grants support organizations with a strong track record of taking risks, meeting needs and implementing promising approaches in their communities, fields and/or sectors through multi-year operating grants. These grants provide core funding to an organization so they can be adaptable and stable as they continue to innovate and do critical work in their communities.  

We anticipate making 6-8 Partnership Grants a year.

This is a two-step process, starting with an Expression of Interest(EOI).  

Organizations that submit an EOI before March 30th, 2026, may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s spring board meeting.  

EOIs received between April- July 31st, 2026 may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s fall board meeting.  

The Partnership Grant Stream will close for 2026 on July 31st.

Grants: Powering Fort Worth’s Arts Organizations

Arts Fort Worth Community Impact Funds

The mission of Arts Fort Worth is to promote, nurture, and support the arts in Fort Worth. Arts Fort Worth’s competitive grants programs serve this mission by supporting local arts organizations and making the artistic programming they provide accessible to everyone in our city.

Apply for both operating and outreach project support in one application!

Community Impact Funds provide fundamental mission support through unrestricted funding to established nonprofit arts organizations for general operations, administration, and programming costs. This grant opportunity combines the intent of the two grant opportunities previously called CORE and CORE Plus into one unrestricted grant.

Zions Bank Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services within the communities it serves. Focus areas for funding include affordable housing, arts and culture, community service, inclusive communities, economic development, education, and health and human services. Nonprofits applying must be 501(c)(3) organizations and operate within Zions Bank's market area. Notably, the bank does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or programs outside its service areas.

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

The GLCF Century Fund offers $100,000 annually to tax-exempt charitable organizations in Lynchburg and surrounding counties. This grant supports transformational projects that significantly improve nonprofit operations and community services. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to innovative change. The fund aims to enhance various project categories, including arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Organizations can apply every five years, ensuring a continuous opportunity for impactful funding.

The Boulder Junction Community Foundation provides grants to support innovative projects that address community needs and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include local nonprofits, schools, and government entities. Projects must align with the Foundation's mission and can include areas like education, health, and community development. The Foundation seeks to fund initiatives that foster collaboration and long-term impact, while avoiding support for annual campaigns or projects that discriminate.

The Arts Build Community: Incubation Grants by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation aim to foster community engagement through innovative arts projects. Targeted towards nonprofit arts organizations in Berkshire County, the grants provide up to $7,500 to initiatives that address barriers to participation, such as cost and accessibility. The program encourages collaboration and inclusivity, specifically focusing on communities of color, youth, and immigrants, ensuring a diverse and vibrant arts culture in the region.

The Story County Community Foundation offers the McCallsburg, Iowa Legacy Grant to enhance community well-being. This grant is aimed at nonprofit organizations and government entities in McCallsburg, focusing on projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding is subject to the available balance of the McCallsburg Legacy Fund. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote art, education, health, and community welfare while fostering an inclusive environment. For inquiries regarding eligibility and funding amounts, contact the Foundation directly.

The CBE Community Outreach Program Grant empowers local charities in Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas by providing financial support through employee donations. With contributions ranging from $5 to $25 per paycheck, CBE Companies donates over $15,000 quarterly to foster community engagement. This initiative reflects CBE's commitment to making a meaningful impact through partnerships and volunteerism, enhancing the quality of life in the communities they serve.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Snowy Owl Foundation Grant, established in 2010, supports organizations focused on Land, Art, Education, and Human Need. With a mission to nourish good organizations, the Foundation prioritizes local community initiatives while also considering qualified regional projects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated charities, while requests from religious organizations, individuals, and political entities are not reviewed. This grant aims to foster creativity and address critical community needs.

The Portland Arts & Culture General Operating Support program provides essential funding for local arts organizations that enhance the cultural ecosystem of the city. With a focus on accessibility, these grants support a wide range of activities including community events and arts education. Eligible organizations must be based in Portland, hold IRS 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse communities. Over 1.5 million attendees benefit from these programs annually, bolstering the local economy.

Impact100 Atlanta is a philanthropic initiative led by a diverse group of women aiming to create a sustainable impact in Metro Atlanta through collective funding. The organization focuses on supporting nonprofits addressing critical areas such as arts, education, family services, health, and environmental preservation. Grants are awarded based on eligibility criteria, and five finalists are selected to compete for funding at the Annual Meeting, promoting transformative projects within the community.

The Fund for the Arts: Cultural Pass Partner program offers 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the arts and culture sector the opportunity to provide free access to local institutions for youth aged 0-21. Through collaboration with various libraries and cultural organizations, the program encourages participation while ensuring grant funding is specifically allocated for arts and culture programming. Eligible organizations can register to be part of this initiative and enhance community engagement through the arts.

The Arts in Neighborhoods Community Event Mini-Grant supports innovative and creative events that engage communities in Greater Louisville. Applicants can request between $500 and $5,000 in funding, with a 1:1 match required for amounts exceeding $2,000. This program aims to foster community connections through arts and culture, allowing for events tied to geographic locations or shared interests and cultures, such as gardening or the LGBTQ+ community.

The Teaching Artists and Organizations Directory Grant, offered by Fund for the Arts, invites teaching artists and arts organizations to apply for inclusion in a directory aimed at connecting them with community partners. This initiative supports the delivery of multi-disciplinary arts programs to youth and multigenerational audiences, fostering health and well-being. Applications are accepted year-round, and the directory serves as a resource for community partners seeking qualified artists and organizations to enhance their programs.

The Arts + Creative Industries External Agency Grant Program, initiated by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government, provides vital funding support to local arts and culture nonprofits. Aimed at enhancing community life through the arts, the program offers grants of $25,000 to $50,000 based on organizational budgets. This initiative fosters creativity, promotes cultural programming, and ensures equitable access to arts experiences for all residents, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Louisville.

The Town of Granby Donor Advised Fund Grant, facilitated by the Grand Foundation, supports local non-profits enhancing community welfare in arts, education, environment, health, and recreation. Established in 1996, the Grand Foundation has provided over $23.7 million in grants, focusing on projects with measurable impacts. This grant encourages operational funding requests, but typically not multi-year commitments. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations, fostering collaboration among agencies for effective community service.

The Alston Beech Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations with clear, identifiable needs in the North Central Philadelphia area. Grants are available for strategic planning, program expansion, organizational capacity building, and initiatives focused on education, arts, and community safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, operational for at least two years, and comply with specific income and employment criteria. Applications are limited to one per organization annually, promoting sustainable community development.

The Social Justice Fund NW offers sponsorships to grassroots organizations in ID, MT, OR, WA, and WY, encouraging innovative projects often overlooked by traditional funders. Applicants must comply with specific requirements, including being within the designated region and ensuring events are accessible to the public. This initiative supports community-led efforts, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, fostering connections and amplifying collective action through diverse events.

The Impact100 Little Traverse Bay Grant Program supports nonprofits in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, focusing on community improvement in areas such as Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Wellness, Education, and Family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities based in these counties, with funds exclusively used within the region. The program promotes innovative initiatives that enhance life quality while ensuring sustainability and accountability through periodic progress reports.

The Dallas Foundation's Spring Grant Cycle invites nonprofits to submit Letters of Inquiry for funding in key areas: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, and Domestic Violence. Emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, the Foundation aims to support organizations that enhance community welfare and provide essential services to Dallas County residents. With plans to fund 5-10 nonprofits, this initiative underscores a commitment to improving lives and fostering a brighter future for all in North Texas.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation supports arts and culture initiatives in Southeast Michigan, with a focus on strengthening jazz culture and mentorship traditions. They provide funding for professional development opportunities for artists and promote audience engagement through music education. The foundation envisions a vibrant cultural landscape and is committed to making bold investments that address community needs while fostering collaboration among local organizations.

The Board Empowerment Grant Program, piloted by the Community Foundation for Monterey County in partnership with The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, aims to enhance nonprofit board leadership in Monterey County. This program offers a $5,000 unrestricted grant along with nine months of focused consulting and coaching. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations committed to systemic change, with a requirement for board participation. The initiative seeks to empower boards to drive impactful changes in their organizations.