Best Grants for the Arts

Nonprofits and schools in New York seeking to run arts-focused or broader after-school and summer learning programs can apply for funding from the New York State Education Department, with awards from US $50,000 - US $1,200,000. With a mission to raise knowledge and opportunity, it supports community learning centers offering academic enrichment, arts and music, youth development, and family engagement.

Washington arts and culture nonprofits with operating budgets of $1 million or less can receive unrestricted support to advance their missions and community programs. Washington cultural organizations can access funding through ArtsFund’s Community Accelerator Grant, offering US $2,500 - US $25,000 in partnership with Allen Family Philanthropies for organizations across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Monroe and Ontario Counties can seek support for arts, education, and Jewish life initiatives that strengthen Jewish Rochester. With a mission to transform communities, the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation provides funding for innovative, collaborative programs that enhance cultural expression and community wellbeing in the region.

Creative arts 501(c)(3) organizations in Monroe and Ontario counties can receive unrestricted operating support for visual, literary, and performing arts programs. The Max And Marian Farash Charitable Foundation offers US $4,000 - US $48,000 to small and mid-size institutions with accessible arts experiences and ongoing arts education programming at the core of their mission.

Golden-area 501(c)(3) and qualifying 501(c)(4)/(c)(6) organizations, local government agencies, and public schools can receive US $500 - US $5,000 to support arts and culture, civic development, education, outdoor recreation, social services, and community improvement projects benefiting Golden residents. Golden Civic Foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen the community’s economic and cultural vitality.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, local government agencies, and public schools in Golden needing help with unexpected, time-sensitive expenses can seek Helping Hands Grants to preserve or enhance their missions. Grants from Golden Civic Foundation may support arts and culture projects, alongside civic development, social services, education, outdoor stewardship, and broader community improvements benefiting Golden residents.

Focused on arts and culture, education, and community well-being, this grant invites 501(c)(3) organizations in Licking County to propose projects that benefit local residents. Funding from Licking County Foundation’s John and Mary Alford Foundation Grant may support capital projects or innovative arts and cultural programs with broad community impact.

Arizona schools, districts, and community partners offering after-school or summer arts and enrichment programs can access funding through the Arizona Department of Education to create or expand community learning centers. These grants support academic enrichment plus activities like arts, music, and cultural programs for students at eligible Title I school sites and their families.

Lorain County arts and culture nonprofits can access funding through the Community Foundation of Lorain County for general operating or project support benefiting county residents. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor, including groups focused on strengthening the Lorain County community through innovative, collaborative cultural programming.

Individual artists and culture bearers in the Bay Area can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 in unrestricted support for artistic practice across disciplines. Focused on art and culture, California Arts Council invites eligible artists in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties to apply through Kala Art Institute.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering arts and culture programming in Northwest Illinois can receive project support to address community needs and foster civic and community betterment. The Foundation for Northwest Illinois provides grants to groups serving Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties for innovative, collaborative initiatives, including arts, education, human services, and community development projects.

The ACSCC: Develop Grants program offers funding up to $1,500 for professional development activities that enhance artistic skills or expand business capacities for artists and arts organizations in Santa Cruz County. The grants are designed to support the creation of artistically excellent work, increase accessibility to the arts, and engage new audiences without requiring a public exhibition. Eligibility is limited to local residents and organizations, with specific restrictions on previous grant recipients.

The Immediate-Need Investments grant focuses on supporting historically underfunded organizations in Massachusetts. With an emphasis on respect-based grantmaking, it provides one-time investments averaging $2,500 for urgent needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local branches of national organizations. The grant prioritizes those that empower communities and enhance transparency, ensuring that funding reaches those who are actively shaping shared narratives within their communities.

The City of San Diego offers several funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations each year through an annual process consisting of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP).

Arts, Culture & Community Festivals (ACCF)

Through discretionary Arts, Culture, and Community Festivals (ACCF) funds derived from Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds, City Council Offices can award nonprofit organizations funding to promote local arts and culture.

Funds awarded to organizations are awarded at the discretion of each Council Office. ACCF funding may be awarded as a supplemental allocation for nonprofits that have already received an OSP or CCSD award from the Cultural Affairs Department for FY27. Funding may also be awarded to nonprofits for a new project that has not previously received OSP or CCSD support. ACCF funding is solely reimbursement‑based.

The Community Projects, Programs and Services (CPPS) funding program in San Diego provides grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for one-time community needs. It supports initiatives in social, environmental, cultural, and recreational areas, ensuring they serve a lawful public purpose. Funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis, and applicants must be tax-exempt entities, financially solvent, and disclose all funding sources. This funding aims to enhance community services and infrastructure.

The Arts and Culture Nonprofits: Organizational Support Grant Program (OSP) by the City of San Diego provides vital funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit arts organizations. It supports projects that enhance the quality of life and cultural engagement in the city. Organizations can receive operational support based on their annual income, with awards ranging from $5,000 to 22% of their income. This initiative fosters a thriving arts ecosystem and broadens access to cultural activities.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County offers Program Development Grants to support the creation and expansion of services addressing unmet community needs. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with eligibility for non-profit organizations and public institutions serving Jackson County residents. Priority is given to projects that significantly impact the community, reach new audiences, and enhance organizational capacity. This initiative aims to foster community development through innovative programs and collaborative efforts.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County offers Capacity Building Grants aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in Jackson County, WV. These grants support projects that provide technical assistance and training, allowing organizations to better fulfill their missions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities located in Jackson County, ensuring their projects have a direct impact on local communities. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant community benefits and potential for sustainable development.

The CFSEK General Funds Grants support Southeast Kansas nonprofits with up to $160,000 in funding for 2023. The grants target projects in Youth Activities, Basic Human Needs, and Arts & Culture. Since 2004, numerous projects have benefited from these funds, fostering community growth and enhancing quality of life. In 2022, the foundation awarded $150,000 to 41 recipients, demonstrating a strong commitment to local initiatives. Applications will be available in June, encouraging broad participation.

Mission

The Scott Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving local wealth so the communities in and around Scott County will forever remain attractive places to live, work, and raise a family.

We accomplish our mission by:

• Assisting individuals, businesses, and community organizations in achieving their own charitable goals;
• Creating opportunities for individual and collective charitable giving so that every resident, regardless of social or economic circumstance, can participate in the growth of their community;
• An understanding of the ever-changing payment / reimbursement landscape
• Attracting, building, and managing permanent endowment funds in a prudent and principled manner;
• Investing time and money into projects that address the current and future needs of area residents;
• And by increasing awareness and public engagement on important issues and projects.

Youth Grant

This grant is unique and projects will be reviewed and money allocated by our panel of high school students. 

Field of Interest:

• Cultural Arts
• Historical
• Education
• Recreation
• Healthcare
• Other

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation aims to enhance life quality in Nemaha County by fostering philanthropy to create a lasting endowment. This fund will address evolving community needs and support cultural, educational, and health initiatives. We encourage local non-profits to apply for grants focused on various areas, including arts, education, and health care, to help make Nemaha County a vibrant place to live and work.

The Unity for Humanity Grant invites innovative creators to submit impact-driven projects that utilize real-time 3D technology. This annual grant provides funding, technical support, and marketing resources to help bring visionary ideas to life. Projects must align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible submissions include prototypes across various genres, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. Join us in empowering changemakers to make a positive global difference.

The GCAC General Support Grant provides essential funding to small to mid-sized arts organizations in Columbus, focusing on those with a strong public engagement and professional artist involvement. Eligible organizations must have a three-year history, a budget under $500,000, and a commitment to public activities. This grant fosters artistic creativity and community participation, ensuring that arts remain accessible and vibrant in the region.

The OCCF: Rapid Response Grant program supports nonprofit organizations in Owen County by providing up to $1,000 for emergency and time-sensitive needs. With no application deadline, these grants aim to enhance the quality of life for all residents. The OCCF focuses on various funding categories, including education, human services, and community wellness, reflecting its commitment to addressing immediate challenges and fostering long-term community development.

The Big Spring Area Community Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities that benefit residents of Howard County and surrounding areas. With over $16 million in assets, the foundation supports initiatives in art, culture, health, education, environment, and sports. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations. The foundation favors specific project requests and requires prior funding recipients to submit expenditure reports before reapplying.

The CLCF Opportunity Grant supports eligible organizations in Central Louisiana with grants ranging from $250 to $2,000. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on areas such as literacy, arts, culture, and community development. The program aims to enhance the quality of life by connecting local donors with projects they care about, promoting charitable giving, and addressing community needs effectively.

The Parsons Area Community Foundation offers annual competitive grants aimed at improving the quality of life in the greater Parsons area. Nonprofits, schools, and government entities within a 25-mile radius can apply for funding between December 15 and January 31. The PACF Board evaluates applications, with decisions announced each April. Organizations receiving funds must submit project completion reports. This initiative fosters charitable giving and addresses community needs effectively.