Best Grants for Visual Artists

Funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), this money is for arts and cultural projects that contribute to creative experiences for audiences in Brooklyn. The best proposals share how the project will impact the cultural life of their audience and community.

In 2025, Brooklyn Arts Fund distributed $626,000 to 200 projects across Brooklyn.

Yaddo's Residency provides a tranquil retreat for artists in Saratoga Springs, New York, fostering creativity through undisturbed work in a supportive environment. Open to professional and emerging artists across various disciplines, residencies last from two weeks to two months and include room, board, and a studio. Applications are evaluated solely on the quality of the work, encouraging diverse talents to apply without publication or performance requirements.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jim Liles Student Award

 The Jim Liles Student Award is intended to assist students who want to make presentations at a CSA Southeastern Region symposium. These presentations may be on any costume-related topic. The work should be well researched and may or may not be thesis, dissertation, course research project, independent study research, or senior project related. Up to TWO students whose papers are accepted will receive up to $1,000 each to cover travel and other related expenses. The Registration fee will be waived for all student presenters, regardless of whether they receive this award.

The Aminah Robinson Fellowship, offered by the Greater Columbus Arts Council in partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art, provides a 90-day fellowship and an unrestricted $15,000 award to a professional African American visual artist residing in Franklin County. This initiative supports the artist's creative process and encourages community engagement through outreach opportunities. Applicants must identify as African American, be 18 or older, and produce work that reflects cultural storytelling and heritage.

The Liu Shiming Art Foundation provides the Liu Shiming Artist Grants to support artists globally. Eligible applicants must have a degree in studio arts or have held a debut exhibition between 2015 and 2023. The foundation aims to promote understanding of Asian art and culture. Grants of $5,000 total will be awarded in two installments, with notification to successful applicants by December 2, 2025, and the first payment due by January 15, 2026.

The GKFF Artists Creative Fund, a program by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, supports local artists in Tulsa by providing funding and professional development. With 20 awards of $10,000 each, the fund encourages innovative projects across various artistic disciplines. Applicants must reside in Tulsa and commit to public engagement through events. This initiative aims to foster creativity and empower artists, ultimately enhancing the cultural landscape of the community.

The Sheila Gulley Pleasants Fellowship, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), supports talented writers, visual artists, and composers in need of financial assistance to attend the residency program at Le Moulin à Nef in Auvillar, France. This endowed fellowship honors Sheila Gulley Pleasants, recognizing her 35 years of service to VCCA. With individual studios and meals provided, artists can focus on their creative work in a supportive community from March 16 to December 10, 2026.

The Kala Fellowship Program offers innovative artists a unique residency experience. Funded by the Kala Art Institute, this fellowship provides financial support of $3,000, extensive studio access, and a collaborative community. Artists can engage in specialized training in printmaking and digital media, culminating in participation in an annual group exhibition. With over 30 years of tradition, the program emphasizes creativity and artistic excellence, fostering diverse media exploration and project completion.

Ninety-nine Girlfriends offers annual Impact Awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits in the Portland Metro/SW Washington area. The grants focus on four key areas: educational equity for youth, environmental sustainability, housing stability, and women's economic empowerment. Emphasizing equity and trust-based philanthropy, they seek organizations that demonstrate a commitment to community impact and inclusivity. Applications are open to 501(c)(3) entities and fiscally sponsored groups, requiring a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.

The CFMT William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to enhance the local arts scene. This fund supports visual arts, arts education, and art therapy programs, providing grants up to $15,000 for eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. Through collective philanthropy, it strives to foster a thriving and inclusive community while honoring the legacy of Bill Rollins, a passionate artist.

The Hodder Fellowship at Princeton University's Lewis Center for the Arts supports artists and writers of exceptional promise through independent projects. Recipients can be composers, choreographers, performance artists, or visual artists, among others. The fellowship provides a $93,000 stipend for a 10-month appointment, allowing fellows to engage in significant new work without the obligation of formal teaching. This opportunity fosters creativity and exploration in the arts, encouraging innovative approaches to various disciplines.

The Cape Cod Artist Scholarship, offered by the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), supports local artists residing year-round on Cape Cod. This scholarship facilitates access to workshops in various media, honoring notable PAAM family members and encouraging artistic expression. With no age restrictions, artists in painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and mixed media are invited to apply. PAAM aims to promote education in the arts and enrich the community through its vibrant arts programming.

The QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship supports emerging visual artists in New York City, offering $20,000, mentorship, and professional development. Founded by the Jerome Foundation, the program aids artists at the beginning of their careers, encouraging innovative artistic approaches and risk-taking. The fellowship culminates in solo exhibitions at the Queens Museum in 2027, fostering community engagement and artistic growth among participants while honoring the legacy of philanthropist Jerome Hill.

The Princeton Arts Fellowships, supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aim to recognize and nurture early career artists across various disciplines including visual arts and performance. Selected fellows will spend two years at Princeton University, engaging in teaching and artistic projects. This fellowship not only provides a stipend of $93,000 annually but also fosters a vibrant community of creativity and collaboration, allowing artists to thrive in an academic environment.

The Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in History of Art and Visual Studies at Cornell University invites applications for a two-year position starting August 1, 2026. The fellowship, sponsored by the Society for the Humanities, offers a stipend of $64,000 per year. Candidates will engage in comparative studies of art history and visual culture prior to 1000 AD while teaching two courses annually. International applicants are encouraged, contingent upon visa eligibility.

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Project Grants of up to $2,500 to support innovative projects that enhance materials science education for the next generation of professionals. This grant aims to inspire creativity in training initiatives related to ceramics and glass, fostering community engagement. Eligible projects should focus on outreach and instructional activities, while ineligible requests include funding for research, equipment, or any commercial purposes. Join in advancing education in this vital field!

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Grant supports the creative and performing arts in the San Antonio area, honoring Rogers' legacy. Grants are focused on specific projects, performances, and productions aligned with the arts, including music, literature, and visual arts. Only 501(c)(3) organizations primarily serving the San Antonio metropolitan area are eligible. The Fund emphasizes thoughtful consideration of funding requests while adhering to its budget limitations, ensuring a lasting impact on the local arts community.

The Bertha Anolic Visual Arts Israel Award offers $2,000 to Jewish students passionate about the visual arts and Israel. This funding supports independent study trips, including museum visits, art research, and studio work. Recipients receive $1,750 upfront, with $250 following a report and visuals post-trip. Eligible candidates include undergraduate juniors, seniors, or graduate students in Jewish studies or fine arts, who demonstrate a genuine interest in visual arts, regardless of their major.

The City of Carlsbad's Community Arts Grants program supports emerging arts organizations in Carlsbad, CA. Aimed at fostering artistic and cultural activities, these grants provide up to $5,000 for projects that engage diverse communities. Applicants must be recognized as nonprofit entities, with a focus on inclusive practices and artistic expression across various mediums. The program emphasizes collaboration and community impact, aligning with the city's cultural values and commitment to enriching local arts.

The City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grants support educational institutions and affiliated groups in enhancing arts education through various programs. Aiming to foster creativity and cultural engagement, this initiative promotes diverse representation and participation in arts. Grants of up to $3,500 are available for projects that prioritize inclusivity and community impact. Applications are open to nonprofit schools and organizations in Carlsbad, adhering to specific guidelines that ensure equitable access to arts funding.

The Studio Glass Grant, offered by the Arizona Glass Alliance, supports the creation and appreciation of studio art glass. This grant welcomes proposals year-round that align with the AGA's mission to promote education and outreach in the glass art community. Preference is given to Arizona-based applicants and AGA members. Recipients are encouraged to share their experiences through a talk within a year of receiving the grant, highlighting their accomplishments with the funding.

The Granville County Community Foundation (GCCF) offers grants to nonprofits to support community enhancement. Established in 1997, GCCF allocates funds from its endowments, including the Martha Frances Pruitt Endowment Fund, to organizations meeting eligibility criteria such as being tax-exempt public charities or local government units. The foundation encourages diverse community programs while excluding funding for political purposes, loans, or general operating support for religious entities. This initiative aims to foster inclusive community development.

The NYSCA Support for Artists Grant offers vital funding to artists in New York State, promoting the development of new work across various artistic disciplines. This grant is designed to enhance diverse artistic voices, encourage significant growth in individual artists, and strengthen collaborations with sponsoring organizations. Prequalification is mandatory for nonprofit applicants, ensuring a streamlined process for those seeking to elevate their creative endeavors. Artists are invited to apply through sponsoring organizations to receive support for their innovative projects.

The Rasmuson Foundation offers Project Awards to support Alaska artists in various disciplines with grants of $10,000 for specific short-term projects. This initiative aims to help emerging, mid-career, and established artists reflect on their work, explore creativity, and develop their artistry. Applications are open until June 9, 2025, providing essential resources for individual artists and collaboratives alike. The program emphasizes professional development and promotion of artistic work through various channels.