Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Willson Center Research Seminar Program at the University of Georgia provides $2,000 for faculty-led interdisciplinary discussion groups on specific research topics. This grant is aimed at tenured or tenure-track faculty and is intended to facilitate the visit of external scholars to the campus. Applications are open for the upcoming academic year, focusing on fostering collaborative research initiatives among faculty.

The Amy Clampitt Poet Residency Program, established by The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers a six-month residency for poets at Amy Clampitt's former home in Lenox, Massachusetts. This program aims to foster the study and promotion of poetry, providing a peaceful retreat for a poet to focus on their craft. Selected poets receive a monthly stipend of $4,000 and are encouraged to make their creative work a priority during their stay.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship Fund

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship was established with a gift from Mary E. Berger and a future gift by the estate of Mary E. Berger to assist high school students who wish to attend college or university or professional school to pursue studies in art, music, history, political science, English, journalism and related liberal arts subject.

Worcester Neighborhood Arts and Creativity Grant

The Worcester Neighborhood Arts and Creativity Grant supports small-scale, resident and artist led projects that activate neighborhoods through arts, culture, and creative expression. This program is designed to fund ideas that respond to a clearly identified community need and use creativity as a tool to strengthen connection, belonging, and neighborhood identity. 

This grant program is being offered through a partnership between Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the City of Worcester Cultural Development Division using ARPA funds.

Unlike festivals or large public events, funded projects should be small scale, place-based, and deeply rooted in local context. Projects may be temporary, experimental, or pilot initiatives that test new ways of engaging neighbors and community members through the arts.

This program prioritizes projects that are accessible, community driven, and led by those who live, work, or create in Worcester neighborhoods.

Grant Amount

Awards of up to $5,000 per project. Applicants should request only what is necessary to successfully carry out the proposed activity.

Projects must:

• Be free and open to the public.
• Take place in Worcester neighborhoods.
• Demonstrate meaningful community engagement.
• Be achievable within the grant period.

About

The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) was founded in 1988 by a group of dedicated parents, physicians, and friends to improve the treatment, quality of life, and the long term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, support, education, and advocacy to families and survivors. In addition to providing funds to research a cure, the organization is the nation’s leader in quality of life programs for families impacted by brain and spinal cord tumors. We support families from the day of diagnosis and throughout the brain tumor journey.

CBTF believes in the importance of being responsive to the needs of everyone in the brain tumor community regardless of their racial/ethnic background. We believe in the importance of a culture that values people of all racial/ ethnic backgrounds. We value the many identities that an individual brings to the community and honor and appreciate the intersections of these identities. Our practice values respect, integrity and honesty. We are committed to inclusiveness. 

The Rosalie Out of the Ordinary Scholarship

Thank you for applying for the Rosalie Out of the Ordinary Scholarship. This opportunity is given in memory of Rosalie Ou, a brain tumor survivor who brought positive energy and creativity everywhere she went. Her passions were fashion, art, and friendship. Rosalie taught many of us the art of origami and at the same time instilled in us lessons about how to live a life filled with joy. Rosalie was not able to complete her degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her memory we dedicate this scholarship to a student who wants to fulfill their dream of a career in fashion or art.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Beth Bryan Creative Arts Fund Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

Steven Thayer Hopi Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Steven Thayer to provide scholarship funding for young Hopi artists to develop their talents and artistic skill.

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Golden Goldman Fund

The Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund’s mission is to maximize local impact in support of: Women’s issues including reproduction and choice; Arts and Culture; Literacy; Reducing Income Inequality; and Judaism.

Funding will be awarded based on your proposal's potential impact. We will be looking at the applying organizations' fiscal viability and their ability to reach out to underserved individuals as part of our evaluation process. We do not usually provide funding for ongoing, existing programs.

About Wallace

Our mission is to help all communities build a more vibrant and just future by fostering advances in the arts, education leadership, and youth development.

Request For Research Proposals:

Advancing Well-Being in the Arts Arts and Economic Mobility

As a part of its Advancing Well-Being in the Arts initiative’s Field Studies program, Wallace is interested in funding a small set of research studies that investigate aspects of how community-based arts organizations contribute to the economic mobility of their communities. “Communities” may include organizational staff, artists, audiences, program participants, local constituents served, and/or others as defined in proposals.

For this RFP, we broadly define and understand economic mobility, and pathways to economic mobility, as emerging through access to training and preparation, expanded social and professional networks, high quality jobs, as well as to basic needs such as safe neighborhoods, housing, health care, and food. However, we are eager to learn, through the studies to be funded, how arts organizations themselves conceptualize, define, and support economic mobility in their communities.

To that end, we invite letters of interest for studies related to the arts and economic mobility that would be of use and benefit to community-based arts organizations by, for example:

• Producing compelling new evidence, including quantitative indicators, of impact on the economic mobility of particular community groups (e.g., working artists, local families, staff, et al.);
• Generating new tools that can measure impact of arts organizations on economic mobility, including those that use quantitative approaches and methods;
• Developing testable theories of the relationship between arts organizations and economic mobility;
• Other ideas, to be proposed by the field.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

The Vanguard

Remuseum announces The Vanguard, an award and accelerator for innovative leaders in the visual and performing arts, in partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation. The Vanguard’s $100,000 annual award will recognize up to ten leaders who are exploring new ways to strengthen arts institutions, and a year-long accelerator will help them refine, implement, and evaluate their ideas. The first award and accelerator of its kind, The Vanguard celebrates leaders who are ready to center the public in their work in new ways, building models for increased relevance and sustainability in the arts.

The Program

The $100,000 grant that accompanies each award will go to that leader’s institution, to support ideas developed in The Vanguard’s 12-month accelerator program. That program begins with a week-long retreat at Shangri La, the Doris Duke Foundation’s global center for culture and ideas in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by a year of monthly coaching sessions, regional peer gatherings, and collaborative workshops, culminating in a public presentation of their work and findings to the broader arts community. The accelerator and its curriculum, tailored specifically for cultural leaders, has been designed by Jenny Larios Berlin, entrepreneur in the creative and tech sectors and Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, and will be co-taught with Gregory Bunch, entrepreneur and Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and will be advised by Ethernet Inventors Professor of Entrepreneurship Bill Aulet, Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.

By year’s end, members of The Vanguard will have built an intellectual kinship with each other while modeling a spirit of innovative leadership for the field. Remuseum will continue evaluating and sharing their work as case studies for cultural organizations broadly, and future classes will continue expanding a Vanguard of leaders (10, then 20, and on) who build models of success for cultural organizations in the 21st Century, allowing arts & cultural institutions not just to survive but to support a stronger and more pluralistic civil society.

The Partnership Agreement Grants for FY 2027, offered by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), support state and regional arts agencies in enhancing community arts accessibility. These grants leverage federal funding to attract significantly more state contributions, fostering a robust federal-state partnership. Each state arts agency develops a tailored arts plan, ensuring that local priorities and goals are effectively addressed. This collaborative approach amplifies the impact of federal arts funding across the nation.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides financial protection for museums exhibiting significant art and artifacts. Launched in 1975, it minimizes insurance costs for international exhibitions. The program allows U.S. entities to receive indemnity for works of art while on display in the U.S. Applications are assessed by expert panels, ensuring a thorough review process before approvals or conditional notices are issued.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, established in 1975, supports the exhibition of significant art and artifacts by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, it covers U.S. owned art during exhibitions in the country. The program evaluates applications through advisory panels and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, ensuring that vital cultural works are accessible while providing necessary financial protections.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, ensures that U.S. museums can exhibit significant art and artifacts without the burden of high insurance costs. Established in 1975, it provides indemnity against loss or damage, promoting access to cultural heritage. The program evaluates applications through expert advisory panels and typically meets three to six months after deadlines to decide on indemnity requests, thereby supporting the arts and enriching public engagement.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program provides museums and cultural institutions in the U.S. with financial protection against loss or damage to significant artworks during exhibitions. Established in 1975 and expanded in 2007, the program aims to enhance public access to art by minimizing insurance costs. Managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, it involves thorough evaluations by expert panels to ensure eligibility and compliance, facilitating the safe display of invaluable cultural treasures.

Women Create Foundation Grants

Empowering women creators.

About

Women Create, LLC is the publisher of two industry leading magazines, Where Women Create and What women Create. Every issue of WHAT & WHERE includes in-depth features about women from diverse geographies and backgrounds, the mediums they use and the projects and studios that support their passion.

Through our search for women artist/creators, we’ve seen the significant barriers and disparities in accessing funding they face to nurture their visions. The Women Create Foundation was created with the mission to empower women creators through grants that help bring projects to life and foster innovation.

The grant amounts vary depending on the artist’s needs. Financial awards typically range from $500-$2,000.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

JustJane Art Scholarship Fund for Women

Truly unique humans like Jane Marie Ewing do not populate the universe very often, and the JustJane Art Scholarship for Women was created to honor her remarkable spirit.

Jane was an artist at heart, finding joy in countless creative pursuits – whether baking delectable treats, capturing life’s beauty through photography, or expressing her imagination in fashion and digital illustration. Her zest for life was infectious, often bringing laughter through her playful “Jane Pranks”, which will forever live in the hearts of family and friends. Jane shared an inseparable bond with Kyle, each the center of the other’s universe. Tragically, Jane was taken from this world unexpectedly in 2025.

Her vibrant artistic soul touched every aspect of her life – from painting and interior design to crafting costumes for parties and pranks. Though her passion for art wasn’t fully nurtured early on, once she embraced it later in life, creativity flowed freely, illuminating the lives of everyone around her. Jane saw beauty everywhere, and her art became a reflection of that vision.

This scholarship carries forward Jane’s legacy, helping future generations cultivate their own artistic passions. It is a reminder to future generations that art has the power to transform lives.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Ashley Parks Creative Scholarship

Supports continued education in the arts or creative fields for non-traditional students.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Susan Falsetti-Burdett Memorial Scholarship Fund for Music

Born in Kittanning in 1957, Susan Burdett was the daughter of Aldo and Dorothy (Trenchik) Falsetti, and was a lifelong resident of our community. Susie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend. She taught music to many over the years, and also taught at Divine Redeemer School. She was caring, compassionate, sharing and understanding. Her charity will live on through this Susan Falsetti-Burdett memorial Scholarship Fund for Music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

In-Kind Donations

To apply for an in-kind donation from Carnival Foundation, submit an online application complete with the following information:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Contact name and information, including phone number and address for the individual who is organizing the event
• Name and date of the event
• Average amount of funds raised from the auction in previous years and estimated number and demographics of the event audience
• Description of how funds raised from the donation will be used within the organization
• List of other cruise suppliers, if any, participating in the event
• An outline with details of Carnival’s publicity/promotional opportunities associated with the event
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Geographical area(s) served

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

Grants Or Sponsorships

To apply for a grant or sponsorship from Carnival Foundation, prospective applicants must complete an online application and include the following information and documents:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization, including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Purpose for which the grant is requested
• Grant amount requested
• Listing of other sources of financial support
• Operating budget of the project for which the funds are requested
• Organization’s annual budget
• Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation
• Organization’s completed W-9 form
• Geographical area(s) served
• Organizations applying for a grant renewal must submit a final report detailing use of the prior grant award. Interim and final reports will be submitted through our online portal.

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 Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.