Best Grants for Visual Artists in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding for creative, cultural programming through the J R Simplot Company Foundation. Focused on arts, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture, the foundation invites U.S. nonprofits to apply for support, with requests reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits and visual artists can seek funding for visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental projects, with awards up to US $10,000. Focused on smaller organizations, the Joseph Robert Foundation supports innovative visual art programming, community-based environmental work, and animal welfare initiatives, offering both project and general operating support where eligible.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on literacy, children, the arts, social justice, or the environment can seek program or project support, including visual arts initiatives. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help eligible organizations, with awards up to US $5,000 and a preference for groups in select Pennsylvania counties such as Franklin and Fulton.

Nonprofit organizations running established visual arts, wellness, or middle-school education programs in Pennsylvania and select nearby states can apply for the Corinne R & Henry Bower Memorial’s invitation-only grants, typically around Approximately US $8,300, to support year-round, direct-service programming. Visual arts organizations with measurable outcomes and at least three years of operations may be eligible.

Visual artists and arts nonprofits in Pennsylvania can apply for VIA Art Fund’s Artistic Production Grant Program; awards US $25,000 - US $100,000 for new public or nontraditional visual art commissions. Eligible projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue or presenting partner and emphasize artistic excellence, thought leadership, and strong public engagement.

Women-identifying visual and fine artists in Pennsylvania creating environmental art projects can apply for up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress work with public engagement. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support U.S.-based projects led by individual artists that address ecological and social ethics through themes like regeneration, climate change, or systems restoration.

Pennsylvania college and graduate students in visual arts or music programs can receive scholarship support for degrees such as BFA, BA in Studio Art, MFA, or music degrees. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Cynthia and Alan Baran Fund backs majors in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and music, including acoustic mandolin or guitar.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in rural communities under 20,000 people can seek up to US $12,000 to develop, implement, or sustain visual, literary, music, and performing arts programs. Grants from the Laura Jane Musser Fund help eligible groups in select rural counties, including Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, expand community access to the arts.

Graduating high school seniors in Shawnee, Oklahoma planning to major in music, visual arts, dance, or drama can receive scholarship support for higher education. Focused on arts-focused college study, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma invites eligible students to apply; visual arts students, including aspiring fine artists, may particularly benefit from this opportunity.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, university departments, and individual visual artists with projects tied to the Thoma collection areas can seek support for exhibitions, convenings, and scholarly work, including in Pennsylvania. Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation particularly welcomes innovative visual arts and art history projects, with a focus on significant exhibitions and programs supporting artists.

American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students in fine or visual arts fields can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship; awards range from $100 to $30,000 per year. Eligible students in Pennsylvania attending accredited U.S. institutions full-time and meeting Tribal and GPA requirements may benefit.

U.S. college and university students in fine, visual, performing, or technical arts can receive support for their degree studies through scholarships from UNICO Foundation; awards are US $2,500. This national program requires full-time, campus-based enrollment, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and residence in a state with an active UNICO chapter, including Pennsylvania.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in fine and visual arts can receive need-based scholarship support for full-time study at accredited institutions, including those from Pennsylvania. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help cover educational costs for disciplines such as crafts, performing arts, music, literary arts, creative writing, and poetry across the U.S.

Architects and related preservation professionals in Pennsylvania can seek up to US $15,000 for original projects advancing historic preservation in the U.S. Focused on innovative research or design, the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation invites proposals that can be shared with the architecture and preservation community, which may include visual artists working in architecture-related fields.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant for writers focusing on sculpture, encouraging diverse voices in this field. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or hold an O-1 visa, and have published work within the last five years. The grant aims to support fresh perspectives on the history and aesthetics of sculpture, promoting artistic growth and innovation. Applications are limited to one submission per individual, ensuring a fair opportunity for all.

Mid-career individuals in fields like historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, or decorative arts can receive up to US $15,000 for preservation-focused research or project execution from the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation. Pennsylvania visual artists whose work intersects with these disciplines and U.S. preservation practice may be eligible if they are legal U.S. residents or citizens.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant annually to support sculptors and writers on sculpture, promoting creativity and artistic development. This grant is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as O-1 Visa holders, who demonstrate a strong commitment to sculpture. Eligible expenses include materials, research, and living costs. The foundation values diversity and does not discriminate based on background, ensuring a wide range of applicants can apply.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Mathilda & Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 5+ years, studying fine arts and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The William Talbott Hillman Foundation Grant supports innovative arts programming in Pittsburgh and NYC, focusing on young people and BIPOC communities. With a year-round application process, the Foundation prioritizes photography as a fine arts medium and civic engagement initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt to apply. The Foundation also emphasizes safety nets for artists and art education in under-resourced communities.

The Bethel Park Community Foundation (BPCF) offers small grants up to $500 for community-benefiting initiatives. Applications must be submitted by the 2nd Thursday of the month for review. The foundation prioritizes projects in areas such as community facilities, education, recreational activities, arts exposure, and health and safety. Note that requests from the Bethel Park School District and Municipality, as well as those serving only one individual, are ineligible for funding.

Visual artists and art organizations creating environmentally focused, solution-oriented projects in any medium can apply for Puffin Foundation support, with projects prioritized in the U.S., including Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants include individual artists, organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects led by citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients using art to address climate and other pressing social issues.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing instrumental music or art degrees can receive scholarship support for higher education from the Greater Salina Community Foundation. With a mission to enhance quality of life, the foundation assists Solomon Valley area students, including those in Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, who are preparing for future careers in the fine and visual arts.

Pennsylvania visual arts students may be eligible if they are residents of Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire Counties in Massachusetts pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their freshman year. These one-year scholarships from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provide up to US $3,000 toward college costs, with reapplication allowed each year.

The MFA Fellowship, funded by the Dedalus Foundation, provides a $15,000 stipend to final-year students graduating from MFA programs in Painting and Sculpture in the U.S. Annually, four fellowships are awarded based on nominations from department chairpersons, allowing institutions to nominate two candidates each. Nominees must graduate in the following spring semester and submit application materials including work samples and a biographical statement. This initiative supports emerging artists in their professional development.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program focuses on supporting artists and organizations that are often marginalized. In even years, proposals are accepted in fine arts, music, and photography. With a maximum grant size of $3,500, it aims to empower individuals and groups with limited resources to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring diverse artistic expressions thrive in society. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one proposal is permitted per year.

The Anne Gilbert Visual Arts Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support undergraduate college sophomores pursuing studies in fine arts, graphic design, art and design, or fashion design. Applicants must be residents of Muskingum County, have completed their freshman year, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship encourages artistic development and community engagement, allowing students to further their education and creative pursuits.

The Walter Blackburn Scholarship, established by Alpha Blackburn in memory of her husband, supports Marion County residents pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine arts, performing arts, or construction management. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to public school and minority students. Awards cover educational expenses at accredited institutions, including tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board, fostering educational opportunities in Central Indiana.