Projects, Events, or Festivals Grant

The Projects, Events, and Festivals (PEF) grant, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), is designed to support initiatives that advance the arts and humanities in the District of Columbia. As an agency committed to enriching the city’s cultural landscape, CAH fosters opportunities for individuals and nonprofit organizations to contribute to the District's recognition as a world-class cultural capital. Through this program, CAH aims to improve the quality of life for DC residents, promote community vibrancy, and strengthen the local creative economy by funding impactful projects. The PEF grant supports a wide range of projects that demonstrate a clear and meaningful impact within the District. Eligible proposals include concerts, performances, readings, exhibitions, and festivals that reflect DC’s diverse artistic expressions. These events often incorporate various disciplines such as dance, music, film, theater, and folk arts. Priority is given to community-based projects—those that are geographically or thematically focused within neighborhoods, cultural communities, or areas of shared interest and identity. The flexibility in project size allows both emerging and established practitioners to apply, provided that the proposed work directly benefits DC residents and visitors. This grant is open to individuals as well as nonprofit arts and humanities organizations, including service and arts education groups operating within Washington, DC. While the program does not specify limitations by discipline, all applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to DC through their work. CAH encourages all potential applicants—especially those uncertain about eligibility or project alignment—to consult with a CAH grants manager for guidance. The program emphasizes inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that funded projects offer high-quality experiences that are broadly accessible across the District. PEF has an annual grant cycle. For FY 2026, the Request for Applications (RFA) closed on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The upcoming FY 2027 cycle will open on Monday, April 13, 2026. The application process follows a standard RFA release and deadline format. Applicants are advised to review eligibility requirements and application guidelines in advance of submission. While the full application requirements are not detailed on the overview page, past cycles have included narrative proposals and documentation of project scope and impact. CAH also provides lists of past grantees as reference points for potential applicants. The grant does not list detailed evaluation criteria on the source page; however, it implies a focus on District impact, community engagement, and artistic quality. Awards support projects of all sizes, provided they meet the overarching goal of enriching the DC cultural landscape. Projects must be based in or clearly benefit the District and its communities. Grant awards are made with the intent of stimulating cultural participation and supporting public events accessible to local audiences. Contact for the PEF program includes CAH’s main office at 200 I Street SE, Suite 1400, Washington, DC, with email inquiries directed to [email protected] and phone support at (202) 724-5613. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Applicants are encouraged to reach out with questions or for clarification prior to the application deadline. The next cycle is anticipated to open in April 2026, with funding notifications likely to follow the standard review and evaluation period.

Strong proposals should highlight cultural contribution to DC and community-based engagement.