Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color

Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color is a national grant program designed to uplift and support folklife and traditional arts embedded within communities of color across the United States. Managed by the six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations (RAOs), the initiative operates under the broader support framework provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. The program acknowledges the significance of folklife—often referred to as “the art of everyday life”—and its vital role in sustaining cultural practices, values, and beliefs within diverse communities. The goal of Walking Together is to recognize, invest in, and preserve living traditions that evolve while maintaining a connection to their community’s history. These traditions serve as tools for collective empowerment, cultural identity, and healing. The program offers two core funding tracks: $15,000 for individual artists and tradition bearers, and $50,000 for community-based organizations that actively support and nurture folklife practices in communities of color. Notably, these grants are unrestricted and do not need to be applied to a specific project, allowing recipients the flexibility to grow and sustain their work in culturally relevant ways. Walking Together embraces an inclusive approach by supporting both individuals and collectives including nonprofits, Tribal and local governments, and businesses with deep community ties. Eligibility is limited to residents of the 56 U.S. states and jurisdictions served by the RAOs, ensuring nationwide reach while also focusing on regional responsiveness. Each RAO has dedicated advisors available to assist applicants throughout the process, underscoring the program’s commitment to accessibility and equity. The inaugural cycle of Walking Together closed with a self-nomination deadline on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. This initial pilot round is complete, and the program is not currently accepting new applications. However, given the recurring nature of such initiatives and its national scope, future funding rounds are likely. Stakeholders and potential applicants are encouraged to monitor announcements from their respective RAOs for updates on upcoming opportunities. While the application process details are not fully outlined for future rounds, the current structure indicates a self-nomination-based intake process. Evaluation criteria for grantees appear to focus on the depth of commitment to folklife preservation, community engagement, and cultural continuity. The flexibility of the funding and the tailored support from RAOs suggest an evaluation model that values cultural authenticity and grassroots impact. Inquiries are directed to regional advisors listed on the program website, ensuring applicants receive locally relevant support. These contacts range across RAOs, such as Ellen Mueller at Arts Midwest and Adrienne Petrillo at the New England Foundation for the Arts, among others. The program is part of a broader effort by RAOs and the National Endowment for the Arts to equitably fund and elevate underrepresented traditions and communities through sustainable arts infrastructure and advocacy.