Urbana Arts Grants Program

The Urbana Arts Grants Program is a public grantmaking initiative operated by the City of Urbana through the Urbana Arts and Culture Commission. It is designed to support projects that integrate the arts into public spaces and foster vibrant cultural engagement across the city. With a funding pool of up to $90,000 in 2026, the program invites applications from individual artists, arts organizations, and festival presenters for innovative and inclusive arts projects that are accessible to Urbana residents and visitors. Projects are expected to celebrate diversity, enhance quality of life, and stimulate economic development through the arts. Grants are available in three categories. Tier I grants offer between $2,000 and $3,499 for individual artists and small-scale initiatives. Tier II grants provide between $3,500 and $4,999 for mid-sized projects. Arts in the Schools grants are also available for initiatives within Urbana School District #116 and are integrated into the Tier I application. This flexible tiered model allows a broad range of creative projects to be funded—from public performances and exhibitions to workshops and multimedia installations—so long as they are publicly accessible and take place within Urbana city limits. Eligible disciplines include creative writing, dance, film, video, music, theater, visual arts, crafts, performing arts, spoken word, environmental arts, multimedia, architectural arts, landscape architecture, and emerging media. Applications from outside the city are permitted, though preference may be given to those within Urbana or its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts. Projects may not serve as commercial advertising, political endorsements, or religious activities. However, faith-based organizations may apply for funding for non-religious cultural programs, provided they clearly delineate the secular component. Grants may not be used for general operating expenses or to purchase non-consumable materials such as cameras, instruments, or software. Additionally, funding cannot be used to support completion of academic degrees, fundraising events, or any projects that offer prizes or gifts. Salaries or honoraria for Urbana city staff or commissioners are also ineligible for grant funding. The 2026 application window runs from March 23 to April 27, 2026, with applications submitted through the Neighborly Portal. All applicants since 2021 will use the same platform for both application and grant management. Submissions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date, and late applications will not be considered. A tutorial video and application guidelines are available on the Urbana Arts & Culture Program website to support prospective applicants through the submission process. Key goals of the Urbana Arts Grants Program include increasing the availability of public art, supporting emerging artists and new art forms, celebrating multicultural traditions, and encouraging collaboration among artists, local organizations, and businesses. Questions may be directed to the program staff via [email protected].

Priority for public access; avoid operating cost requests; TIF district preference