Local Arts Grants

SF Shines Design Services Grant Program, offered by the Invest In Neighborhoods division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Department in California, provides grants, design services, and project management for property improvements to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors. The program aims to assist businesses in obtaining permit drawings for storefront improvements to ensure compliance, safety, and efficient business operations. Grantees will have access to a licensed architect to ensure that their projects comply with local, state, and federal laws and codes.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The Harrison County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is seeking grant applications for projects and programs that benefit Harrison County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to advance opportunities across five critical areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The grant program is designed to support efforts that foster opportunity, address pressing needs, and unlock the potential within Harrison County. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals of all ages within Harrison County. The program places a strong emphasis on empowering local leaders who are actively working to create positive change. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the community by investing in projects that address key areas of need, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and promoting sustainable growth within the county. The program prioritizes initiatives that fall under the Pillars of Prosperity, ensuring a broad and impactful reach across various sectors. Funding requests are typically between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered based on their potential for significant impact. This flexible funding approach allows for support of both smaller, localized efforts and more ambitious projects that promise a greater return on investment for the community. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the areas of arts and culture, economic vitality, educational attainment, environmental health, and access to health and human services. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs and unleashing the potential" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate clear, positive changes in these areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to support community-led initiatives that directly address identified needs, operating under a theory of change that posits local investment and empowerment will lead to broad-based community development and resilience.

The Operating Support Program, offered by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, provides general operating grants to Nonprofit Arts organizations with 501(c)(3) designations. These organizations must be domiciled in Shreveport, Louisiana, and their programming should significantly enrich the cultural environment of the city. The program aims to support arts organizations that explicitly state the provision of arts activities to the public as primary to their mission. This aligns with the foundation's goal of fostering a vibrant cultural landscape within Shreveport by empowering local arts initiatives. This grant targets nonprofit arts organizations with annual cash income budgets for mission-related activities ranging from more than $25,000 to less than $500,000. The program prioritizes organizations that are officially domiciled and operating in Shreveport, with their official address registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State and located in Caddo Parish. The expected outcome is to provide crucial operational support to these organizations, enabling them to continue their work in enriching the city's cultural environment. Measurable results would include the number of organizations supported and the continued delivery of arts programming to the public. The program's focus is on providing flexible funding that covers essential overhead operating expenses. This includes personnel salaries, rental space, utilities, general marketing expenses, and supplies. By addressing these fundamental needs, the grant aims to stabilize and strengthen the operational capacity of local arts organizations. This strategic priority reflects the understanding that robust administrative and logistical support is critical for the sustained impact of arts programming. Eligibility criteria are stringent to ensure effective allocation of funds. Applicants must be in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State and Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and their nonprofit tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) must be current. Furthermore, organizations must have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of application. The funding period for applications is for Arts programming occurring between September 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, with a maximum grant amount of $15,000 due to funding availability.

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant is designed to provide crucial rental support for physical storefronts, offering up to 12 months of assistance ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $50,000 in direct rental support covering both past and future rent expenses. This grant program, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, aims to bolster the economic stability and growth of small businesses within Somerville, Massachusetts. The overall mission alignment of this grant is to foster a vibrant local economy, support business longevity, and promote equitable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small, physical storefront businesses located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that have opened a new storefront on or after January 2023, or are intending to open in 2024. The program specifically targets businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees and those operating in 5 or fewer locations, excluding franchises. The impact goals are to prevent business displacement, encourage new business growth, and support diverse ownership groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive local economy. During the review process, priority points are given to businesses that have not previously received City or State funding, those displaced due to "act of God" events or extreme rental increases since April 2020, and businesses that are immigrant-owned, women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQIA-owned, or disability-owned. Additional priority is given to businesses within a Qualified Census Tract, those with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and Somerville resident-owned businesses. These priorities reflect a strategic focus on equity, supporting underserved communities, and addressing the challenges faced by truly small, local enterprises. Expected outcomes include a reduction in storefront vacancies, increased stability for new and vulnerable small businesses, and a more diverse landscape of business ownership in Somerville. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses receiving support, their retention rates, and the demographic data of successful applicants. The City of Somerville's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, include fostering local economic development, promoting social equity, and building community resilience. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted rental assistance and prioritizing specific business types, the city can create a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive, generating local jobs and services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Somerville residents. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes local hiring, with awarded businesses agreeing to prioritize Somerville residents, especially low to moderate-income individuals, when suitable, reinforcing the community-centric approach.

The Vinton County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs that benefit Vinton County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across the region, particularly focusing on local community needs. The fund seeks to foster positive change and development within Vinton County by supporting various community-driven efforts. The grants are specifically targeted towards nonprofits, schools, and public organizations, as well as groups working under fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals of all ages residing in Vinton County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the county, aiming for tangible improvements in the quality of life for its residents. The program prioritizes projects and programs that advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses a diverse range of critical needs and supports holistic community development. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that are spearheaded by individuals committed to making a difference in their community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly tied to the advancement of opportunities within the five pillars. Projects are expected to demonstrate potential impact, with funding requests between $500 and $2,500 generally preferred, though larger requests may be considered based on the scale of their potential influence. This framework reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these key areas, through local initiatives, will lead to sustainable community growth and improved well-being for Vinton County residents.

This program provides financial assistance for down payments and homebuying costs to first-time homebuyers in Hennepin County, especially those from communities historically facing barriers to homeownership.

This grant provides funding to property owners, agricultural businesses, and non-profits for the rehabilitation and preservation of historic properties in the unincorporated areas of Frederick County, Maryland.

The CNY Arts is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for the year 2025 to individual artists and small nonprofit organizations in six counties of New York, aiming to support the development of arts projects and programming that engage diverse segments of the community, with applications open until October 25, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to independent cultural venues in Sacramento, such as music venues, art galleries, and bookstores, to help them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant provides financial support to agricultural businesses in Cecil County, Maryland, to help them expand, diversify, and improve their operations while promoting sustainability and community collaboration.

The Union County Local Arts Grants program, supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board, and the NJ State Council on the Arts, aims to strengthen local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to recognize the value of the arts, foster artistic excellence, and expand the public impact of arts organizations and projects within Union County. The program's design reflects a strategic priority to empower non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations that serve Union County residents, demonstrating a commitment to local cultural development. The primary target beneficiaries are non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving Union County residents, as well as libraries, schools, and units of government undertaking specific arts projects. The impact goals are multifaceted: to increase the availability and accessibility of quality arts experiences, broaden and diversify participation in the arts, and promote public and private support for local arts activities. This includes fostering collaborations and partnership-building, ensuring ADA compliance, and strengthening organizations artistically and administratively. The program prioritizes several key areas, encouraging applicants to highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists, incorporate diverse programming and artists, reach diverse and underserved audiences, present family-friendly programs, and promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Organizations can apply for either General Operating Support (GOS), exclusively for arts organizations to cover overall operations, or Special Project (SP) grants, open to both arts and non-arts organizations for specific arts projects or series. This dual approach allows for comprehensive support, addressing both the foundational stability of arts organizations and the execution of innovative projects. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic excellence, increased public recognition of the arts, and a more robust and diverse array of arts programs available to Union County residents. Measurable results are tied to strengthening local arts organizations, increasing accessibility through ADA compliance, and fostering greater community participation. The theory of change behind this grant program posits that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, Union County can cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape, enrich the lives of its residents, and stimulate broader community engagement and support for the arts.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million to a single organization to enhance statewide tobacco prevention efforts in California through communication, technical assistance, and support for local initiatives targeting high-risk populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance community well-being, safety, and economic opportunities.

The City of Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC) invites applications from Lafayette artists and arts organizations for projects that support arts and/or culture. This grant program aligns with LCAC’s mission to promote, nurture, and celebrate the visual, performing, cultural, and language arts in Lafayette, Colorado. This is achieved by connecting artists, building partnerships, and enhancing and supporting diversity within the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Lafayette artists and arts organizations. The program aims to support projects that provide a public and community benefit, rather than solely funding the artistic practice of an individual. The impact goals include increasing arts and cultural access for community members and empowering historically underserved populations, thus supporting LCAC's goal to foster diversity. Priorities for funding include projects that demonstrate high quality and projected impact, thoroughness in the application, a comprehensive and reasonable budget, and strong programs and services. Demonstrated need for support is also a key factor. A significant focus is placed on the quantity and quality of community impact, considering both participant numbers and the depth of engagement. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in arts and cultural access, with projects actively contributing to the community's cultural landscape. Success is measured by project quality, impact, and how well it aligns with LCAC's mission and IDEA Framework. Awards are typically $2,000 or less, with projects required to be completed between January 1, 2025, and December 14, 2025.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and informal arts and culture groups for public arts and culture events and programs in Georgetown.

The Pollinator Pathways grant program, led by local conservation partners in Minnesota, aims to promote native plantings to establish key corridors for at-risk pollinators like the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of increasing biodiversity, enhancing climate resiliency through deep-rooted native vegetation, and providing essential ecosystem services. The program is designed to fund pollinator plantings and inspire DIY projects among Minnesota residents. Funding for the FY24/25 biennium totals $1,100,000, with individual grant requests needing to be greater than $50,000. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Minnesota residents, communities, and educational spaces, particularly those with gardens, as well as the at-risk pollinator species themselves. The impact goals are to establish and connect pollinator pathways across communities, ranging from local neighborhoods to entire watersheds. This will be achieved by creating new habitats and educating Minnesotans about pollinators and ecological landscaping. The program also seeks to foster civic engagement and public outreach to further these goals. The program prioritizes activities that directly support the establishment of pollinator habitat projects. This includes planting beneficial trees, shrubs, pollinator lawns, meadows, and native pocket plantings, with a maximum project size of 5 acres. A strong emphasis is placed on using MN Native Plants and Seeds that are insecticide/neonicotinoid free, ensuring at least three blooming plant species during spring, summer, and fall, and sourcing native plants within 175 miles of the project location. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in pollinator habitat across Minnesota, improved climate resiliency, and greater biodiversity. Measurable results will stem from tracking the establishment of pollinator habitat projects, the types and diversity of native plantings, and the engagement of residents and communities in ecological landscaping efforts. The program’s strategic approach centers on local partnerships, community involvement, and hands-on projects, with a theory of change that by empowering residents and communities to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, vital corridors will be established, leading to a healthier environment for at-risk pollinators and broader ecological benefits.

The City of Port St. Lucie, in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, launched the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to financially support businesses affected by the pandemic. This program serves as a reimbursement grant, providing up to $10,000 for business-related expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, reopening costs, safety measures, and payroll during closures. The initiative is funded by FloridaCommerce through its Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program, demonstrating a commitment to economic recovery and stability within the community. The program primarily targets small businesses with 0-50 employees that were in operation before March 1, 2020, and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A key focus is on businesses located within qualified low-to-moderate-income Census Tracts (QCTs) or owned by individuals whose household income qualifies as low or moderate. This targeting aligns with a broader mission of supporting vulnerable populations and fostering equitable economic recovery within the city. Prioritization is given to applications from small businesses that have not previously received COVID-19 relief funding, ensuring that support reaches those most in need of assistance. The program aims to mitigate the financial strain caused by the pandemic, allowing businesses to cover essential operating costs and implement necessary safety measures. The emphasis on current tax status and registration with the Florida Division of Corporations underscores a commitment to supporting legitimate and compliant businesses. With a total of $390,000 initially available, and approximately $165,000 remaining after 23 approved applicants as of mid-March, the program has already made a significant impact. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of small businesses, retention of employment, and a more resilient local economy. By providing direct financial relief, the grant contributes to the overall stability and recovery of Port St. Lucie's small business sector, particularly in its low-to-moderate-income areas.

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program aims to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations within Bellevue, Washington. This program directly supports the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape, recognizing the importance of well-maintained and accessible facilities for artistic expression and community engagement. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of enriching the lives of Bellevue residents by ensuring robust and sustainable cultural infrastructure. It prioritizes the physical foundations that enable arts and cultural organizations to thrive, acknowledging that facility health is critical for long-term operational success and public service. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue that require funding for capital projects or facility maintenance. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the longevity, functionality, and accessibility of cultural facilities, thereby expanding access to arts and culture for underrepresented groups and the general public. Expected outcomes include improved physical spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, leading to increased participation and engagement from Bellevue residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or maintained, the increase in program offerings, and the growth in audience attendance or participant numbers. The program has two distinct focuses: Capital Projects and Facility Maintenance. Capital Projects encompass acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and major building renovations. Facility Maintenance focuses on preventative maintenance and repairs to preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. Both types of projects are prioritized, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for supporting the physical infrastructure of the arts. The funding structure for Capital Projects allows for requests up to $499,999 for renovations and equipment, with potential for higher requests for land acquisition or new construction, provided it doesn't exceed 40% of the total project budget. Facility Maintenance grants also cap at $499,999. Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to public benefit, a sustainable financial model, and a strong presence in Bellevue. Organizations must be nonprofits in good standing for at least two years and not be dependent on City funding for their operational staffing or facility maintenance. A key strategic priority is to ensure that public funding translates into tangible public benefits, such as free or reduced-fare tickets, scholarships for arts education, and services that expand access to underrepresented groups. This aligns with a theory of change where investment in cultural infrastructure and organizational stability directly leads to increased public access and engagement with the arts. Project eligibility also requires site control and a commitment to operating the facility for a minimum of five or ten years, depending on the project size, demonstrating a long-term vision for cultural sustainability in Bellevue.