policy and advocacy
Funding Resources
Artist as Entrepreneur: Economic Development Resource Guide
This resource guide (pdf) previews a new set of federal economic development programs that can support arts and cultural organizations. These programs, housed at the Economic Development Administration, Housing & Urban Development Department, Transportation Department, Energy Department and several others contain eligibility guidelines that should be encouraging to any arts or cultural organization that is seeking to find new federal support, most likely in partnership with other local municipal or state agencies. January 2011
Federal Resource Guide Series for Arts Organizations
Resource Guide #10: Earmarks for Cultural Agencies and Institutions II
This resource guide provides a list of earmarks for cultural agencies, by federal agency, that Americans for the Arts identified in the FY 2008 appropriations bills.
Resource Guide #9: National Service and the Arts
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNS) offers a variety of service programs and grants that can connect nonprofit arts organizations, schools, colleges, and local agencies with volunteers and financial support to help meet unmet community needs in education, health, environment, poverty, the elderly, and public safety. This resource guide (pdf) outlines the AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Senior Corps programs with examples of previously funded arts and culture related projects.
Resource Guide #8: Rural Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development division administers Community Facilities grant and loan programs designed to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. Communities with populations below 20,000 and 50,000 are eligible for funding under these programs. This resource guide (pdf) provides an explanation of the programs and examples of previously funded projects.
Resource Guide #7: National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers significant assistance for a range of arts-related programs, especially activities related to scholarship and public programs in arts history, criticism, and theory. This resource guide (pdf) provides an explanation of the NEH grant program and a representative list of recent arts-related grants.
Resource Guide #6: Earmarks for Cultural Agencies and Institutions I
An earmark is a sum of money that, upon request of one or more representatives or senators, Congress directs to a specific project such as a building, transportation project, or cultural program or service. This resource guide provides a list of earmarks for cultural agencies, by federal agency, that Americans for the Arts identified in the FY 2005–FY 2006 appropriations bills.
Resource Guide #5: Military Base Closings
In November 2005, the 2005 Base Realignment & Closure Commission (BRAC) recommendations went into effect. As a result, 22 major defense installations were closed and another 33 were designated to have their workforce realigned, impacting 27 states. Americans for the Arts has published a resource guide (pdf) for local arts organizations in those affected states to consider how to get involved in the future redevelopment possibilities.
Resource Guide #4: International Cultural Exchanges
The Arts Exchanges on International Issues Program is authorized through the Fulbright-Hays Act and administered by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Bureau seeks proposals for projects in which youth influencers reach underserved youth audiences through arts education programs, and youth develop their artistic and leadership capabilities. This resource guide (pdf) describes the program and eligibility requirements in detail.
Resource Guide #3: Transportation Enhancement Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation operates the Transportation Enhancement program, which helps fund local transportation-related cultural projects. This resource guide (pdf) provides arts examples and includes the newly reauthorized Transportation Enhancement Program guidelines that can assist organizations with navigating this funding opportunity.
Resource Guide #2: Community Development Block Grant Program
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a local economic development program funded through the U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Department and administered locally. This resource guide (pdf) provides the background, eligible activities, and detailed grant examples to assist localities in using this funding opportunity.
Resource Guide #1: Arts Education [2nd Edition]
This publication provides an overview of programs under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. These laws are the basis for most federal funding for the nation's schools. This resource guide (pdf) is a layered document with at-a-glance funding information as well as links to more detailed information and resources.
Funding Opportunities through Americans for the Arts
There are currently no funding opportunities through Americans for the Arts at this time. Occasionally, Americans for the Arts administers grant programs and provides funding opportunities. Please check back on a regular basis for updates. To read about past funding opportunities with Americans for the Arts, click on the bulleted links below. Please note: Although some projects may be ongoing, Americans for the Arts is not currently accepting proposals for funding for any of the programs listed.
- Animating Democracy Initiative
- MetLife YouthARTS Resource Initiative
- Power of Creativity Community Arts Education Awards
- Steps to Art Early Childhood Arts Education Initiative
Outside Funding Resources
Below is a list of possible outside sources and resources that might be helpful in your search for funding.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts provides an online resource of federal funding available for arts initiatives through national, state, and local funding programs. The NEA grant page can be found here, with a listing of guidelines and applications for NEA grants, including a listing of upcoming deadlines.
You may view a listing of recent NEA grants that have been awarded to local arts agencies, local governments, and statewide arts service groups below:
- 2008-Grants to Local Arts Agencies and Business Arts Councils
- 2007-Grants to Local Arts Agencies and Business Arts Councils
- 2006-Grants to Local Arts Agencies and Business Arts Councils
- 2005-Grants to Local Arts Agencies and Business Arts Councils
- 2004-Challenge America Grant Awards
- 2004-Creativity and Services to Arts Organizations and Artists Grant Awards
U.S. Department of Education Grants and Contracts
These pages are designed to help you find grants and contracts through the U.S. Department of Education. Arts-related grant opportunities (current and past) have included Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants Program, after-school programs, and professional development.
No Subject Left Behind (Updated Version): A Guide to Arts Education Funding Opportunities Through the U.S. Department of Education
A report produced by a consortium of national arts organizations, including Americans for the Arts, on the arts-related aspects of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The document includes information on arts education policy under NCLB and information on grant opportunities, including program descriptions, Department of Education contact information, and links to many other resources.
Foundation Center
www.fdncenter.org/funders
Lists information about funders, allows users to search for grants and funding opportunities, and provides guidance and training for grantseekers.
Fundsnet Online Services
www.fundsnetservices.com
A comprehensive website dedicated to providing nonprofit organizations, colleges, and universities with information on financial resources available on the Internet. Includes an extensive list of arts funders.
Arts and Learning Resources for State Leaders
www.nasaa-arts.org/nasaanews/index_anl.htm
A website created by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, this is a clearinghouse of information and resources supporting arts education. Included on this site are collections of web links to organizations, foundations, and federal agencies supporting arts education, as well as a broad list of links to research, organized by topic and arts discipline.