Arts in Arkansas Fund

Arkansas Community Foundation invites small* arts nonprofits across the state to apply to the Arts in Arkansas Fund, which will provide a total of $5,000 to support general operations ($2,500 in year one, and $2,500 in year two).

Priority consideration will be given to organizations in underserved communities that are working to maintain, expand, or provide new arts programming that is otherwise inaccessible or limited for the organization’s target audience.

*Organizations with a $500,000 or less annual operating budget

Click here for some Frequently Asked Questions about the Arts in Arkansas Fund.

Grant decisions will be made by a committee including representatives from Arkansas Community Foundation, and community leaders with experience in various artistic disciplines from throughout the state.

Stay Up to Date

The application period is now closed. Click the link below to sign up for updates. The next grant cycle will be in 2027 with dates TBD.

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Who’s Eligible for These Grants?

Organizations must:

  • Have had a total annual operating budget of $500,000 or less during the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year
  • Have a primary mission or key programmatic focus on visual and/or performing arts
  • Have a demonstrated track record of providing visual and/or performing arts programming, with the majority delivered in Arkansas within the last 12 months
  • Be located in the state of Arkansas
  • Hold 501(c)3 nonprofit status from the IRS (or have a fiscal sponsor who confirms their support of the application)

Funding Range

The Community Foundation will award a total of $5,000 to support general operations ($2,500 in year one, and a final installment of $2,500 in year two.)

What We’re Looking For

Priority consideration is given to organizations in underserved communities that are working to maintain, expand, or provide new arts programming that would otherwise be inaccessible or limited for their target audience.

Grant decisions will be made based on the following considerations:

  • The need expressed in the application for general operating support. This may include maintaining vital arts programming and/or providing or expanding new arts programming that would otherwise be inaccessible or limited to the organization’s target audience
  • Geographic representation. Grants will be distributed throughout the state.

When you apply, we’ll ask you to share more about your organization. Please be prepared with the following information:

  • Mission, history, and impact in the community
  • Need: Expressing how this funding for general operations could help your team focus on your mission and thus positively impact your community
  • Financial information from the most recently completed fiscal year

Fund Requirements

Awardees must commit to:

  • Complete a brief interim report after the first year of funding (Following review and acceptance of report, the second year’s funding will be disbursed.)
  • Complete a brief final report at the end of two years, outlining the impact of the funding
  • Optional/as applicable, show off your progress using the press kit here (photos, social media, other media)
  • Expend all grant funds between June 2025 and June 2027.

Have Questions? Please stay tuned for access to recorded “how-to” information videos (coming soon.)