Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants, a pilot program that offers grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations that are rooted in communities of color.
- What is it? Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants is a general operating grant pilot program that offers grants of up to $67,000.
- Who can apply? Arts and cultural organizations rooted in communities of color with annual operating expenses up to $500,000. Nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, and federally recognized tribes can all apply for this grant.
- Where? Your organization must be located and operate within Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or the Native Nations that share this geography.*
- When to apply? Applications close at 11:59 pm CST on October 15, 2024. Grants will be made in January 2025.
* If your organization is located outside of Arts Midwest’s nine-state region, you still may qualify for a Cultural Sustainability grant through another US. Regional Arts Organization. Learn more here.
About Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants
Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants is a pilot program offered by the six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) in partnership with The Wallace Foundation. It will give general operating support grants to arts and cultural organizations rooted in communities of color with annual operating expenses up to $500,000.
In total, Arts Midwest will be awarding 18 general operating grants across our nine-state region.
- 9 Organizations (one per state) with operating expenses between $0-$249,999 will receive a $55,000 general operating grant.
- 9 Organizations (one per state) with operating expenses between $250,000-$499,999 will receive a $67,000 general operating grant.
Over the 15-month pilot program, Arts Midwest will offer five virtual workshops on topics focusing on long-term visioning and sustainability planning. Grantees will also be invited to join virtual peer networking sessions and quarterly check-ins with Arts Midwest staff.
Arts Midwest believes that equity means ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Learn more about our commitment to equity by reading our Equity Action Plan.
Sign Up for an Info Session
Consider attending the live informational webinar to learn more about Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants.
The webinar will be held at 1pm CT, September 19, 2024.
All registrants will be sent a link to the recording afterwards, even if you cannot attend the live event.
Read the Application Guidelines
Learn more about Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants, eligibility requirements, and how to upload and submit your application.
Have questions about Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants?
We’re happy to answer any questions you have about Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants. Be sure to check out our FAQs, or contact us at [email protected].
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