Arizona Commission Arts Grants - $2.5M Available
Arizona Commission on the Arts awarded 375 grants totaling $2.5M to nonprofit arts organizations, festivals, and learning programs statewide.
The Arizona Commission on the Arts announced 375 grant awards totaling $2,456,273 from a one-time legislative appropriation supporting Arizona's arts and culture sector. Grants support diverse organizations from community theaters to world-class museums across four categories: Creative Capacity Grants ($800-$24,000) provide general operating support to 259 arts organizations whose primary mission involves producing, presenting, teaching, or serving the arts. Festival Grants ($2,000-$5,000) support 69 arts festivals providing quality community programming. Lifelong Arts Engagement Grants support meaningful arts learning for adult learners, while Youth Arts Engagement Grants focus on programs for people 24 and under outside traditional school hours - together 47 programs received up to $5,000 each. Applications are reviewed through a rigorous panel process involving Governor-appointed Commissioners, community leaders, educators, arts administrators, and working artists. Awards are based on organizational capacity, public benefit, and fiscal practices. This funding augments the Arts Commission's regular streams including the Arts Trust Fund ($1.2M annually) and National Endowment for the Arts partnership ($1M annually). The agency is currently engaged in strategic planning for its 60th anniversary in 2027, having gathered input from over 1,000 Arizona residents through surveys and 19 community listening sessions.
Submission Guidelines
Applications reviewed based on organizational capacity, public benefit, and fiscal practices through competitive panel process. Award amounts vary by grant category and organization size.
How to Apply
1. Step 1: Visit azarts.gov to learn about current grant opportunities and application cycles
2. Step 2: Review the list of FY2026 grantees to understand successful application examples
3. Step 3: Participate in strategic planning input at azarts.gov/azartsgps/ for future opportunities
Application & Contact
Application URL: https://azarts.gov/grants/grantees-fiscal-year-2026/
Contact: Arizona Commission on the Arts - azarts.gov
Source: https://gilaherald.com/state-invests-2-5-million-in-nonprofit-arts-culture-sector/