For decades, the Grants to Organizations program offered four funding programs specifically for arts projects. These four programs have served us and our constituents well – but it is time for a change! Beginning with the next funding cycle, ArtsWA is excited to launch a new suite of grants.

Arts Service Organization Support
This grant provides operating support to regional and statewide non-profit arts service organizations. These groups provide training, workshops, conferences, networking, technical assistance and other professional development to arts professionals.   

General Operating Support
This grant offers general operating support to arts organizations. Their primary focus must be to present, perform, preserve, teach (in a community setting), cultivate proficiency, and/or facilitate knowledge sharing in the arts. These grants help cover an organization’s regular operating expenses so they may dedicate more time to programming that benefits the public.

Art Project Support
This grant provides art project support for public projects produced as one-time, occasional, or annual events. Organizations that produce multiple public programs may request support for a specific public project/program including professional development (i.e. workshop, conference, residency).

Snap Grants
This grant offers support for projects produced by small and emerging groups and organizations. This program comes with professional development for new grant writers.

We intend these grants to:

• Support day-to-day business operations
• Support public programming in the arts
• Support accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and equity in the arts
• Support ArtsWA’s efforts around social justice
• Grow Washington State’s creative economy

Our new grant programs focus on organizational needs and the intent of the request for support. For instance, we know that most organizations need operating support to do their work. Others want a simple funding application to help produce a community event. We heard you and hope this new suite of offerings will be beneficial to getting you were you want to be.

Of special interest is that we no longer use operating budget to determine eligibility. If an organization meets the eligible organization type for the program, they can apply. Major arts institutions will compete against medium, small and fiscally sponsored groups in these new programs. Those that meet our funding goals and who produce a compelling application may get a substantial grant regardless of their size.

For more, check out our website towards the end of December for full guidelines and criteria. Webinars will be announced at the beginning of the new year!