The United States Government offers grants in the visual arts to support projects pursued by small businesses and government, education, public housing and non-profit organizations. The government offers very few grants for individuals, but grants awarded to community arts and education organizations often directly benefit individual artists. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is the primary government organization responsible for arts grants. To be considered for grants, organizations must complete a rigorous application process and submit a written project proposal.
Access to Artistic Excellence
The National Endowment for the Arts Access to Artistic Excellence grants support organizations that help to make art more accessible to more people, particularly in underserved, remote or low-income populations. The NEA awards grants to organizations that strive to provide artists with new opportunities and communities with better access to art, as well as organizations that make a continuing effort to preserve cultural diversity and traditions. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $150,000.
Challenge America: Reaching Every Community
These grants offered by the National Endowment for the Arts support smaller-scale local organizations with proposed projects to increase underserved communities' access to art. The NEA encourages applicants to design interdisciplinary projects that bring together multiple organizations. Projects can focus on adult education and enrichment or community-based arts outreach. Grant awards are for $10,000.
Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth
These NEA grants are designed to support the arts education of children and youth. Organizations should propose projects that will allow students to participate with and engage with practicing artists and teachers. Proposed projects can involve collaborative or community-based arts projects. The NEA requires that all projects enable students to gain access to art and study art, as well as create art themselves. The educators involved in the project must then grade students according to national standards. Different organizations may team up to fulfill these various requirements. The NEA accepts both community-based and school-based project proposals. Awards range from $5,000 to $150,000.
