How are Grantmakers in the Arts Addressing Current Challenges?

COVID-19 has presented the world with an unparalleled situation. Social organizations focused on the arts are facing incredible peril and many grantmakers are stepping up to address its sweeping impacts. As a result, the arts and culture grant category on GrantWatch.com has seen steady growth in its number since the beginning of the pandemic. As of today, there are over 1,600 grants listed in that category with more being added each day. This is welcomed news for those artists hardest hit by the global pandemic.

I believe that strong art and cultural sector actively contributes to the economic vitality and is central to a strong quality of life of any community. As the global pandemic, COVID-19 threatens the stability of our economy and our way of life, I think it’s important to focus on some of the grants that are available to offset the negative economic impact.

Today we’ll feature a few grants that are dedicated to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of artists.

Artists living in Palm Beach County, Florida should apply for this grant of up to $10,000. Other micro-grants in the amounts of $500, $250, and $100 are also available to creative professionals (artists in music, theatre, dance, literature, and the visual arts) whose creative work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Massachusetts individual artists should apply for this grant of up to $500 (as well as and in-kind support) to mitigate financial losses due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Grantees’ artwork will also be publicized on digital platforms. Eligible applicants include artists, actors, musicians, writers, and other creative professionals living in Barnstable County.

Musicians in the USA should apply for this grant of up to $15,000 to support performances and tours. This grant program is open to both new and established musicians, solo artists, and musicians who play in an ensemble. Priority will be given to proposals that reach underserved communities and rural areas, especially those that lack opportunities to present live jazz.

This grant of up to $5,000 was established for USA, Canada, and International individuals to address emergency needs. Grant funds may be used to respond to urgent needs such as food, medical and dental expenses, transportation, housing, and utilities. Eligible applicants include musicians, producers, agents, record company employees, and other bluegrass music professionals. 

Artists and artist-journalist should apply for this grant of up to $5,000 to USA, Canada, and International individual collectives, to support innovative journalistic projects. Funding is intended to support work in a range of categories, including text, photography, audio, and video. Artists and artist-journalist teams with longer-term, research-intensive projects are also encouraged to apply.

USA and Japan nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and individuals, this grant of up to $35,000 is for you! Funding is intended to support virtual arts and cultural exchange activities and projects that can be implemented without international travel. The funders intend to encourage connection and engagement during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Eligible participants are from the United States, Japan, and other countries of Asia.

Nonprofits, businesses and individuals can find additional arts and culture grants on GrantWatch.