The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is seeking applications for its Projects, Events, or Festivals Grant.
Donor Name: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/22/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Projects, Events, and Festivals (PEF) furthers CAH’s mission by encouraging progress in the arts and humanities in the District of Columbia. This program supports individuals and nonprofit arts, humanities, arts education, and service groups. Strong applicants showcase their contributions to DC as a world-class cultural capital. This grant opportunity program goals:
- Provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences for all District of Columbia residents
- Improve quality of life by supporting vibrant community projects within the arts and humanities
- Strengthen the creative economy through investments in local individuals and organizations.
Funding Information
- Maximum Amount for Individual Awards: Up to $10,000
- Maximum Amount for Organization Awards: Up to $20,000.
Grant Period
October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Individuals
- be an artist, arts professional and/or humanities practitioner at least 18 years of age
- be a District of Columbia resident for at least one (1) year prior to the submission deadline
- have a permanent District of Columbia address, as listed on government issued identification or tax returns. Post office boxes may not be used as a permanent address If the applicant is experiencing homelessness, the applicant may contact the grant manager listed below to discuss eligibility
- maintain District of Columbia residency during the entire granting fiscal year period (October 2025-September 2026)
- proposed planning and implementation fully carried out in the District of Columbia
- be in good standing with CAH
- current on all taxes and liabilities owed to the District or have an approved plan to resolve such taxes and liabilities as demonstrated by a certification of “Citywide Clean Hands” (CCH) from the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue
- if an individual has any affiliation with an arts organization (CEO, founder, employee, etc.), funded projects must not be a part of the organization’s season of work
- Organization
- be incorporated as a nonprofit with a federally-designated tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, as evidenced by an IRS determination letter that is dated at least one year prior to the application deadline date
- be registered with, and authorized to do business in, the District as either a “Domestic” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in the District) or a “Foreign” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in another state)
- proposed planning and implementation fully carried out in the District of Columbia
- have an active Board of Directors
- register and comply with the regulatory requirements of pertinent government agencies including (but not limited to): DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ (DCRA), DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), DC Department of Employment Services (DOES); and the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- current on all taxes and liabilities owed to the District or have an approved plan to resolve such taxes and liabilities as demonstrated by a certification of “Citywide Clean Hands” (CCH) from the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue
- be in good standing with CAH
- Have a principal business office address located in the District of Columbia, subject to an onsite visit. (Note: CAH will not allow post office boxes or the addresses of board members or volunteers as evidence of the principal business address)
- Festivals
- Anticipated festival numbers must align with District-mandated guidelines for public gatherings; A minimum of six (6) hours of the festival must be dedicated to artistic programming
- Festival events and programs must be publicly advertised and open to the general public
- The festival may not be a block party, fundraiser or charity benefit
- Funding may be used for project expenses only, which includes support for salaries and operations directly related to the festival events and programs. Funding may not be used for food, beverages, capital costs, building renovations/improvements, cash prizes, gifts, security, items for sale (for example, t-shirts and posters) or an organization’s operational costs associated with the administrative office (such as staff salaries, office rent and utilities, office equipment, office supplies, etc.)
- All festival activities must comply with District of Columbia permits, policies and safety.
For more information, visit CAH.
