The Next Wave Grant offers up to $2,500 to support early-stage, small scale arts and culture projects in Tempe.
Donor Name: City of Tempe
State: Arizona
City: Tempe
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/15/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
It’s designed for newer nonprofits, small creative businesses (LLCs) and first-time applicants looking to spark innovative ideas, elevate fresh voices and explore bold approaches that energize the city’s cultural future. This grant invests in what’s next—creative efforts that build connection, access and vibrancy at the grassroots level.
Project Period
Project must take place in Tempe between September 15, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
- Requests may include creatives & artists fees, contracted services, production costs, venue rentals, supplies, permit fees, event insurance, food and marketing expenses.
- Must be Non-Profit organization or an LLC providing arts programming in Tempe.
- Only eligible to receive one Tempe Community Arts Grant per year (September-June).
Ineligibility
- Activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe.
- Production or commission of public art (i.e. murals); permanent enhancements to infrastructure or facilities; capital investments (equipment that outlasts the duration of the project).
- Fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards.
- Schools or projects with/in schools; parent-teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO).
- TCA home/resident companies; projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant; reduction of debt, feasibilities studies.
- Projects that are only virtual or streamed via the web.
- Universities, colleges and auxiliary/affiliate organizations.
- Organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes.
- Class series programmed in a city facility or duplicate programs offered by city of Tempe
- Grant administration, overhead or processing fees taken by an umbrella/parent organization as a percentage of the total award, fiscal agents/sponsors.
- Staff salaries that are for work outside the scope of the proposed project. Closed subscription or membership programming.
- An applicant who failed to submit a Final Report, complete a project, or return unused funds from a previously funded grant.
For more information, visit City of Tempe.
