ArtsWA introduces an exploratory program aimed at bolstering arts and cultural projects that build social connections and a sense of belonging, thereby benefiting the health and well-being of individuals and communities in rural areas of state.
Donor Name: Washington State Arts Commission
State: Washington
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 11/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Washington’s rural communities often face limited resources to initiate projects that foster belonging, social connection and civic participation, community cohesion, and overall well-being.
The aim is to demonstrate that the arts are a powerful and evidence-supported prescription to heal, stabilize and uplift the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Research shows that participation in the arts can reduce stress, anxiety, social isolation; improve mental health outcomes; and foster improved quality of life. This grant will leverage trusted community partners and social infrastructures like arts & culture nonprofits, libraries, parks, green spaces, community centers, and museums to foster creative collaborative opportunities.
Communities with a strong agriculture-based economy and generational agricultural and food processing workers will be prioritized. Projects must be collaborative between cultural organizations, the community, and at least one other organization or service provider.
Funding Information
- Grants: $3,000 – $5,000. This is a reimbursement grant.
- This can be anytime within the funding period of July 1, 2025, and August 30, 2026.
Project Requirements
- Project must be open to the public.
- Project must happen between July 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026.
- Project must have arts, heritage, and/or culture as a primary component.
- Project must take place in Washington State.
Eligibility Criteria
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a mission focused on arts, heritage, or culture
- 501(c)(3)s must have current state corporate nonprofit status and current federal tax-exempt determination under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a social impact mission – funding must go to distinct projects as opposed to regular programming
- Example: a social impact nonprofit may have a music program. This funding would not support the music program but can support a project produced by the music program.
- Groups fiscally sponsored by an arts, heritage, or culture or a social impact 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- Faith-based organizations may apply
- Please note that projects not commonly recognized as open to the public, are an integral part of a specific religion, promote religious observance, worship, instruction, or proselytization are not eligible for this project support program.
- Local Arts Agencies with official designation
- Local Arts Agencies are officially designated by a local government to provide art services to the public on behalf of the local government
- Tribal Governments
For more information, visit ARTSWA.
