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Arts and Culture Grant Opportunities
The Royal Oak Commission for the Arts is committed to furthering its mission to encourage and support arts and culture in the City of Royal Oak. To help support artists, non-profits and public schools to bring more arts and culture to the city, the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts encourages individuals and groups to browse through and apply for the different grant opportunities that are below.
Please note that grant guidelines and requirements may change at any time, and may not be immediately reflected on this page. Please review all grant materials available from the granting organization before applying.
Eligible Applicants: Individual artists, non-profits and municipal governments
What: The CTFA Aurand Harris Grant and Fellowship Fund seeks to inspire and challenge small and mid-sized not-for-profit Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) theatres and theatre artists to develop quality ideas and new opportunities in TYA, as well as promote live theatre experiences of high integrity for young people throughout the nation by supporting both individual theatre artists seeking to deepen and expand artistic capacities and opportunities through fellowship funding and by supporting TYA companies seeking to bring engaging live theatre to their respective communities. Applications may be written to assist: (1) A theatre artist seeking a specific opportunity in the development of his/her own artistic excellence or artistic growth, or; (2) A single not-for profit small or mid-sized theatre company seeking financial support for a specific opportunity, or; (3) A joint venture to serve both artist and company.
Amount: Up to $3,000 with a required 1:1 match
Grant Deadline: Annually in March
Eligible Applicants: Individual artists in partnership with non-profits
What: The Joyce Awards is the only regional program dedicated to supporting artists of color in major Great Lakes cities. Since its inception, the competition has awarded nearly $3.7 million to commission 72 new works and collaborations between artists and cultural organizations in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Each award supports an artist in the creation and production of a new work and provides the commissioning organization with the resources needed to engage potential audiences, new partners, and their surrounding communities at large.
Amount: $50,000
Grant Deadline: Grant proposals are considered at meetings of the Foundation’s Board of Directors in April, July, and December. Applicants are strongly encouraged to plan their application and proposal submission process for the April or July meetings, since most grant funds will be distributed at those times.
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Arts Projects Minigrant
Eligible Applicants: Artists, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, and school districts
What: Minigrants are awarded in two categories: professional/organizational development (POD) and Arts Projects. POD grants may be used to strengthen the capacity of an organization or individual to better themselves or the community. Funding may be used to attend out-of-state conferences, workshops, seminars, or hire short-term consultants. The Arts Projects Minigrant supports the production, presentation, and creation of locally developed art and culture.
Amount: Up to $1500 for POD. Requests require a 25 percent match. Up to $4,000 for Arts Projects. Requests may not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs and require a 1:1 match.
Grant Deadline: Semi-annually in January and August
Eligible Applicants: Artists and non-profit organizations
What: Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. (PFW) seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to activist artists and Not-For-Profit organizations that often are excluded from mainstream opportunities due to race, gender, or social philosophy. PFW knows that Artists and the universal language of ART are able to reach across both physical borders and the boundaries of our imagination and in doing so are often able to peaceably transform our society’s ideas about social and civil justice issues. Creative expression and innovation have always helped move society towards a more progressive democracy and allow us to recognize our universal humanity. PFW is looking for projects that use art to discuss social and civil justice issues including food insecurity, peace, prisons, discrimination, race, culture, sexual orientation, censorship, children’s rights, trafficking, global warming, environmental protection, nuclear proliferation, poverty, gender issues, racial profiling, immigration, bullying, violence in schools, homelessness, gun control, animal rights, etc.
Amount: Grants can be between $250-$10,000, but are most often between $550-$2,500
Grant Deadline: Annually in November
Art Place Creative Placemaking Fund
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits and municipal governments
What: The National Creative Placemaking Fund invests in planning and development projects where arts and culture play a central role. ArtPlace actively seeks to build a portfolio of funded projects that is a microcosm of the varied creative placemaking strategies used across the United States through this program. Since 2010, the National Creative Placemaking Fund has invested in 227 projects across 152 communities of all sizes in 43 states and the District of Columbia. At ArtPlace we believe that successful creative placemaking applicants do four things:
- Define a community based in geography, such as a block, a neighborhood, a city, or a region
- Articulate a change the group of people living and working in that community would like to see
- Propose an arts-based intervention to help achieve that change
- Develop a way to know whether the change occurred
Amount: $50,000-$500,000
Grant Deadline: Annually in February
Eligible Applicants: Individual artists, non-profits and municipal governments
What: The CTFA Aurand Harris Grant and Fellowship Fund seeks to inspire and challenge small and mid-sized not-for-profit Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) theatres and theatre artists to develop quality ideas and new opportunities in TYA, as well as promote live theatre experiences of high integrity for young people throughout the nation by supporting both individual theatre artists seeking to deepen and expand artistic capacities and opportunities through fellowship funding and by supporting TYA companies seeking to bring engaging live theatre to their respective communities. Applications may be written to assist: (1) A theatre artist seeking a specific opportunity in the development of his/her own artistic excellence or artistic growth, or; (2) A single not-for profit small or mid-sized theatre company seeking financial support for a specific opportunity, or; (3) A joint venture to serve both artist and company.
Amount: Up to $3,000 with a required 1:1 match
Grant Deadline: Annually in March
Eligible Applicants: non-profits and municipal governments
What: The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read provides organizations with grants and comprehensive resources that support their efforts to inspire their community to read and discuss a single book or the work of a poet. The Big Read is managed by Arts Midwest. The Big Read supports organizations across the country in developing community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. These programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, panel discussions, lectures, art exhibits, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, and other events and activities related to the community's chosen book or poet. Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read receive a grant, access to online training resources and opportunities, and educational and promotional materials designed to support widespread community involvement. Copies of the reading selection are not provided but may be purchased with grant funds or matching resources.
Amount: Between $5500-$20,000.
Grant Deadline: Annually in January
Eligible Applicants: non-profits and municipal governments
What: Challenge America offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Age alone (e.g., youth, seniors) does not qualify a group as underserved; at least one of the underserved characteristics noted above also must be present. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development.
Amount: $10,000. Grants require a 1:1 match.
Grant Deadline: Annually in January
Eligible Applicants: non-profits
What: Goals for arts funding include: cultivating new talent, supporting established artists, providing educational programs that encourage children’s creativity, furthering equal access to the arts, and establishing therapeutic arts programs
Amount: No limit
Grant Deadline: Rolling. Must have an approved letter of intent to apply.
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits
What: The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural, and performing arts programs; schools, hospitals, educational and skills training programs, programs for youth, seniors, and the handicapped; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and their programs.
Amount: Between $1,000 and $20,000
Grant Deadline: Requests are accepted twice a year in May and November.
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits, municipal governments, school districts, institutions of higher learning
What: The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those which enable engagement by young people and create a lasting impression. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent.
Amount: Up to $200,000. The most common first grant size is $75,000.
Grant Deadline: Rolling
Heller Charitable Foundation Grants
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits, municipal governments, school districts, institutions of higher learning
What: Music program priorities - To encourage the playing, enjoyment and accessibility of symphonic and chamber music by providing scholarship and program assistance at selected community music centers, schools and institutes; and by helping community-based ensembles of demonstrated quality implement artistic initiatives, diversify and increase audiences, and improve fund-raising capacity. Education program priorities- To provide environmental and arts education opportunities to children and youth by supporting programs for educators and artists to improve and apply their teaching skills in these subjects; and by supporting efforts to advance environmental and arts education programs.
Amount: Up to $100,000
Grant Deadline: Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round. Awards are given twice a year in May or June and November.
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits, school districts
What: If your school or non-profit organization believes in the role of fine instruments in your program, and can show evidence of need and commitment to raising matching funds, you are a strong candidate for the Classics for Kids matching grant program.
Amount: Up to 50 percent of instrument cost
Grant Deadline: Quarterly in March, June, September, and December
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits and government entities
What: We welcome proposals from organizations that:
- Infuse creativity (arts, culture and community-engaged design) into comprehensive community development and urban planning practices.
- Build on a community’s assets and distinctive attributes, recognizing and highlighting narratives of place.
- Are cross-sector and cross-disciplinary – collaborations of multiple partners from different sectors (public/private) and disciplines (arts, health, environment, human services).
- Take root in economically distressed communities and ensures that residents with low incomes contribute to, engage in, benefit from, and are empowered by activities.
Amount: No limit.
Grant Deadline: Rolling
Max and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits
What: The mission of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation is to enrich humanity by strengthening and empowering children and families in need. While remaining flexible in our approach we give priority to: Providing for the needs of and ensuring the future of the Jewish people and to respecting our legacy and commitment to the Detroit community. Areas of critical importance include education, arts & culture and health with particular attention to HIV/AIDS.
Amount: No limit.
Grant Deadline: Rolling
Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grants
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits
What: The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural, and performing arts programs; schools, hospitals, educational and skills training programs, programs for youth, seniors, and the handicapped; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and their programs.
Amount: Between $1,000 and $20,000
Grant Deadline: Requests are accepted twice a year in May and November.
Michigan Center for the Book Grant
Eligible Applicants: non-profit organizations, libraries, and school districts
What: The Michigan Center for the Book will partially fund events or projects in Michigan that enhance or complement our mission to promote an awareness of books, reading, literacy, authors and Michigan's rich literary heritage.
Amount: Up to $250. Must be no more than 50 percent of the item project budget.
Grant Deadline: Annually in March
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Arts Projects Minigrant
Eligible Applicants: Artists, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, and school districts
What: Minigrants are awarded in two categories: professional/organizational development (POD) and Arts Projects. POD grants may be used to strengthen the capacity of an organization or individual to better themselves or the community. Funding may be used to attend out-of-state conferences, workshops, seminars, or hire short-term consultants. The Arts Projects Minigrant supports the production, presentation, and creation of locally developed art and culture.
Amount: Up to $1500 for POD. Requests require a 25 percent match. Up to $4,000 for Arts Projects. Requests may not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs and require a 1:1 match.
Grant Deadline: Semi-annually in January and August
Michigan Humanities Council Arts & Humanities Touring Grants
Eligible Applicants: Non-profit organizations
What: The Arts & Humanities Touring Program, a joint collaboration of the Michigan Humanities Council and Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, is a one-stop resource for many organizations looking to hold public arts and culture events. Michigan nonprofits can apply for Touring grants to host humanities programming featuring members of the Directory. The Arts & Humanities Touring Program awards grants to help support the fees and expenses of touring performers, artists, exhibitors, and humanities presenters listed in Michigan’s Arts & Humanities Touring Directory.
Amount: Up to $3,000 per application. Organizations may submit up to 4 applications for no more than $4,000 total per year. Requests may not exceed 40 percent of the total project costs.
Grant Deadline: Applications have three funding windows based on when the performance/exhibit will take place.
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits
What: Music: Mockingbird is particularly interested in projects that encourage and foster creative expression in any musical form (including composition, instrumentation, vocalization, or improvisation), but also recognizes broader and more basic needs within conventional instruction. Mockingbird encourages applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms, and philosophies.
Amount: Between $100 and $10,000
Grant Deadline: Requests are accepted annually between January and August
Eligible Applicants: Artists and non-profit organizations
What: Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. (PFW) seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to activist artists and Not-For-Profit organizations that often are excluded from mainstream opportunities due to race, gender, or social philosophy. PFW knows that Artists and the universal language of art are able to reach across both physical borders and the boundaries of our imagination and in doing so are often able to peaceably transform our society’s ideas about social and civil justice issues. Creative expression and innovation have always helped move society towards a more progressive democracy and allow us to recognize our universal humanity. PFW is looking for projects that use art to discuss social and civil justice issues including food insecurity, peace, prisons, discrimination, race, culture, sexual orientation, censorship, children’s rights, trafficking, global warming, environmental protection, nuclear proliferation, poverty, gender issues, racial profiling, immigration, bullying, violence in schools, homelessness, gun control, animal rights, etc.
Amount: Grants can be between $250-$10,000, but are most often between $550-$2500
Grant Deadline: Annually in November
Surdna Foundation Thriving Cultures Program
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits
What: The Thriving Cultures Program seeks to create just and sustainable communities in four ways:
- Teens' Artistic and Cultural Advancement - We support artistic training programs that help teens explore their cultural identity and equip them with the life-enhancing skills they need to achieve their educational and career goals.
- Community Engaged Design - We support efforts to involve artists, architects and designers in community-engaged problem solving and development efforts.
- Artists and Economic Development - We support efforts that provide artists with business training and financial resources that enable them to be, and create, valuable economic assets for their communities.
- Artists Engaging in Social Change - We support the potential of artists to be catalysts for social change and to promote the cultural traditions of their communities.
Amount: No limit; however most grants are in the $25,000-$200,000 range
Grant Deadline: Rolling
Eligible Applicants: public schools
What: Arts in Education is a competitive program that seeks to fund arts education school-based arts learning project, designed to introduce or enhance student knowledge of and participation in a particular art form such as: dance, theatre, music, creative writing, storytelling, visual arts, or traditional folk arts. These projects connect with students and the world around them by exploring, sharing and supporting creative expression, and by doing so they promote the health and wellbeing of students and citizens throughout our state. Open to K-12 schools.
Amount: Minimum of $5,000 or a maximum of $20,000.
Grant Deadline: Annually in October
Arts Equipment & Supplies Grant
Eligible Applicants: public schools
What: Michigan Youth Arts (MYA), on behalf of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, is offering Michigan K-12 schools grants of up to $1,500 to pay for arts equipment (including repairs of arts equipment) or supplies being used within the classroom/school setting. Grants are determined by independent panelists, based on demonstrated need and goals for implementation. Michigan K-12 teachers of any “arts” subject may apply for the grant, including: visual arts, vocal music, instrumental music, and dance. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis. Only one Arts Equipment & Supplies grant will be given per school.
Amount: Up to $1500
Grant Deadline: Annually in December
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits, municipal governments, school districts, institutions of higher learning
What: The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those which enable engagement by young people and create a lasting impression. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent.
Amount: No limit.
Grant Deadline: Rolling
Heller Charitable Foundation Grants
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits, municipal governments, school districts, institutions of higher learning
What: Music program priorities - To encourage the playing, enjoyment and accessibility of symphonic and chamber music by providing scholarship and program assistance at selected community music centers, schools and institutes; and by helping community-based ensembles of demonstrated quality implement artistic initiatives, diversify and increase audiences, and improve fund-raising capacity. Education program priorities- To provide environmental and arts education opportunities to children and youth by supporting programs for educators and artists to improve and apply their teaching skills in these subjects; and by supporting efforts to advance environmental and arts education programs.
Amount: Up to $100,000
Grant Deadline: Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round. Awards are given twice a year in May or June and November.
Eligible Applicants: Non-profits, school districts
What: If your school or non-profit organization believes in the role of fine instruments in your program, and can show evidence of need and commitment to raising matching funds, you are a strong candidate for the Classics for Kids matching grant program.
Amount: Up to 50 percent of instrument cost
Grant Deadline: Quarterly in March, June, September, and December
Michigan Center for the Book Grant
Eligible Applicants: non-profit organizations, libraries, and school districts
What: The Michigan Center for the Book will partially fund events or projects in Michigan that enhance or complement our mission to promote an awareness of books, reading, literacy, authors and Michigan's rich literary heritage.
Amount: Up to $250. Must be no more than 50 percent of the item project budget.
Grant Deadline: Annually in March
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Arts Projects Minigrant
Eligible Applicants: Artists, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, and school districts
What: Minigrants are awarded in two categories: professional/organizational development (POD) and Arts Projects. POD grants may be used to strengthen the capacity of an organization or individual to better themselves or the community. Funding may be used to attend out-of-state conferences, workshops, seminars, or hire short-term consultants. The Arts Projects Minigrant supports the production, presentation, and creation of locally developed art and culture.
Amount: Up to $1500 for POD. Requests require a 25 percent match. Up to $4,000 for Arts Projects. Requests may not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs and require a 1:1 match.
Grant Deadline: Semi-annually in January and August
Using Music to Teach Mathematics
Eligible Applicants: public schools
What: The purpose of this grant is to incorporate music into the elementary school classroom to help young students learn mathematics. Grants with a maximum of $3,000 each will be awarded to persons currently teaching mathematics in grades Pre-K-2 level. This award is for individual classroom teachers* or small groups of teachers collaborating in one grade or across grade levels. Any acquisition of equipment must support the proposed plan but not be the primary focus of the grant. Proposals must address the following: the combining of mathematics and music; the plan for improving students' learning of mathematics; and the anticipated impact on students' achievement. (*The definition of a classroom teacher is an individual who spends half or more of his/her work time teaching in the classroom.)
Amount: Up to $8,000
Grant Deadline: Annually in November and May