Arts for All Grant Guidelines

Established in 2015, The Arts for All Partnership is a partnership between the Cultural Enrichment Fund and the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. This unique collaborative funding initiative aims to improve the efficiency of arts grant funding and increase the overall impact of grant funding for arts programming in our communities.

Grant Amount

Up to $7,500

Applications Open: February 1, 2025

Applications Close: May 1, 2025

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Funding Priorities

Applications will be accepted from any nonprofit organization in the Capital Region conducting a program designed to integrate cultural appreciation in the everyday lives of underserved audience. Priority will be given to programs that increase arts engagement and access among diverse audiences, underserved and/or economically disadvantaged communities. The Arts for All Partnership is most interested in proposals that will increase access to the arts in the Capital Region through:

  • Free public performances for families
  • Ticket subsidy programs that fill houses
  • Innovative programs that engage and build young audiences
  • Educational outreach programs

Equipment may be requested if its acquisition would result in the achievement of a significant efficiency, is required to initiate a new program, or would greatly enhance an existing program.

Grant Eligibility

  • This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, and the Dillsburg Area of Northern York County and/or nonprofit organizations who are located within 20 miles of center city Harrisburg.
  • Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project.

Grant Timeline

  • February 1, 2025: Application available.
  • May 1, 2025: All application materials must be submitted online.
  • Applicants will be notified of their status by August 1, 2025.
  • Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1, 2025 and ending August 31, 2026. Only projects taking place during the stated grant year will be considered for this round of funding.

What We Do Not Fund

  • Advertising*
  • Capital campaigns
  • Direct lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriations*
  • Individuals
  • National and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presence
  • New staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainability
  • Religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Retroactive projects

*Grant proposals that include these should describe the scope, purpose and guidelines.

Criteria for Evaluating Proposals

The Arts for All Partnership Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to our regional arts communities. The Committee may request additional information about the grant proposal prior to making an award or denial. Upon review of your application, the committee may request a site visit and/or interview with program staff at your agency.

Below is a list of the criteria utilized to evaluate applications.

  • (20) – Connection to the Mission of the Arts for All Initiative
    • Need and target audience is clearly stated.
    • Narrative provides a clear picture of all proposed actions and activities.
    • Project/program dates and locations are clearly addressed and anticipated.
  • (5) – Roles and responsibilities are defined and work to strengthen/enhance the project.
    • Partnerships, collaborations, services and affiliations are clearly defined if applicable.
  • (5) – Funding:
    • Project has a funding diversification plan and is not 100% dependent upon grant award.
    • Budget Worksheet clearly defines where awarded funds will be applied.
  • (10) – Project success is clearly defined and measurable.
    • Goals are measurable and anticipated outcomes are clearly defined.
  • (10) – Diversity Equity and Inclusion:
    • Project demonstrates how it will be inclusive/accessible to all applicable audiences.
    • The board, staff and/or volunteers reflect the community and the people being served.
  • (50) – TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE

Would you recommend funding this project? Yes/No

Resources

  • Application Tutorial
    • How to register and apply
  • Draft Reviews
    • Applicants may request a draft review of their application up to 2 weeks prior to the deadline. To request a draft review contact the Community Investment Team, at grants@tfec.org.

If you should have any questions regarding TFEC grant opportunities or your application, please contact the Community Investment Team, at grants@tfec.org or 717-236-5040. Questions are welcome at any time!

Questions regarding our grant opportunities?

get in touch with us or
view the grantseeker FAQ