Arts for All Grant Guidelines

The Arts for All grant initiative, of the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, is a unique funding opportunity to improve the efficiency of arts grant funding and increase the overall impact of grant funding for arts programming in our communities.

This arts-focused grant opportunity brings together a collection of funds intended only to support arts & cultural organizations. Arts & Cultural programs reflect the essence of the community and its surroundings, working to cultivate a cultural identity by setting the community apart and attracting people to its uniqueness. Arts and cultural offerings help express a community’s values and create an elevated sense of awareness for community members and visitors. When arts and culture interweave in the fabric of a community, it helps cities attract tourists, attract diverse talent, bring about innovation and grow the economy.

Arts & Cultural programs enhance our community in the following ways:

Promote Interaction in Public Space
Increase Civic Participation Through Celebrations
Engage Youth in the Community
Promote the Power and Preservation of Place
Broaden Participation in the Civic Agenda

Grant Amount

Up to $7,500

Applications Open: February 1

Applications Close: May 1

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Funding Priorities

Applications will be accepted from a nonprofit that conducts a program designed to integrate cultural appreciation into the everyday lives of underserved audiences. 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 grants initiative is most interested in proposals that will increase access to the arts throughout TFEC’s service area:

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 significant efficiency gains, 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.
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: Application available.
May 1: All application materials must be submitted online.
Applicants will be notified of their status by August 1.
Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1 and ending August 31 of the following year. 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 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!