Grant Opportunity: NEA Grants for Arts Projects
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is now accepting applications for Grants for Arts Projects—a major funding program designed to expand access to the arts, celebrate cultural heritage, and strengthen communities nationwide.
Deadlines
Round 1
Grants.gov: February 12, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Applicant Portal: February 18–25, 2026
Round 2
Grants.gov: July 9, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Applicant Portal: July 14–21, 2026
Eligibility
Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations
Units of state or local government
Federally recognized tribal communities or tribes
Applicants must have at least five years of arts programming completed prior to deadline
Purpose & Focus Areas
Funding supports a wide range of disciplines, including:
Arts Education (Pre-K–12 direct learning & teacher development)
Challenge America (small orgs serving underserved communities)
Dance, Design, Our Town (creative placemaking)
Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies
Museums, Music, Opera, Theater, Visual & Media Arts
Funding Details
$65 million available; ~2,000 awards expected
Awards range from $10,000–$100,000 (with 1:1 match required)
Local arts agencies may request up to $150,000 for Subgranting projects
Program Period
Round 1 projects start January 1, 2027
Round 2 projects start June 1, 2027
Municipalities and community organizations: this is a chance to leverage federal support for arts programming that uplifts residents, strengthens cultural identity, and fosters civic engagement.
Learn more and access guidelines: arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects
As a grant services partner, B&A helps local governments navigate opportunities like this with clarity, compliance, and impact-driven storytelling. If your community is considering applying, let’s connect.