Funding - Arts Services Inc.
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Funding
Funding
Jen Swan
2026-04-19T21:52:20-04:00
Artwork by Sarah Bellinger
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Search here for local, regional, and national funding opportunities.
If you notice any funding agencies or opportunities that are missing, please submit your information to
[email protected]
and we would be glad to add it to our page. Please note that listings without deadlines indicate applications that are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact the foundation or funding agency directly. Additional resources:
Artist Trust
Artwork Archive
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Guidelines Webinars
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
New York Media Arts Map
Society for Nonprofits
Startup Fund Hub
Opportunities for Organizations
Opportunities for Individuals
Funding Opportunities for Organizations:
Adolf Busch Award
The mission of the Adolf Busch Award is to recognize and honor organizations that use music to address social injustice, inequity and lack of opportunity.
The Award grants $10,000 to one organization each year. Smaller awards are often given to additional compelling applicants.
Deadline: October 1st, annually
Amherst Chamber of Commerce: On the Job Training Grant
OVERVIEW
To support small and medium-sized businesses with On-the-Job Training, wage subsidy, skills upgrading, and skills retraining. When a company invests in its employees through training that allows them to elevate their skillset, it provides the employer with resources to elevate their performance in their industry. On-The-Job Training grants can assist in the acceleration of promotable employees by alleviating some of the costs associated with retaining talent and attracting new talent.
DETAILS
Chamber membership is not required, and the grant is available for the 8 counties of WNY.
It is a reimbursable grant and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations could be eligible.
REIMBURSEMENT
This is a reimbursement grant. With an On-the-Job Training application and approved training plan, a business can be reimbursed for up to 50% of training costs and 50% of wages. Business is required to pay for training and wages upfront.
Deadline: Applications accepted on rolling basis through August 31, 2026
Carnahan Jackson Foundation: Grants for Nonprofits
The Carnahan-Jackson Foundation is a trust that was created and operates for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
Grant Range: $1,000- $150,000
Funding Focus: Libraries, Basic Human Needs, Educational Institutions
Geographic Focus: Western New York
Eligibility: 501 (c)(3) organizations and religious organizations
Deadlines: April 1st and October 1st, annually
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation: Community Impact Grants
Supports programming and capital improvement projects that seek to address a community need or deliver broad community benefit.
Range: $4,000- $20,000
Geographic Focus:
Organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County
Deadlines:
March 2, 2026
August 3, 2026
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation: General Grants
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards over $1M through its competitive grant processes to charitable organizations working to make a difference across the region. General grants are offered bi-monthly and are intended to assist with emerging needs or one-time costs. Requests can be made up to $4,000. Organizations can only submit two requests per year.
Range: $1,000- $4,000
Geographic Focus:
Organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County
Deadlines:
Bi-monthly; last Wednesday of even months (February 25th, April 29th, June 24th, August 26th, October 28th, December 30th)
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation: Geographic Funds Grant
Supports emerging needs and one-time costs, organizations serving Falconer, Kennedy, Ellington and Randolph NY communities. Open to faith-based organizations.
Range: $1,000- $4,000
Deadline: April 1, annually
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation: Strategic Project Grants
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation hosts two cycles per year, intending to fund larger initiatives with wide-reaching and longer term community impact. The process occurs in two stages for each cycle, beginning with submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and followed by an invitation to submit a full application. Priority given to requests that indicate support from multiple funding sources, demonstrate plans for sustainability, indicate collaborative partnerships and employ evidence-based approaches with measurable outcomes (where applicable).
Range: Over $20,000
Geographic Focus: Organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County
Deadlines: Pre-Applications due December 1, 2026; full applications by invitation due January 5, 2027
ECIDA: RDC Small Business Loan Program
The Regional Development Corporation (RDC), is the lending arm of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA). The RDC Loan Program enhances the competitiveness of local businesses, promotes local ownership of firms employing local residents, and assists with the formation of new companies, including the technology sector and businesses in designated economic development zones.
The RDC Business Loan program supports underserved markets, including borrowers with little to no credit history, low income borrowers, and minority and women entrepreneurs in distressed rural and urban areas, who may not qualify for more conventional loans. M/WBE businesses may qualify for special loan terms.
The RDC offers business loans from $50,000 to $2,000,000 to businesses operating in Erie County, NY.
RDC Loans may be used for:
permanent working capital
machinery and equipment purchases
property acquisition
pollution control improvements
loans to effect changes is local ownership when the employment base of the company would otherwise be in jeopardy
Deadline: Rolling
Empire State Development: NY Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program
Empire State Development announced the launch of the NY Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program, which will provide over $1 million annually in matching funds to support diversity and inclusivity in job creation and training programs in New York’s film and television industries. The grant program is funded through the Empire State Entertainment Diversity Job Training Development Fund which, at the suggestion of industry leaders, is financed by an allocated percentage from New York State’s film tax credit program. Grants from $25,000 to $500,000 will be available for job creation and training programs that support efforts to: recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop, and train a diverse and inclusive workforce for New York’s motion picture and television production and post-production industries.
Deadline: Rolling
Erie County: Cultural Funding Program
The Erie County Cultural Funding program provides annual General Operating Support grants to 501c3 arts and cultural organizations within the County. An application must be submitted each year for funding the following year. The funding is for the organization as a whole, not just a particular program/programs. Funds are limited to current operating expenses including salaries, program costs, fringe benefits, rents, utilities, office supplies, and equipment. Grant funds may NOT be used for or applied toward any capital project or improvement, nor as a set-off against accounts receivable. No funds received shall be used for any service provided or activity performed outside Erie County.
Organizations apply in the spring prior to the year funds will be disbursed. Each organization must submit an application on their own behalf (pass-throughs are not allowed) with information on their organizations’ finances, governance, and programming. The applications are reviewed by an advisory board (EACAB) and Department of Environment and Planning staff.
Deadlines:
Level 1 applications: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
Level 2 and 3 applications: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
Foundation for the Advancement of Conservation: Grants & Scholarship Opportunities
Explore a variety of funding opportunities that can support your projects or ideas. We offer several grants and scholarships to promote access to professional development, outreach to the public, and to support research and publications.
Deadlines: Rolling, Grant Specific Deadlines
Good Neighbor Fund: Micro Grants for Entrepreneurs
Good Neighbor Fund is dedicated to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurship by providing $1,000 micro-grants to under-resourced and underrepresented founders, primarily at the ideation stage. Inspired by Buffalo’s nickname “The City of Good Neighbors,” we offer not just financial support, but belief capital and mentorship to empower new and diverse founders.
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more.
Hultquist Foundation: Grants for Nonprofits
The Hultquist Foundation is a private foundation with an emphasis on charitable and educational organizations in Chautauqua County.
Grant Range: $5,000- $300,000 (Average award of $45,000)
Funding Focus: Charitable and educational organizations
Geographic Focus: Southern Chautauqua County
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations
Deadlines:
No earlier than March 10th, May 10th, & September 10th annually
Impact HQ Fueled by NSG: Small Collaboration Grant
What is the collaboration grant fund? The small collaboration grant fund is a $22,000 pilot fund to support nonprofit collaboration and networking in WNY and Monroe County.
Eligibility:
Who can apply:
Non-profit organizations who:
Are a registered 501c3 in good standing with the IRS
Serve at least one of nine counties in NYS: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming.
Are seeking support to bring nonprofits together for networking and/or collaboration. This may look like:
Starting a special interest group based on role in an organization, population served, etc.
Bring together organizations to plan for collaboration and/or networking
One organization should apply on behalf of the collaborative group.
Deadline: May 31, 2026
KeyBank: Community Sponsorships
Community Sponsorships support an organization’s fundraising efforts through events or general support.
Community Sponsorships are funded by KeyBank,
not the KeyBank Foundation
They typically fund events or general operating support, especially to help nonprofits with their fundraising efforts.
The typical range is $500 to $5,000, though exact amounts may depend on the organization and event.
Applications are accepted January through October. KeyBank does not accept them in November or December, and it’s recommended to submit at least two months before decision is needed.
Deadlines: Rolling annually January-October
KeyBank Foundation: Community Grants
Community Grants support organizations for which contributions are tax deductible and that invest in programs that align with our funding priorities and foster positive change in the communities we serve.
These are grants from the KeyBank Foundation, designed to support programmatic work that aligns with key funding priorities: Neighbors, Education, and Workforce.
Neighbors often involve safe, inclusive communities, affordable housing, economic development, and small business growth.
Education supports preparing students for career success.
Workforce targets skills, certification completion, and employment outcomes.
Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an average of $15,000.
Eligibility requirements:
Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $100,000.
Must serve communities within states where KeyBank operates (e.g., New York, Ohio, etc.).
Application process:
Community Grants are by invitation only. Interested organizations should start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through their grant portal.
The Foundation will review the EOI and may follow up within about 90 days.
Deadlines: Rolling
Lakeshore Savings Bank: Community Reinvestment Grant
The Lake Shore Bank Community Reinvestment Fund has been established to provide funding for nonprofit community organizations within the Bank’s service area, with a focus on programs/projects that directly benefit low-to-moderate income individuals or geographies in Chautauqua County and Erie County, NY.
The largest contribution made will be $2,500 with most contributions in smaller amounts. Further consideration will be given to factors such as availability of funds, donations to date in a particular category or region, and the impact to the community. Contributions are a one-time grant with no commitment for ongoing projects.
Organizations may apply for no more than one contribution each calendar year (June or December). Special projects that are sponsored by educational or religious institutions will be considered only if they benefit the community as a whole.
Careful consideration will be given to the commitment and composition of the requesting organization’s board, officers, and project leaders. The organization must be able to show that they have the fiscal responsibility, management qualifications and the ability to complete, deliver or provide the services or programs for which the contribution is requested.
Deadlines:
June 1st and December 1st, annually
The Lenna Foundation: Program Funding & Capital Project Grants
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Lenna Foundation is a private foundation that makes grants to charitable organizations, educational institutions, and foundations benefiting Southwestern New York.
Grant Range:
$500 to $100,000
Funding Focus:
Program funding and capital projects
Areas of interest: The arts, education, healthcare, youth, economic development, and the environment
Geographic Focus:
Primarily the greater Jamestown, NY area
Eligibility:
501(c)(3) organizations, religious organizations
Spring 2026 Deadlines: March 15 LOI / April 15 Application
Summer 2026 Deadlines: June 15 LOI / July 15 Application
M&T Bank: Charitable Foundation Grants
For more than 165 years, M&T has strived to take an active role in our communities and build long-lasting relationships with our customers. We are a bank for communities—combining the capabilities of a large bank with the care of a locally focused institution.
The M&T Charitable Foundation strives to strengthen communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants.
To be considered for a grant from M&T Charitable Foundation, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
Organization must be operating as a recognized 501(c)3 public charity
Must operate or serve individuals within the cities/towns where M&T Bank conducts business
Deadline: Rolling (Grant Portal closes annually on October 31st and reopens December 15th)
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation: Healthcare Grants
Building upon the legacy of Mother Cabrini and the Catholic tradition of healing for the sick and caring for the poor, our Foundation supports programs that meet the unmet healthcare and healthcare related needs of individuals, families, and communities throughout New York State.
Grant Programs
Access to Healthcare
Basic Needs
Healthcare Workforce
Mental and Behavioral Health
General Fund & Eight Populations
The Nursing Initiative
Deadlines: Rolling
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact: Nonprofit Hub
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible technology and tools to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their missions. That’s why we offer grants and discounts of our products and services to eligible nonprofits around the world, including cloud solutions like Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365, as well as solutions custom-built for nonprofits like Fundraising and Engagement for Dynamics 365 Sales.
Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams can help your nonprofit improve cybersecurity, reduce costs and empower staff and volunteers to work from anywhere.
Deadline: Rolling
Mid Atlantic Arts: Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grant
Mid Atlantic Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects grants fund projects that support the vitality of traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region.
Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects grants fund projects that support the vitality of traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Non-profit organizations in DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, USVI, PR, or WV may apply.
Eligible project activities may include performances, public art collaborations, workshops/trainings, exhibitions, fieldwork/documentation, and creation of new traditional work. Mid Atlantic Arts encourages projects that support or engage underserved or underrepresented artists, practitioners, traditions, or constituents.
Grant Support Range:
$1,000 – $5,000 ///
A 1:1 cash match is required.
Deadline: April 30, 2026
Mid Atlantic Arts: Presenter Initiatives
The program supports performing arts engagements including public performance and community engagement at small and mid-size arts and community organizations, with budgets under $3 million*.
Presenters can receive up to 50% subsidy for the presentation of an artist/company (including artistic compensation, housing, per diem, and travel.)
Mid Atlantic Arts is committed to supporting diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible programming in our region. We encourage projects that demonstrate clear mission impact, strong artistry, well-rounded community and artist engagements, and thoughtful and inclusive efforts to engage audiences systemically underserved by the arts.
Deadline: April 30, 2026
National Fuel: Charitable Foundation Grants
National Fuel strives to fund innovative programs, initiatives, and, on rare occasions, special events that fall within the pillars of National Fuel’s community giving policies and promise to advance strong, vibrant, and stable communities. These pillars, or focus areas, include, community enrichment and safety, education, environmental stewardship and veteran services.
If your organization would like to apply for a Foundation Grant, National Fuel requests that you first contact one of their Foundation representatives to further discuss your potential grant opportunity prior to submitting an application.
Deadline: Rolling Quarterly
Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation: Community Grants Program
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation was established in 1986 for the betterment of all community residents. To us, northern Chautauqua is more than a geographic region – it’s the place we call home. Because of that, we have worked hard to build a strong understanding of how it can be improved. Over the years, the NCCF has helped to create and fund many projects that enhance the lives of those who live here. Our interest areas span from arts and culture to the environment, to health and human services, to neighborhood revitalization, and beyond.
We seek to make strategic investments in the community and look to partner with nonprofit organizations to help create enduring solutions to often complex problems and to capitalize on promising opportunities. Effecting change requires both passion and measured thought, and we work hard to find proposals that encompass both.
We are keenly interested in what inspires you and look forward to hearing your ideas for transforming our vision of a healthy and prosperous community into reality.
Deadlines: March 1st & S
eptember 1st, annually
NYSCA & NYFA: 2026 NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) today announced the 2026 cycle of NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants (RFG), an innovative initiative designed to help New York State-based nonprofit arts organizations to establish a reserve fund or build on an existing reserve fund.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be made available for a total of $1,760,000 in support. Organizations that have received funding from NYSCA in the last three years (FY24-FY26) with operating budgets of $150K to $3M will be eligible to apply.
Organizational reserves are foundational to the economic strength of New York’s arts and culture sector. Through strategic funding opportunities like the RFG, organizations address the challenges and concerns facing the arts and culture sector head-on, like increased costs, decreased philanthropy, and unpredictable income. Reserve funds sustain public access to arts and culture, cover the unexpected, strengthen balance sheets to leverage new funders, and make space for organizations and artists to do what they do best – create.
Deadline: May 5, 2026
NYSCA & Wave Farm: Media Arts Assistance Fund for Organizations
For organizations, the Media Arts Assistance Fund (MAAF) provides funds to support technical strategies for online development as well as to hire outside consultants to support organizational and professional development. Eligible organizations are current NYSCA grantees. Priority will be given to organizations that have missions specific to the media arts and dedicate the majority of their programming to technology as an art form. Applications from multi-disciplinary organizations that incorporate art and technology will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
NYSCA supported organizations may apply for support in two categories:
Technical Strategies for Online Development
Outside Consultants for Organizational Development
A maximum request for each application is $2,500. Organizations may submit one request per application deadline. Each application must be for a separate and distinct request.
2026 Application Due Dates:
Spring: May 1, 2026 (Project Period: June – December 31, 2026)
Fall: October 1, 2026 (Project Period: November 2026 – June 30, 2027)
Oishei Foundation: Nonprofit Support Grants
The Oishei Foundation provides support to nonprofits that align with their five focus areas: Strengthen the P-20 education continuum, Enhance options for self-sufficiency, Build livable, stable neighborhoods; Promote health and improve systems of care; and Expand the role of arts, culture and heritage in regional development. They encourage all applicants to discuss applications with their program officers before submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and throughout the application process.
Support is primarily focused on activities in Erie and Niagara counties (NY), however, we will consider requests from other WNY counties including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming.
Deadline: Rolling
The Pollination Project: Micro Grants
TPP support early stage grassroots volunteers, many of whom may have just a glimmer of an idea. Often, these ideas are seen as too small or too risky to attract other support.
The
Daily Grant
program makes $1000 micro grants 365 days a year. These grants are designed to kick start an organization or individual’s work and give them the lift they need to thrive and grow. accept applications from individuals, groups and startup not-for-profit organizations based anywhere in the world. To be considered, all applications must meet the following criteria:
Your group/organization’s annual budget must be $50,000 or less.
The total budget for your project must be less than $10,000. You can request up to $1,000 in seed funding from TPP.
Individual, group and/or organization (including co-leaders and project team members) must not have received previous funding from TPP.
Your group/organization must not have paid staff.
The
Resilience & Recovery Fund (RRF) Grant
exists to support projects designed by volunteers in the immediate aftermath of emergencies such as natural disaster, civil unrest, pandemic, or other unforeseen events. The RRF Grant provides expeditious, one-time funding of up to $1,000 to projects responding to an emergency.
Deadline: Rolling
Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation: Grants for Nonprofits
The Sheldon Foundation devotes financial assistance to advance the physical, educational and cultural well-being of the people of the southerly portion of Chautauqua County, New York; and honors the memory of its founder, Isabella M. Sheldon and her husband, Ralph C. Sheldon.
Program interests include:
Charitable,
Health Care,
Education,
Youth,
Arts and Humanities, and
Environment
Types of Support:
general/operating,
capital campaigns,
building/renovation,
equipment,
matching/challenge support
Range of Grant Award: $100 – $2,000,000
LOI Deadlines:
January 19, 2026
June 15, 2026
Robert Lehman Foundation: Arts & Culture Grants
The Robert Lehman Foundation operates exclusively in the field of the visual arts. Grants are made to leaders in the field of the visual arts as well as innovative newcomers – museums, arts organizations, educational institutions and other cultural organizations – with the goal of enhancing the role of the visual arts within American and world culture. The Foundation supports museum exhibitions, art education programs, scholarly publications and art history lectureships that complement the strengths of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and advance the goal of identifying the Foundation with serious scholarly and creative endeavors. The art education programs we support share the goal of providing art education to underserved communities that have insufficient access to any type of arts learning. The Foundation believes that access to the arts improves the lives of individuals and communities.
Support Areas:
Exhibitions
Art Education
Art Lectureships
Capital Projects
Deadlines: April 1st & September 15th, annually
Squeaky Wheel Film and Media Art Center: Equipment Access Grant
Have an idea for a project? Thinking about that video you’ve been meaning to shoot? Considering a new perspective on a familiar idea? Squeaky Wheel is offering Equipment Access Grants to those looking to create specific projects that require the tools and time sometimes difficult or unavailable in daily life. Recipients will receive up to $1,000 worth of equipment usage and facilities time. Amount: $1,000 in-kind equipment rentals.
Deadline: Rolling
Stenclik Family Charitable Fund
Founded in 2020, the Stenclik Family Charitable Fund promotes the advancement of Buffalo Niagara through philanthropic commitments to the area’s most promising educational, cultural, scientific, and community initiatives. The Fund seeks to strengthen the region’s existing assets while clearing new paths for innovation that promote prosperity and vitality in our neighborhoods. They want to support projects that improve the lives of people now and make a lasting difference.
The Stenclik Family Charitable Fund supports the following three priority areas:
Culture & Science
Educational Opportunities
Thriving Communities
Deadline: Rolling
U.S. Economic Development Administration: Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Grants
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts:
State Tourism Grants:
$510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business and international travel.
Competitive Grants:
$240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.
Deadline: Rolling
Univera Healthcare: Community Investments and Partnerships
We’re dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our communities, creating better places to live, work, play, and raise families in Western New York. We focus on supporting initiatives that address health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination impacting our members and their neighborhoods. Through our partnerships, we strive to make a lasting difference for our members.
It is Univera’s mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. Brief overview of funding opportunities, guidelines, and timelines are below;
Sponsorships
Application submissions are available January – November
These awards support programs and events that share our mission of promoting access to high-quality, affordable health care, such as a fundraiser, health fair, health seminar, or other health-related event.
Health and Wellness Awards
Application submissions are available March – November
These awards support programs and initiatives that improve health and health outcomes associated with Social Determinants of Health. Proposals focusing on improving health conditions and factors linked to adverse health outcomes will be given preference.
Health Equity Innovation Awards
Application submissions available August – September
These awards focus on innovative initiatives or projects that address health disparities and improving health outcomes.
Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) Grants
Applications available based on regional availability
This grant program aims to improve the health of our members and communities. We are committed to positively impacting all members of our communities, especially the marginalized or minoritized, by enhancing their health and quality of life. Our current goals are focused on improving behavioral health, maternal health, and chronic condition management for members. Programs and initiatives focused on these areas are our current priority. We are interested in multi-year initiatives involving multiple community organizations with specific objectives and measurable outcomes.
Employee Volunteerism
Employee volunteerism aligns with our company’s vision and values of improving the health of our community. We provide employees with volunteer time off hours to cultivate community connections through volunteer service, engage with the community via board membership and help nurture meaningful community relationships. Community Based Organization’s that are seeking new applicants for their board of directors can contact a Community Investments and Partnerships lead for more information.
Deadlines: Rolling (details above)
Vilcek Foundation: Grants for Projects Celebrating Immigrant Contributions
Grantmaking is a vital part of how the Vilcek Foundation pursues its mission: to recognize and celebrate immigrant contributions in the United States, and to foster appreciation for the arts and sciences more broadly.
The Vilcek Foundation invites applications from mission-driven nonprofit organizations that have a specific focus on supporting immigrants in the arts, sciences, education, or through the provision of social services. We invest in organizations that take a creative approach to putting their mission into action and prioritize the development of unique projects and operations that effectively achieve meaningful goals. The ideal grant recipient creates outputs, provides services, or serves populations in an innovative way that sets them apart from other organizations.
Deadlines: April 30, 2026
Walmart: Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart believes that strengthening local communities creates value for business as well as society. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where we operate.
Deadline: Rolling
WNY Forward Fund: Civic Health and Building Common Ground
The WNY Forward Fund is a collaborative effort of 14 Western New York funders united to support our community and nonprofits that provide essential programs and services in the face of major shifts in federal funding and priorities since early 2025. The philanthropic community’s goal in working together is to help protect and strengthen the community, while encouraging innovation and reimagining how to best use community resources for long-term resilience.
The WNY Forward Fund is intended to be a multi-year effort through select grantmaking and support of priority initiatives across three focus areas. These priorities include: Strategic Alliances & Nonprofit Resiliency, Civic Health & Building Common Ground, Impact Data & Storytelling.
Our first action was to provide funding for grant proposals in the Strategic Alliances & Nonprofit Resiliency priority to local nonprofits pursuing partnerships, shared services, mergers, or other collaborations to help organizations adapt to the evolving environment and remain resilient and responsive to community needs. In early 2026, the WNY Forward Fund allocated a total of $368,690 to 18 organizations ranging from $2,250 up to $25,000 for their strategic alliance initiatives.
CIVIC HEALTH & BUILDING COMMON GROUND
WNY Forward Fund has announced its second grant opportunity with a call for “Expressions of Interest (EOI)” from nonprofit organizations who are working to protect human rights and democracy, and to expand civic engagement and activation. This focus is defined as strong connections between residents, robust relationships between people and public institutions, and positive attachments that people have to the places they live.
Established and emerging nonprofit organizations focused on rapid response to upholding democracy and human rights, and building civic infrastructure throughout the eight counties of Western New York (Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Genesee, and Orleans) are invited to apply.
A total of $1 million is available to fund organizations over a two-year period with anticipated grants to be between $50,000 and $100,000 per awarded organization, per year. Funding can be used for general operating purposes, and simplified reporting will be required.
The EOI is a short online questionnaire, and then meetings with finalists will be held for discussions to learn more before final awards are determined. Parameters for the funding were developed based on input from organizations operating in the field.
Deadline: April 20, 2026
Funding Opportunities for Individuals:
3pts Artists & Makers Impact Fund
3pts awards $3,500 to U.S.-based artists and makers who create tangible objects or goods and are working to sustain and grow a business. Funding may be used for materials, equipment, workspace costs, professional development, production expenses, or other needs that strengthen an artist or maker’s practice.
Deadline: April 27, 2026
Accelerate Fellowship: Funding for Disabled Screenwriters
A $35,000 unrestricted grant can cover more than six months of living expenses so Fellows can focus full-time on their careers.
Fellowship Benefits;
Weekly conversations with leading showrunners, writers, producers and creative executives help Fellows get bespoke advice and build new connections.
Ongoing writing workshops and check-ins with the Inevitable team allow Fellows to sharpen their writing and pitching skills.
Our personalized Concierge service links Fellows with Showrunners and Creative Executives for development and staffing opportunities.
Connecting with other disabled screenwriters both inside and outside of the Fellowship program will build a supportive community that will stay with Fellows as they grow.
Deadline: Rolling
Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund
The Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund provides support to creators during times of extraordinary hardship. Current Fund efforts are focused on supporting creators who have been directly impacted by the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If selected, you will receive $10,000 from the Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund.
Deadline: Rolling
The Andy Warhol Foundation: Arts Writers Grant
The Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant supports emerging and established writers who write about contemporary visual art. Ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 in four categories—articles, books, short-form writing, and translation—the grants support projects addressing both general and specialized art audiences, from short reviews for magazines and newspapers to in-depth scholarly studies. The program also supports art writing that engages criticism through interdisciplinary methods and experiments with literary styles. As long as a writer meets the eligibility and publishing requirements, they can apply.
Writers are invited to apply in one of the following categories:
Article
Book
Short-Form Writing
Translation
Deadline: May 6, 2026
The Andy Warhol Foundation: Arts Writers Translation Grant
The Arts Writers Translation Grant supports individuals who want to translate book-length projects about contemporary visual art from other languages into English. The grant supports projects addressing both general and specialized art audiences. The grant encourages translators to propose projects that: (a) meaningfully expand the writing about contemporary visual art available in the English language; (b) contribute to discussions about contemporary visual art. Translation grants are $30,000 each. As long as a writer meets the eligibility and publishing requirements, they can apply.
The grant supports translations of book-length projects, including monographs, scholarly works, biographies, essay collections, interviews, journals or correspondence by artists or critics, and artist writings.
By “contemporary visual art,” we mean visual art made since World War II. Projects on post-WWII work in adjacent fields—architecture, dance, film, media, music, performance, sound, etc.—will only be considered if they directly and significantly engage the discourses and concerns of contemporary visual art.
Deadline: May 6, 2026
Artist Grant: Visual Arts Grants
Unrestricted grant to one visual artist three times each year. Must be aged 18 or older, an emerging or established artist, and can work in a wide range of media. Application fee of $30.
Deadlines: March 15, July 15, November 15, annually
Authors League Fund
The Authors League Fund is an emergency fund providing non-taxable charitable support in times of urgent need, when a writer cannot afford to pay for necessities. Common circumstances include:
Illness, or supporting a dependent family member in ill health.
Overwhelming medical or dental bills.
Imminent eviction and other forms of housing insecurity.
Struggling after a natural disaster.
Major income loss, including due to COVID-19.
They help writers at all stage of life, though priority is given to sick and/or older writers, and to mid- and late-career writers. There are limited funds for younger and/or emerging writers whose emergency is solely related to insufficient income.
The Authors League Fund helps authors, dramatists, journalists, critics, short story writers, and poets. They do accept applications from indie authors with a record of financial or critical success.
The Fund cannot assist writers whose sole credits are self-published or released by a press that charges for publication. The Fund does not help TV/film writers or lyricists and cannot help writers whose sole credits are from copywriting, blogging, public relations, technical writing, and writing for corporate clients.
Support cannot be used for professional expenses, e.g., time to write, computer purchase, book publicity, hiring an editor, airline tickets to a residency, book tour costs, theater production costs, starting a business.
Deadline: Rolling
Awesome Foundation: Disability Chapter
Launched in April 2017, Awesome Disability is an independent chapter of the Awesome Foundation, a global community that provides micro-grants with no strings attached. The trustees of Awesome Disability are people with disabilities that want to support ideas and projects in our community. Awards are based on need – valuing up to $1,000 per month. There’s no limit to the number of grants and other sources you can apply to. Amount $1,000.
Deadline: Submissions accepted between the 1st and the 10th of every month
Awesome Foundation: $1,000 Grants
The Awesome Foundation is an ever-growing worldwide community devoted to forwarding the interest of awesome in the universe. Created in the long hot summer days of 2009 in Boston, the Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees” and given up front in cash, check, or gold doubloons.
Deadline: Rolling
Behind the Scenes Foundation: Emergency Grants for Creatives
The Basic Needs Grant
For entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and are seeking assistance with basic living expenses (such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance and transportation) or for medical expenses (including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care, and medical equipment.This grant is also appropriate if the eligible person has an immediate, dependent family member who is seriously ill or injured.
The Counseling Grant
For entertainment technology professionals who would like to initiate or support ongoing counseling or participate in an in-patient or out-patient chemical dependency recovery program. Grants are issued directly to the recipient’s self-selected provider, which must be a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, mental health facility, emergency medical facility, or chemical dependency recovery facility.
The Natural Disaster Relief Grant
For entertainment technology professionals who have been severely impacted by a natural disaster. Grants are $250 and are issued in the form of an electronic American Express Gift Card emailed directly to you. These are intended to be used for immediate needs such as food, clothing, medication, or toiletries.
The Funeral Assistance Grant
For immediate family members of an entertainment technology professional who has passed away and assistance with funeral costs is needed.
Deadline: Rolling
Buffalo Institute for Contemporary Art: Microgrant
SMALL THINGS ARE IN.
Microbrewing, microdosing, microcomputing — so we’re giving out microgrants. Artists and curators are frequently asked to donate their time, labor, and money to make exhibitions or performances happen. We hope this grant will help offset some of that.
What it is:
A $300 good-faith grant for artists and curators who are realizing a project in the greater Buffalo area. This is no-strings-attached money that an artist or curator can use in whatever way they feel it’s needed.
What we fund:
Exhibitions, performances, or other projects that contribute to the visual arts in Buffalo.
Your project must:
Include at least one public event (an opening, a performance, etc)
Take place within three months (in the past or forthcoming) from the application date. IE: You could apply with a project that took place up to three months ago or a project that will take place in up to three months.
Rolling Deadline: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, annually
Learn more.
CERF+: Craft Artists Emergency Relief Grant
CERF+ offers $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
To qualify for an Emergency Relief Grant, applicants need to be craft artists who are 18 years of age or older. They must have been living and working in the U.S. or U.S. Territories for the past two years. Additionally, they should not have received an Emergency Relief Grant in the previous year or exceeded the maximum lifetime limit of 4 grants.
To apply, visit our website and complete the online application with supporting documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, contact
[email protected]
or (802) 229-2306.
If you are assisting an artist in an emergency situation, you may apply on their behalf provided you have their permission. Ensure the artist meets the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary contact information and materials required for the application.
Deadline: Rolling (as needs arise)
Entertainment Community Fund: Dance Scholarships
Founded in 1985, Career Transition For Dancers enables dancers to define their career possibilities and develop the skills necessary to excel in a variety of disciplines outside of dance.
Professional Development Scholarship:
The Professional Development Scholarship provides a one-time award of up to $1,000 for occupational skills training in a certification or licensure program in a field outside of dance, to initiate a post-dance career.
Deadline: The 12th of every month
Undergraduate Studies Scholarship:
The Undergraduate Studies Scholarship assists current and former dancers in meeting the substantial financial commitments that come with the pursuit of a college-level degree. A limited number of scholarships in amounts up to $2,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants towards their tuition.
Deadline:
October 15 and June 15, annually
Foundation for Contemporary Arts: Emergency Grants
Created in 1993 to further FCA’s mission to encourage, sponsor, and promote work of a contemporary, experimental nature, Emergency Grants provide urgent funding for visual and performing artists who:
Have sudden, unanticipated opportunities to present their work to the public when there is insufficient time to seek other sources of funding
Incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects close to completion with committed exhibition or performance dates
Emergency Grants is the only active, multi-disciplinary program that offers immediate, project-based assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad.
Each month FCA receives an average of 100 Emergency Grant applications and makes approximately 12-21 grants. Grants range in amount from $500 to $3,000, and the average grant is now $1,900.
Deadline: Rolling
Good Neighbor Fund: Micro Grants for Entrepreneurs
Good Neighbor Fund is dedicated to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurship by providing $1,000 micro-grants to under-resourced and underrepresented founders, primarily at the ideation stage. Inspired by Buffalo’s nickname “The City of Good Neighbors,” we offer not just financial support, but belief capital and mentorship to empower new and diverse founders.
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more.
Gottlieb Foundation: Emergency Grants
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program provides interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident. The maximum amount of this grant is $15,000; an award of $5,000 is typical.
Deadline: Rolling
Harpo Foundation: Grants for Visual Artists
The Harpo Foundation offers the Grants for Visual Artists award to provide direct support to under-recognized artists 21 years or older. As a general rule, we prefer our funding to go toward artists who have yet to present their work at major museums or art centers, have not received multiple awards or grants, and who have not had representation in a prominent commercial gallery.
The average grant is $8,000 and grant amounts do not exceed $10,000. Between 7-10 grants are awarded every year.
A $15 application fee is required. Artists who are experiencing financial hardship may request a fee waiver by submitting a written request. Fee waiver must be requested before submitting your application.
Applicants are notified no later than December 1 of each year.
Deadline: April 27, 2026
Harpo Foundation: Impact Award for Native American Art
The Harpo Foundation now offers an annual $25,000 fellowship to amplify the contributions of under-recognized Native American contemporary visual artists. The Impact Award for Native American Art aims to further the Foundation’s mission to expand creative inquiry through inclusivity and equitable representation in the visual arts.
To be eligible for this award, artists must submit a Grants for Visual Artists application online by the annual deadline to join the pool of artists who are considered.
A $15 application fee is required.
Deadline: April 27, 2026
International Documentary Association: Documentary Grants Directory
The International Documentary Association (IDA) supports the vital work of documentary storytellers and champions a thriving and inclusive documentary culture. They have compiled a directory of all grants supporting documentary efforts at the link below.
See the Full Directory
Innovate Grant: Quarterly Grant for Photographers and Visual Arts
Innovate Grant distributes (2) $1,800.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer.
Our newly increased $1,800.00 grants act as mighty sparks of financial support that ignite your creative development.
Our grant cycles are open (4) times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) giving you more opportunities to access the support you need.
Our process is simple so you spend less time on the application and more time making your important work.
2026 Deadlines:
Q1: Winter (Jan, Feb, Mar) – Deadline: March 19, 2026
Q2: Spring (Apr, May, Jun) – Deadline: June 18, 2026
Q3: Summer (Jul, Aug, Sept) – Deadline: TBA
Q4: Fall (Oct, Nov, Dec) – Deadline: TBA
Kathleen Betsko Yale Literary Arts Fund
The Kathleen Betsko Yale Literary Arts Fund was established to celebrate and recognize the life, work, values, and significant contributions of Kathleen Betsko Yale to the arts and cultural community. She was a passionate advocate for playwrights, especially women playwrights who faced challenges in publishing their work within a male-dominated field.
The fund provides three individuals with a grant of $500 each to support their literary arts endeavors. The grant is intended to aid in project development, completion, professional development, or advancement opportunities. Its purpose is to help aspiring creatives in the literary arts achieve specific goals or advance their projects, serving as a small yet impactful investment in their future.
Completed applications should be submitted to:
[email protected]
Timeline:
Extended Deadline: April 20, 2026 by 11:59 pm
Notifications: April 30, 2026
Download the Application
Musicians Foundation: Grants for Professional Musicians
The Musicians Foundation offers one-time financial assistance grants to professional musicians across all genres. You must be a professional music performer, composer/arranger, or educator in a specific time of need caused by an unexpected hardship (e.g. medical or dental situation, natural disaster, or certain housing crisis). You must have worked and filed taxes as a professional musician in the United States for five or more years and currently reside in the U.S.
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): National Heritage Fellowship
The NEA’s National Heritage Fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Each year since 1982, the program has recognized folk and traditional artists whose exemplary achievements contribute to our nation’s distinctive cultural heritage, increasing opportunities for the public to encourage different artists, art forms, and cultural traditions.
Each year, one Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship will be awarded to an individual who has made major contributes to the excellence, vitality, and public appreciation of the bulk and traditional arts. This award recognizes
An artist whose contributions, primarily through teaching, advocacy, organizing, and maintaining important repertoires, have greatly benefited their artistic tradition; OR
An individual, such as a producer or advocate, whose efforts have significantly increased opportunities for and public visibility of traditional arts and artists.
Awards for the National Heritage Fellowships will be $25,000 and may be received once in a lifetime.
Nomination Deadline: May 11, 2026
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
New Music USA: Reel Change Film Fund
Reel Change supports developing composers who are creating music for film through targeted grants and high-impact mentorship. This pivotal program gives composers at crucial career stages the resources they need to produce compelling, original scores.
Initially established as a five-year program in 2020, funding for Reel Change was renewed in 2025 for an additional three years. Four to six grants averaging $20,000 are awarded each year.
Grant support covers composer compensation, musician fees, studio costs, orchestration, recording, mastering, and essential production resources, ensuring that emerging talents can advance professionally and build sustainable careers in film composition.
Deadline: Rolling
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA): JGS Fellowship for Photography
The JGS Fellowship for Photography is a $8,000 cash grant open to New York State photography artists living and working outside of New York City.
The Fellowship is awarded to five artists working in traditional and experimental photography including light-based work, alternative processes, or any form in which photography or photographic techniques are pivotal, if not exclusive. The support for this funding is provided by The Joy of Giving Something (JGS).
Deadline:
May 19, 2026
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA): Rauschenberg Emergency Grants
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), in partnership with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, offer two grant programs for artists in emergency situations: the
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants
and
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
program.
Grant cycles for July 2023-June 2024 are listed on each program’s page. These national emergency grant programs reflect Robert Rauschenberg’s concern for the well-being of fellow creative practitioners and were created in the tradition of Change, Inc., a non-profit foundation established in 1970 by Robert Rauschenberg to assist professional artists of all disciplines in need.
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants
Provides one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers in need who have a dire financial emergency as a result of a loss or lack of current live performance work, because of circumstances beyond your control.
Provides up to three months of essential expenses.
You must demonstrate an urgent and critical need for emergency support in order to apply.
Click here to learn more.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
Provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies.
Open to artists in financial need who are practicing in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.
Period covered: Related, eligible expenses incurred for up to 12 months from the date of the emergency.
Click here to learn more.
Deadline:
Rolling, quarterly application cycle (check unique grant links)
General information available
here
Pentimenti Emerging Filmmakers Grant
The Pentimenti Grant for Emerging Filmmakers endeavors to support work by up-and-coming women, non-binary, and/or LGBTQ+ filmmakers. In keeping with Pentimenti’s mission, the project must pertain to art or artists in some way, although it doesn’t necessarily need to be a documentary. The recipient will receive $2,000, consultations with Pentimenti staff, and a spotlight feature on Pentimenti’s communication channels.
Deadline: April 30, 2026
Perelman Performing Arts Center: The Democracy Cycle Grant
The Democracy Cycle is designed to support new live performance works that explore themes relating to the nature, practice, and experience of democracy, especially democracy as it is practiced in the United States. Artists currently creating in theater, dance, music, opera, and multidisciplinary practices are encouraged to apply. Each selected artist or group of collaborators will receive $60,000 in support.
Deadline: April 28, 2026
Pollack-Krasner Foundation: Visual Artist Grants
The Foundation welcomes applications from visual artists who are painters, sculptors and artists who work on paper, including printmakers. The Foundation provides financial resources up to $50,000 to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses. Grants are intended for a one-year period of time. Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces.
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more.
Squeaky Wheel Film and Media Art Center: Equipment Access Grant
Have an idea for a project? Thinking about that video you’ve been meaning to shoot? Considering a new perspective on a familiar idea? Squeaky Wheel is offering Equipment Access Grants to those looking to create specific projects that require the tools and time sometimes difficult or unavailable in daily life. Recipients will receive up to $1,000 worth of equipment usage and facilities time. Amount: $1,000 in-kind equipment rentals.
Deadline: Rolling
Vilcek Foundation: 2027 Creative Promise in Culinary Arts
The Vilcek Foundation will award six Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Culinary Arts: Food & Beverage and Media & Storytelling. In each category, three young, immigrant culinary professionals who demonstrate outstanding early career achievement in their field will receive individual unrestricted cash awards of $50,000.
Eligible Categories
Food & Beverage
Culinary Artists – chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, caterers, etc.
Beverage Professionals – vintners, distillers, sommeliers, mixologists, etc.
Artisans & Food Makers – Producers of craft and fine foods, such as breads and baked goods, chocolates, cheeses, preserves, charcuterie, confections, tea, vinegars, spices, condiments, etc.
Media & Storytelling
Writers, Thinkers, and Researchers – culinary writers, editors, journalists, authors, academics (historical, theoretical, anthropological), food critics, food essayists, and processionals working in food sustainability and innovation.
Multi-Media and Entertainment Specialists – culinary professionals in film/tv, broadcast and documentary producers, filmmakers, content creators, podcasters, photographers, stylists, recipe developers and testers, etc.
Deadline: May 4, 2026
Wonderbrink: Nanogrants
We award $250 cash to weird, wonderful, and timely ideas that better Buffalo. It’s no-strings-attached, meant to give your ah-ha the boost it needs to become a thing!
What makes an idea ah-ha-able?
We use the following loose criteria to select ideas. Consider addressing these areas in your application:
Is it ah-ha-able?: Is it unique? A new idea? Something that may be unfundable through traditional means? We’re looking for your Silly Walks and your bus stop jazz clubs.
Will $250 make an actual impact? : We try to support individuals and small groups, rather than organizations that are already well-funded. We’re looking for the small, but mighty ideas for which $250 will make the difference between trying or not. Be as specific as possible; tell us exactly how the cash will be spent, so we can best understand your idea.
How will the project help the Buffalo area?: It’s important to us to fund projects that directly support and impact our neighbors in the Buffalo-Niagara community. We’ll consider projects outside city limits, but maybe not all the way to our large-city neighbors right now.
We don’t typically fund:
Personal use: We think you’re really great, but we can’t give you $250 for personal salary/a car/vacation/rent payment/home reno/pony.
Charities, foundations, organizations: We’re primarily interested in new ventures and not the continuation of an existing organization. But existing organizations with a specific, creative $250 idea can apply!
Promotion: We want to hear all about your great idea and how we can help fund its happening, not just its posters.
Deadline: Rolling
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