Wavemaker Arts Grants are available to arts non-profit organizations providing inclusive arts and culture programming in Tempe (501c3 status required). The Community Arts Grants Program supports a commitment to advancing Tempe as a vibrant and progressive community for cultural and artistic activity, and aims to fulfill the following recommendations from the Arts and Culture Plan:

• Increase and promote Community-Initiated Arts projects
• Support community festivals celebrating cultural diversity
• Continue, expand and enhance informal arts programming provided in community settings

Final Report

Submit Final Report
Download Final Budget

Funded Projects

Vibrant City Arts Grants are available to artist collectives, cultural groups, and arts organizations providing inclusive arts and culture programming in Tempe. The Community Arts Grants Program aims activate Tempe as a supportive place for artists and a home for community creativity in all its forms.

Amount: Up to $2,500 – no match required

Deadline:
Cycle 2: December 16, 2024 for projects taking place between February 1 – June 30, 2025

Vibrant City Guidelines

Expectations:

• Applicants do not need to be Tempe-based, but their projects must occur in Tempe
• Requests may include services of artists, professional services, stipends, supplies, production costs, space rentals, food, marketing and/or printing.
• Projects may include:
  • Performances
  • Residencies/Workshops
  • Arts Events

Eligibility:

• Artist collectives, cultural groups, or arts organizations providing arts programming in Tempe.
• Applicants are only eligible to receive one Community Arts Grant per year (September 1-June 30).

Restrictions; this grant does not fund:

• activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe;
• organizations with an annual budget over $100,000;
• entirely virtual programming (activities can simultaneously occur in-person/virtual);
• permanent enhancements of infrastructure (i.e. murals or public art);
• construction or renovation of facilities, reduction of debt, feasibilities studies;
• projects in schools (see Arts in Schools Grant);
• parent teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO) or TCA home/resident companies;
• projects associated with universities or colleges;
• projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant;
• organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes;
• fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards;
• an applicant who failed to submit a Final Report from a previously funded grant.

Application Link

How to Apply: All applicants are required to meet with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, before completing the application. 
Pick a time to meet: https://calendly.com/artsgrants/arts-grants

Vibrant City Guidelines
Vibrant City Budget Form (attach Vibrant City Application Budget)
Application questions (info Word Document)

Final Report

Submit Final Report
Download Final Budget Form

Funded Projects

2024-25
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21

Arts in Schools Grants are available to visual arts or performing arts teachers in Tempe schools to expand and enhance the arts services provided by school curriculum, programs and clubs. The Community Arts Grants Program supports immersive arts and culture experiences to achieve collective impact and sustained value.

Final Report

Submit Final Report

Funded Projects

2024-25
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22 Cycles 1-3
2020-21 Cycles 1-2
2019-20
2018-19

All of Tempe's Arts Grants are reviewed by a panel of community members, artists, and those with expertise or interest in the arts. Serving on a grant panel is a great way to learn more about arts programming happening in Tempe, the grant application process, and to get involved in your community. 

Let us know if you are interested in serving on a grant panel:
Grant Panel Interest Form

Contact:

Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager
Maja_Aurora@tempe.gov

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