Arts Build Communities Grant Applications are Open
From Shannon Ford, Director of Community Arts Development –
As of April 1, 2020, The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is accepting applications through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s online grant system.
ABC grants provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations legally chartered in Tennessee and local entities of government are eligible to request a maximum of $3500 for arts projects taking place between August 16, 2020, and June 15, 2021. ABC grant requests must be matched dollar-for-dollar with project-related cash expenses and income. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on July 1, 2020. For a complete description of the grant program and eligibility requirements, read the ABC Grant Guidelines.
Thirteen designated agencies partner with the Commission to award and administer grants in their service areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, designated agencies will not host live grants workshops this spring. Designated agency staff can be reached by phone or email for discussion of potential ABC projects. By April 10, the Tennessee Arts Commission will post ABC grant tutorials that guide prospective applicants through the ABC program requirements, application process, and grant procedures on the ABC Grant Guidelines page.
ABC grant applications submitted by the July 1 deadline will be reviewed by panels comprised of the local arts community. Visit the ABC Panel Schedule for the dates, times, and locations of every review meeting.
During FY2019, $287,000 in ABC grants attracted an additional investment of $1.3 million. ABC activities engaged 272,000 people, including 69,000 youth, and project-related donations of goods and services were valued at $962,000.
