ABC Announcement
From Melissa Moody, Arts Build Communities Coordinator –
As of April 1, 2021, 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, 2021, and June 15, 2022. 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, 2021. For a complete description of the grant program and eligibility requirements, read the ABC Grant Guidelines.
Thirteen designated agencies partner with the Commission to administer and award grants in their service areas. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, designated agencies will host virtual grants workshops this spring, in lieu of in-person workshops. ABC grant workshop information will be updated as more workshops are scheduled. Designated agency staff can be reached by phone or email to discuss project ideas and for assistance with the online application.
In addition to grant workshops, the Tennessee Arts Commission has posted ABC grant tutorials that guide prospective applicants through the ABC program requirements, application process, and grant procedures. The tutorials are available 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. A full schedule of ABC Panel Meetings will be posted on the ABC Grant Guidelines page soon.
During FY2020, $275,000 in ABC grants attracted an additional investment of $1.6 million. ABC activities engaged 205,000 people, including 57,000 youth, and project-related donations of goods and services were valued at over $1 million.
