NEA Challenge America Grants
From the National Endowment for the Arts –
Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. The program is rooted in principles that include, but are not limited to, our recognition that:
- Some groups/communities and some geographic areas with rich and dynamic artistic and cultural identities have limited grant funding opportunities, and/or have been historically underserved by national arts funding;
- Some small organizations may face barriers to accessing grant funding; and
- Some applicants to the NEA may benefit from enhanced technical assistance resources.
Challenge America seeks to address these potential barriers for organizations seeking funding.
First-time applicants to the NEA, as well as previous NEA applicants who have not been recommended for funding in any of the three most recent Fiscal Years (FYs 2022, 2023, or 2024) in any of the following grant programs, are eligible to apply:
- Grants for Arts Projects,
- Research Grants in the Arts, or
- Our Town.
Previous NEA applicants recommended for funding in Grants for Arts Projects, Research Grants in the Arts, or Our Town, FY 2022, FY 2023, or FY 2024 are not eligible to apply.
Previous Challenge America, American Rescue Plan (ARP), and CARES Act applicants and grantees are eligible to apply, as long as they were not recommended for FY 2022, FY 2023, or FY 2024 funding in Grants for Arts Projects, Research Grants in the Arts, or Our Town.
See Applicant Eligibility for more information.
PROJECTS
Challenge America supports arts projects in many artistic disciplines including Artist Communities, Arts Education, Dance, Design, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Media Arts, Museums, Music, Musical Theater, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Arts, Theater, and Visual Arts.
Projects must extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Possible projects include, but are not limited to: arts programming, including the commissioning or presentation of artists or artwork; marketing and promotional activities; and organizational planning. Projects may consist of one or more specific events or activities, and must not cover all of your programming for a season. We do not offer funding for general operating support or to support an entire season of programming.
Carefully read the application Review Criteria and address those criteria in the application.
What do we mean by underserved groups/communities?
The term “underserved,” as defined by our legislation and agency policy, refers to those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited relative to: geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. At least one of these characteristics must be evident in the proposed project. Age alone (e.g., youth, seniors) does not qualify a group as underserved.
As applicable, engagement with the following constituencies is encouraged (in accordance with White House Executive Orders), including but not limited to:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
- Tribal Colleges and Universities,
- American Indian and Alaska Native tribes,
- Predominantly Black Institutions,
- Hispanic Serving Institutions,
- Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and
- Organizations that support the independence and lifelong inclusion of people with disabilities.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.arts.gov/grants/challenge-america
