Creative Communities

Grants for Non-Profits Creative Communities Initiative Providing multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for social cohesion, livability, and community and economic development. Application opens: September 1, 2026 Submission deadline: November 13, 2026, 5 P.M. Letter of Interest is no longer a requirement. Scroll down for the Application Materials Contact Us 2027 - 2028 Creative Communities Initiative Guidelines Program Overview The purpose of the Creative Communities program is to provide multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects. Also called creative placemaking or placekeeping, the funded projects will have a demonstrated, positive impact on their respective communities. What is a Creative Placemaking? Creative placemaking is a powerful community and economic development practice that integrates art, local creative sector assets, community culture and identity, and design to transform community spaces into vibrant, inclusive, accessible, and engaging places that foster community connectedness and livability. What is Creative Placemaking? Creative placemaking is a powerful community and economic development practice that integrates art, local creative sector assets, community culture and identity, and design to transform community spaces into vibrant, inclusive, accessible, and engaging places that foster community connectedness and livability. Program Details Strengthen communities through the arts and encourage creative expression and engagement to enhance community well-beingPromote and support projects that include and are accessible to all members of PA communitiesEmpower communities that have experienced disinvestment and support grassroots leaders and residents in addressing local challengesAdvance community revitalization and resilience and foster sustainable growth and adaptabilityCultivate deep community engagement and encourage active participation in community projectsCelebrate unique community identities that highlight what makes each community specialBuild authentic partnerships through collaboration with local government and organizations, and artists and culture bearersInvest in the creative sector through support of artists, creative small businesses, and cultural initiativesAddress community challenges positively by leveraging community assets to tackle pressing issues Funding Details Funding amount: generally up to $25,000 per year, for up to four years Match requirement: A 1:1 match is required (up to 50% can be in-kind)10% of the match (cash or in-kind) must come from a local government entity Funding Restrictions In general, Pennsylvania Creative Industries does not fund the following: Activities for which academic credit is givenActivities that have already been completedActivities that have a religious purposePerformances and exhibitions not available to the general publicperformances and exhibitions outside PennsylvaniaCash prizes and awardsBenefit activitiesPayments to lobbyistsCompetitions 2027 - 2028 PA Creative Communities Application Materials 2027 -2028 Program Guidelines (pdf) Advisory Committee List-Master (xls) Budget Spreadsheet Creative Communities 2027 (xls) 2027 Creative Communities Application Narrative Form (docx) For questions and advice regarding this process: CCI Program Contact Sarah Merritt, Senior Director, Community Development [email protected]