Creative Catalyst

Grants for Non-Profits Creative Catalyst Grant Program Supporting new initiatives and opportunities that advance strategies for empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce. Application Due Dates: June 12, 2026; September 11, 2026; November 13, 2026; February 12, 2027 Performance period: September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027 Contact Us 2026 - 2027 Creative Catalyst Guidelines (PDF) Program Overview Creative Catalyst is a grant program that supports new initiatives and opportunities that advance strategies for empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce — like Squonk in Pittsburgh (pictured above), whose mission is to spark imagination and share joy in public spaces through music, spectacle, and humor. Please note: Creative Catalyst grants may not fund activities supported by other Pennsylvania Creative Industries grant awards. Creative Catalyst applications will be assessed based on the degree to which they: 1.) Align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ five areas of opportunity: Asset DevelopmentWorkforce DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentVisibilityPolicy 2.) Demonstrate statewide or broad regional reach and benefit 3.) Demonstrate capacity to carry out project as proposed Program Details Grant amounts will not exceed $25,000No more than 20% of the grant award may be used for administrative expensesA 1:1 cash match is requiredOrganizations can receive a Creative Catalyst grant once every three yearsPlease note that this funding opportunity is not designed to support established programs, ongoing operations, or provide an annual source of fundsThis is a reimbursement-based grant program - grantees must first incur and pay for eligible expenses, then submit an invoice/final report with required documentation, such as receipts, invoices, and proof of payment, to receive funding How to apply 1. Read the program guidelines (PDF) thoroughly 2. Complete and submit this form (PDF) If eligible, Seth Poppy will contact you to discuss your proposal in more detail. 3. Register and apply through the grants.pa.gov platform Creative Catalyst applicants will be asked to provide the following information: Summary of the proposed projectHow the proposed project aligns with one or more of PA Creative Industries’ five areas of opportunityThe project’s statewide or broad regional reach and benefit to the creative sectorA description of the applicant’s capacity to carry out the project as proposedHow the funds be used if awarded Questions? Contact Us Seth Poppy, Senior Director, Innovation and Visibility [email protected] Technical Support For technical and login questions, contact DCED's egrants help desk: (833) 448-0647 or via email. [email protected]