Special Opportunities: Arts Forward Grant Now Open
Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofits, and government entities may apply for up to $5,000 to support projects that strengthen operations and expand community engagement, or up to $2,000 to attend the 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- rolling, apply anytime
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $5,000
- Location
- Tennessee
- Exhibition window
- Aug 1, 2026 → Jun 1, 2027
About
Overview
The Tennessee Arts Commission is excited to announce that applications for its Special Opportunities: Arts Forward grants are now open, with funding available for projects occurring between August 1, 2026 and June 1, 2027.
Who May Apply
Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit non-arts organizations, and entities of local or state government may apply. Applicants may receive only one Special Opportunities grant per fiscal year—either a general project grant or the GIA Conference grant, not both.
General Project Grants
Up to $5,000 to support a wide range of projects that strengthen operations and expand community engagement. Examples include short-term consultations or technical assistance, engaging professional touring artists for performances and educational activities, and arts participation projects such as community workshops and collaborative art-making. Small equipment or supply purchases are also eligible for nonprofit arts organizations.
Grantmakers in the Arts Conference Support
- Organizations may request up to $2,000 to send a minimum of two representatives
- Individual Tennessee residents may request up to $1,000
- Eligible expenses include registration, travel, and lodging at the GSA per diem rate
Funding
Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
How to Apply
All applications are completed and submitted on the Commission's online grants system. Commission staff is available year-round to assist with the application process and provide feedback on draft proposals in advance of deadlines.
Contact
- Address: 320 6th Ave N., Nashville, TN 37219
- Phone: 615-741-1701
- Award
- Up to $5,000 for general projects; up to $2,000 for conference attendance (organizations); up to $1,000 for conference attendance (individual Tennessee residents)
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Theme
- Projects that strengthen arts operations and expand community engagement through consultations, touring artists, educational activities, community workshops, and collaborative art-making. Also supports attendance at the 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference in Memphis (October 18-21).
- Eligibility
- Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit non-arts organizations, and entities of local or state government; applicants may receive only one Special Opportunities grant per fiscal year.
- Audience
- Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit non-arts organizations, entities of local or state government, and individual Tennessee residents
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.