Eligibility and Eligible Projects

Arts in Society Grant Program SummaryThe Arts in Society Grant funds projects that help arts organizations and artists find solutions to civic and social challenges facing Colorado communities. You can apply for $5,000 to $35,000. The grant provides both financial and organizational support.2026 Partners include Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, The Colorado Health Foundation, Denver Arts and Venues, Bee Vradenburg, and RedLine Contemporary Art Center. Grantees will:Attend learning community meetings where you will meet other grantees from across the state during the first year of funding to build a support network and share resources and expertise.Have a mini-documentary made highlighting your work.Participate in evaluation processes that measure and help to illustrate the impacts of the arts in cross-sector projects.Have your work promoted through Arts and Society marketing channels including Facebook, Instagram, and a blog.This grant does not require matching funds. You may request the full cost of a project. If funded, your project may receive less money than you requested, and you would need to adjust the scope of work to reflect lower funding.Meet the 2025 Arts in Society Grantees645,000 Granted to 24 Artists and Organizations Fostering Cross-sector Work in Colorado (PDF) Overview Type: GrantFor: Creatives, nonprofit organizations, universities, schools, and government agenciesAmount: $5,000 to $35,000 per projectApplication period: Letters of Intent applications open July 20, 2026.OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries Image description: Business testimonial highlighting that local communities love the Arts in Society Grant. Quote from Gunnison Creative District President, Arly Landry, “‘A Corner of Mexico' is a landmark art piece that celebrates the immigrant experience and the important contributions immigrants bring to the cultural heritage and economy of Gunnison. Over 100 local volunteers participated in bringing this mural to life, demonstrating the demand for community created artwork. Friendships were forged, numbers and ideas were exchanged and our community is more united and cohesive after making this art piece together. ‘A Corner of Mexico’ would not have been possible without the generous funding of the Arts in Society grant.” Expand All Eligibility and Eligible Projects You do not need to be an arts organization to apply for the grant. We encourage applications from individual artists and from non-arts organizations. This grant is for Colorado:ArtistsActivistsNonprofit organizationsUniversities and schoolsGovernment agenciesHuman service groupsNeighborhood organizationsHealthcare organizationsWhen you apply, you need to:Be a nonprofit or an individual residing in Colorado or work with an organization in Colorado.Have an arts idea that engages a social issue.Have a project in which artists, organizations, and a target community work together to address a problem or social justice issue.Eligible ProjectsProject timelines cannot be longer than 24 months. This grant does not fund capital projects such as a facility renovation or construction. Examples of past projects include:A dancer working in a hospital system to bring awareness to nurse burnout and compassion fatigue.A community organization coalition using art to engage neighbors in participatory budgeting.The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment working with artists to communicate the priorities of its public health improvement plan. How to Apply You may submit as many letters of interest as you wish. However, each letter should be for a different project. We encourage you to submit your strongest ideas.2026 Application and Funding TimelineJuly 20, 2026Letter of Interest application opens on the Arts in Society webpage.July 20-September 4, 2026Arts in Society office hours available for applicants.Arts in Society info sessions to be held across Colorado. The schedule will be posted by July 17, 2026. July 31, 2026- 1-2 p.m.An Arts in Society information session on zoom will be held on July 31, 2026 from 1-2 p.mAugust 11, 2026, 5-7 p.m.An in-person information session will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center. September 4, 2026Letter of Interest application deadline.November 2026Selected finalists are invited to submit full proposals.January 2027Full proposals are due from finalists.March 2027Grant funds are distributed. Selection Process and Award Distribution Selection ProcessThis is a competitive award program, and not all applicants receive funding. We seek projects that:Illustrate artistic excellenceBroaden the understanding of the role arts play in societyDemonstrate cross-sector workExhibit cultural relevanceEngage the communityPresent opportunities for shared learningJudging panels review applications on:Artistic excellence and merit – How is excellence of the artist’s work and/or artistic process demonstrated? Is there a quality artistic output as a result of the project? In judging artistic excellence, we refer to Animating Democracy's Attributes for Excellence in Arts for Change, (PDF).Relationships – What are the relationships to community, to partners, to artists, or others involved? How authentic are these relationships? Are multiple sectors included?Intent and viability – Is the scope of this project realistic? Is the intended outcome viable? Are the right partners engaged?Relevancy – How does the application demonstrate the need for the project? Is the approach informed by the community?Award DistributionAwards are distributed in April. You will determine the timeline to complete your project. Projects must be completed within 24 months of receiving funding. Conditions of Funding You need to include a Colorado Creative Industries logo, please use either the Colorado Creative Industries rgb logo or the Colorado Creative Industries reverse cmyk logo, in all announcements and promotional materials and publicly credit Colorado Creative I