Community Impact Grants

About the Grant

Community Impact Grants provide competitive funding up to $5,000 to support specific, relevant, and meaningful arts, history, and science cross-sector collaborations between an arts-based nonprofit and at least one non-arts-based organization to create experiences of value to the communities those organizations serve. Community is defined as any group your organization intentionally serves (e.g., members, students, artists, participants, audience, geographic community, ethnic heritage, or cultural traditions).

Key Dates

• Application Open: Friday, October 3, 2025
• Application Deadline: Sunday, December 14, 2025 @ 11:59 pm
• Last Day for Staff Courtesy Review: Monday, December 1, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
• Last Day for Staff Questions: Thursday, December 11, 2025 @ 3:00 pm
• Community Project Grant Review Panels: Mid-February 2026
• Board Approval: Mid-March 2026
• Notification of Award: Mid-March 2026
• Funding Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
• Impact Report Due: May 1, 2027 (or 30 days after the project ends)

What the Grant Supports

• Cross-sector partnership with meaningful collaboration between arts and another sector
• Defined project with meaningful relationship
• Increase access to and participation in arts, culture, history, or science programming
• Act as a catalyst for positive change through arts and culture-based creative community development
• Does not fund seasonal support
• Examples: exhibits, performances, festivals, arts education, outreach programs, art-based community development activities

Eligibility – Applicant Organization

• Must have current 501(c)(3) status and good standing with the state of Florida Division of Corporations
• Located in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties (principal address on W-9 and Sunbiz registration)
• Highly suggested to register for a Unique Entity ID through the federal government
• Faith-based organizations eligible if providing non-faith-based program open to any segment of population
• Must be in good standing with any prior United Arts grant or contract reporting
• Operating Support grantees eligible if project focuses on increasing access in community

Eligibility – Collaborative Partner

• Must be from another sector than the applicant
• Does not have to be a 501(c)(3); examples include neighborhood associations, public health departments, community centers, libraries
• Located in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties
• Must be in good standing with United Arts grant or contract reporting (if applicable)

Ineligible Organizations

• Adjuncts to for-profit organizations ("Friends of" organizations eligible only in lieu of parent nonprofit)
• Fraternal or sports organizations
• Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns

Funding Details

• Maximum Request Amount: $5,000
• Competitive; only 10 projects will be awarded
• Not all projects of merit are able to be funded
• Funds support eligible project-related activities within the one-year grant period
• Professional artists must be involved in planning and execution

Unallowable Expenses

This grant does not cover season expenses, projects benefiting for-profit organizations, or one-time service contracts where a partner is paid for services.