Examples of issues addressed include but are not limited to civic advocacy and engagement, public health or safety, racial justice, restorative justice, education, and social or legal services.

Overview

The Community Arts Grant Program supports four community arts collaborations that benefit the City of Birmingham. Funded projects are partnerships between an artist or arts organization and a nonprofit community organization from a non-arts sector, and will use the arts to address issues impacting Birmingham.

Funding & Budget

• Four grants of $10,000 each
• Projects must provide 1:2 matching funds (50 cents per dollar awarded)
• Total project budget must be at least $15,000: $10,000 from grant plus $5,000 in matching funds from other sources
• Matching funds may be in-kind, cash, or a combination of both

Eligible Projects

• Must be a partnership between an artist/arts organization and a nonprofit community organization
• Primary partner must have nonprofit status and be located within City of Birmingham
• Must take place in one or more City of Birmingham communities and neighborhoods
• Must be accessible to the general public
• Examples of eligible projects include workshops, performances, concerts, festivals, demonstrations, screenings, and readings
• Priority given to projects involving small to mid-sized arts organizations and individual artists
• May be first-time collaborations or continuations of existing work
• Each project must identify two lead partners; organizations/individuals may not lead more than one application

Project Period

• January 1 – December 1, 2027

Key Dates

• June 29, 2026: Eligibility Check Portal Opens
• August 12, 2026 by 5 PM: Last Day to Submit Questions Regarding Eligibility Check
• August 14, 2026 by 11:59 PM: Eligibility Check Materials Due
• August 21, 2026: Notification of Eligibility to Apply and Application Link Provided