City of Houston-funded Arts Grants
Houston artists and arts organizations apply for city funding through five HAA grant programs, which are adjudicated by peer and community-based panels. Each has its own deadline and requirements. Read on for details about these grants.
This year’s updated guidelines for Let Creativity Happen! and City’s Initiative will be unveiled and available on this page during the official launch of the grant cycle on March 25th.
GRANTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
CITY’S INITIATIVE
Final round deadline passed September 30, 2023.
The City’s Initiative grant program (CI) provides funding to individual artists and nonprofits for strategic and creative opportunities to engage visitors and residents while building upon Houston’s cultural identity and tourism.
Proposed activities should not be a part of the applicant’s regular programming or annual schedule of activities or events. Grant expenses are restricted to project-related costs, which include artist fees and marketing costs. Typical awards are between $5,000 and $10,000. Review the City’s Initiative grant guidelines for details.
LET CREATIVITY HAPPEN!
Final round deadline passed September 30, 2023.
The Let Creativity Happen! grant program (LCH) provides funds of up to $2,500 for specific projects that amplify artistic creativity and vision taking place in Houston.
LCH supports innovative ideas that redefine artistic boundaries, reshape the conversation about art and art experiences, and/or establish unique opportunities to experience art. This grant is open to individual artists, 501(c)3 organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects. LCH funding is provided through the City of Houston. Review the Let Creativity Happen! grant guidelines for details.
SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Application deadline passed July 30, 2023.
Support for Organizations (SO) grant provides operating funds to 501(c)(3) applicants for arts and cultural activities that are open to the public. There are three SO funding tiers:
Category 1 for organizations in existence for at least one year with operating expenses under $10 million.
Category 2 for organizations in existence less than one year with operating expenses under $10 million.
Category 3 for organizations in existence for at least one years with operating expenses over $10 million.
SO grants are funded by the City of Houston via the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and awarded based on projections. This grant was available in one annual cycle from June 26, 2023 through July 30, 2023.
FESTIVAL GRANT
Application deadline passed July 30, 2023.
The Festival grant program (FG) provides support of up to $10,000 to fund arts festivals or arts components of cultural festivals to celebrate Houston's diversity, and promote the city's creative identity as a unique arts and culture destination.
Festivals allow communities to share artistic and cultural traditions, creating vibrant opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors. Festival is defined as an annual or biannual celebration or immersion around a unifying theme or programmatic focus, featuring varied and curated events.
Festival grants are funded by the City of Houston via the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and funded by cash-in-hand. This grant was available in one annual cycle from June 26, 2023 through July 30, 2023.
GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS
CITY’S INITIATIVE
Final round deadline passed September 30, 2023.
The City’s Initiative grant program (CI) provides funding to individual artists and nonprofits for strategic and creative opportunities to engage visitors and residents while building upon Houston’s cultural identity and tourism.
Proposed activities should not be a part of the applicant’s regular programming or annual schedule of activities or events. Grant expenses are restricted to project-related costs, which include artist fees and marketing costs. Typical awards are between $5,000 and $10,000. Review the City’s Initiative grant guidelines for details.
LET CREATIVITY HAPPEN!
Final round deadline passed September 30, 2023.
The Let Creativity Happen! grant program (LCH) provides funds of up to $2,500 for specific projects that amplify artistic creativity and vision taking place in Houston. LCH supports innovative ideas that redefine artistic boundaries, reshape the conversation about art and art experiences, and/or establish unique opportunities to experience art.
This grant is open to individual artists, 501(c)3 organizations and fiscally sponsored projects. LCH funding is provided through the City of Houston. Review the Let Creativity Happen! grant guidelines for details.
SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS
Application deadline passed July 30, 2023.
The Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI) grant provides funds of up to $15,000 for specific projects that create and present new works of art or complete work already in progress throughout Houston. Applications are accepted from all artistic disciplines. SACI grants are funded by City of Houston via the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and awarded based on cash-in-hand.
This grant application was available in one annual cycle from June 26, 2023 through July 30, 2023.
GRANT WORKSHOPS
RESOURCES FOR GRANT APPLICANTS
Required Financial Reporting for Organizations
Applicants to either the Support for Organizations or Festival grant must have a current SMU DataArts profile. Click here to submit the SMU DataArts Funder Report.
To generate a funder report, complete your Cultural Data Profile for the 2022 fiscal year. Generate the City of Houston Funder Report by following these steps, or watch the orientation video for more help.
Resource and Policy Links
If you have any questions, check out these informational resources or contact HAA through our Support Desk.
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