“The Arts . . . belong to all the people of the United States.”

 *1965 Enabling Legislation for the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965

Welcome!

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nation’s arts sector with grant opportunities so that together we can help everyone live more artful lives.

“Artful lives” is an inclusive concept encompassing everything from the creation, presentation, and consumption of art, to active arts engagement by all people through making, teaching, and learning in our everyday lives. The arts contribute to our individual well-being, the well-being of our communities, and to our local economies. The arts are crucial to helping us make sense of our circumstances from different perspectives.

Arts and cultural activities are supported by a vast ecosystem that includes artists, arts workers, audiences, learners, communities, foundations, and organizations at the local, state-wide, regional, and national level. As a federal agency, the NEA holds a unique place within this ecosystem: we are the only arts funder in the United States—public or private—that provides access to the arts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions.

In addition to providing critical grant funding, we are also a national resource in our roles as thought leader and convener of the arts sector, connector of artists and arts organizations with new opportunities, and amplifier of the important work you are doing.

Whether you are a first-time or returning applicant, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you. Our staff strives to ensure that all applicants receive the support they need to understand every step of the process. Here are some resources to help orient you to our grantmaking process:

• First Time Applicant Guide for Organizations
• How are applications reviewed? Grant Review Process
• Want to serve as an application reviewer? Volunteer to be a Panelist
• See the wide variety of projects and grant recipients we have funded

Please carefully read the guidelines located below to better understand each program’s intent, as well as the types of projects we are particularly interested in funding as we aim to strengthen the nation’s arts and cultural ecosystem.

NOTE: SAM Validation Is Returning to Grants.gov

We know that applying for and managing a federal grant can be time-consuming and the process is competitive. Our grant programs are not the only way to access funding within the nation’s arts and culture ecosystem. In some cases, you may wish to consider applying to local, state, regional, or philanthropic funders if their resources are better aligned with your work.

Find out more about funding opportunities available through your state arts agency and regional arts organization.