Arts Access Assistance Grant

The Arts Access Assistance program, run by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for innovative arts programming aimed at underserved communities. This initiative fosters creativity and well-being by utilizing arts-based strategies that evolve with each grant cycle. The program seeks to enhance cultural engagement, promote lifelong learning, and increase participation in the arts across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Kentucky Arts Council
The Kentucky Arts Council is the state arts agency and is responsible for developing and promoting support for the arts in Kentucky. Strategically placed in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Arts Council is publicly funded by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, an independent agency of the federal government.
Arts Access Assistance (AAA) supports arts programming for underserved populations based on a specific, timely theme that changes with every grant cycle. The arts council is currently accepting AAA proposals for $2,500 or $5,000 that incorporate arts-based strategies to enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities in the Commonwealth.

Eligibility

The Arts Access Assistance Program is open to 501(c)3 nonprofits that are: arts and cultural organizationsorganizations working with professional artists or partnering with arts and cultural organizations
Proof of Eligibility
Organizations must currently have, and maintain during the grant cycle, 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt status (or equivalent). Provide one of the following acceptable proofs of tax-exempt status. The name on the document must match the organization’s legal name provided on the application and must remain valid through the entire grant period:IRS Determination Letter (or equivalent) that includes date of determination and FEIN.Most recent IRS Form 990 cover page that includes FEIN and the legal name provided on the application.

Ineligibility

Indirect costs: Personnel, payroll, benefits, building utility costs, maintenance and grounds keeping, non-project-specific insurance costs, requests designed to reduce or eliminate existing deficits, interest on loans, fines, penalties and/or litigation costs, or other projects that would fall under an organization’s day-to-day operations Fundraising events and other activities intended primarily for fundraising
Purchase of equipment, property, library holdings or acquisitions
Capital improvements, facility construction, structural renovations and restorations
Publications or recordings for commercial purposes
Scholarships or other activities related to academic credit or degrees
Food, beverages, or other refreshments
Expenses incurred before the starting date of the period covered in the grant request
Programs that have sectarian purposes
The application of new artistic work to historic buildings or structures unless approved by the state historic preservation office as being in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.