Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant

Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: ArtsMemphis
Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Summary

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant, in collaboration with the Tennessee Arts Commission, supports projects that enhance access to arts experiences and improve community quality of life in West Tennessee counties. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for new applicants to engage with community-focused arts initiatives, fostering cultural sustainability and artistic outreach within the designated counties.

Overview

Arts Build Communities We are proud to partner with the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) to fund projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises in West Tennessee counties: Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton. Overall, 13 designated agencies administer the Arts Build Communities (ABC) program on behalf of TAC in all 95 counties of the state. If your organization is new to ARTSmemphis grant applications, this grant is a great way to get started.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An organization is eligible to apply for funding support of its arts activities if the organization meets one of the following qualifications:The organization is a nonprofit organization legally chartered in Tennessee and in possession of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service declaring the organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Private educational institutions must be a nonprofit and meet these tax-exempt requirements.-OR-The organization is an entity of government (such as city/county government departments, public libraries, public schools, etc.)Colleges and universities are eligible only for activities that clearly serve the needs of surrounding communities or the State and are designed to involve a broad audience. Activities that are credit-producing or are oriented primarily to collegiate students and the academic community are not eligible.

Ineligibility

ABC funds may NOT be used:To support a project already funded by the CommissionFor capital improvements (buildings or construction), for permanent equipment purchases or for the elimination of an accumulated deficit.As “seed money” for starting new organizationsFor in-school, curriculum-based projects. Projects may target youth as participants and can occur within school facilities outside of regular school hours. To begin, match, add to or complete any type of endowment campaign or programFor out-of-state travel expensesThe following are examples of activities and expenditures not fundable through ABC:Insurance premiumsEndowmentsOffice space rentalJanitorial service and general physical plant maintenanceFood and hospitalityPermanent equipment purchasesScholarshipsPayment of accumulated deficitsCapital improvementsNew periodicals, books, etc. (such as vanity publications)Out-of-state travelScholarly arts-related research and writingCash awardsPurchase of local public artLegal feesPlanned fundraising eventsEvents to which the general public is not invitedPayments to members of the organization’s boardConsultant fees for technical assistance