Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant Program

Geographic Scope: West Tennessee (Lauderdale, Fayette, Shelby, and Tipton counties)

Arts Build Communities is a partnership between ARTSmemphis and the Tennessee Arts Commission that directly supports arts projects broadening access to arts experiences, addressing community quality of life issues through the arts, and enhancing the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises.

Award Details:

• Maximum grant: $5,000 per organization (increased from $3,500 in 2024)
• 2025 recipients: 32 nonprofit organizations
• Total distributed: $86,080

Funding Focus Areas:

• Arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences
• Community quality of life initiatives through the arts
• Sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit organizations in West Tennessee
• Need not be solely arts-focused; may fund arts programs supporting greater organizational goals
• Example: YMCA of Memphis received funding for arts classes in Active Older Adults series

Partner Organizations:

• Tennessee Arts Commission designates ARTSmemphis as West Tennessee partner for arts funding
• ABC grants serve as entry point to ARTSmemphis' broader grantmaking pipeline

2025 ABC Grantees: 32 organizations including AngelStreet, Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation, Buckman Performing Arts Center, Center for Transforming Communities, Children's Museum of Memphis, Classical Melodies Incorporated, Company D, Contemporary Arts Memphis, Crosstown Arts, Crosstown Radio Partnership, Germantown Symphony Orchestra, International Bluegrass Music Association, Les Passees, Memphis Artists for Change, Memphis Challenge, Memphis Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Memphis ChoralArts, Memphis Jazz Workshop, Memphis Youth Symphony Program, National Civil Rights Museum, OFF THE WALLS, Perfecting Gifts Inc., Princeton James Project, RiverArtsFest Inc., SOAR, The Actors Renaissance Theatre, The Collegiate School of Memphis, Trezevant Manor Foundation, W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Group Inc., YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South, Young Actors Guild

Contact:

• ARTSmemphis
• 575 S. Mendenhall Road, Memphis, TN 38117
• info@artsmemphis.org
• 901.578.ARTS

Application Process

Detailed application instructions not provided in available materials. For specific application requirements and deadlines, contact ARTSmemphis directly or visit artsmemphis.org.