Arts Build Communities Grants

Geographic Scope: Nine East Tennessee counties: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, and Sevier

Focus Areas:

• Projects that broaden access to arts experiences
• Projects that address community quality of life issues through the arts
• Projects that enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises

Eligible Applicants:

• Tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations
• Private educational institutions
• Entities of government (Parks and Recreation, public libraries, public schools)
• Colleges and universities

Program Details:
The ABC grant program is funded through specialty license plate sales and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville. Recent awards have totaled approximately $45,540 annually, benefiting an estimated 130,000+ people each year.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed through an open competitive grant process conducted annually (typically in July/August). Panelists review applications and make award determinations.

Key Steps:

1. Determine eligibility as a qualified nonprofit organization in one of the nine eligible counties
2. Develop project proposal describing how it meets grant criteria
3. Submit application by deadline
4. Awards announced following review panel meeting

Required Information:

• Organization name and 501(c)(3) status
• Project description and community impact
• Budget and timeline
• How project addresses arts access, quality of life, or cultural enterprise sustainability

Contact for Application Details:
Liza Zenni, Executive Director
Phone: (865) 523-7543
Email: info@knoxalliance.com