ArtsMemphis Operating Support Grant

ArtsMemphis Operating Support Grant provides essential unrestricted funding to organizations that deliver year-round arts programs and experiences. This support aims to enhance Memphis' cultural vitality and strengthen local communities through the arts. To qualify, organizations must have a history of programming, a current 501(c)(3) status, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Applications are accepted from organizations that have engaged with ArtsMemphis since July 2019, ensuring a competitive application process.

FY26 Timeline
We are making a change to the grant timeline by splitting organizations between two groups. Please read carefully to determine which group your organization falls into.
Group 1: Organizations with Fiscal Year end between January to June:
January 29 ( pre-proposal deadline): Deadline for organizations not previously funded through this program to schedule required eligibility interview with ARTSmemphis staffFebruary 17: LOI/Organization Profile deadline. This must be submitted first to access the narrative application.March 10 ( full proposal deadline) : Narrative application deadline
Group 2: Organizations with Fiscal Year end between July to December.
May 23- Deadline for organizations not previously funded through this program to schedule required eligibility interview with ARTSmemphis staffJune 11: LOI/Organization Profile deadline. This must be submitted first to access the narrative application.July 14 ( full proposal deadline) : Narrative Application deadline
ArtsMemphis recognizes that unrestricted support is necessary to shape a dynamic and sustainable arts community. This unrestricted funding to organizations whose mission is to provide year-round arts programs and experiences is intended to advance ArtsMemphis’ mission of sustaining Memphis’ world-renowned cultural vitality and strengthening local communities through the arts. These investments should supplement other revenue, both earned and contributed, generated by the organization.

Eligibility

Organizations must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to apply for funding consideration:Applied for at least one grant through ArtsMemphis since July 2019. This is to ensure your organization is familiar with the application process and ready to submit a competitive application.Includes the following grant programs:Arts Build CommunitiesArtsFirstArtsZoneOperating SupportOrganizations that have applied for at least one ArtsMemphis grant since July 2019 but have not received an operating support grant previously, must contact ArtsMemphis staff by February 14 to discuss eligibility and application readiness. This is to ensure efficient use of your time before starting an application.Have a current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status, with a primary place of business in Shelby County.501c3 organizations that are not registered in Shelby County must demonstrate a permanent location in Shelby County and a history of minimally three years of providing programming in Shelby County.Organization’s primary focus is arts-based.The organization creates, exhibits, and/or performs works in any of the following fine, performing, applied or literary art forms as a primary public function.DanceLiterary ArtsMedia ArtsMusicPerforming ArtsTheaterVisual ArtOtherThe arts should be referenced in the organization’s mission and/or vision statement, strategic planning documents and/or other foundational materials.Offer programs that are accessible to all Shelby County citizens regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any characteristic protected by law.Have a history of offering programs for no less than three years and offer programs consistently throughout the calendar year, minimally 9 out of 12 months per year. If your organization has a history of less than three years, or if you offer programs less than 9 months per year, you may not apply.Have a three-year expense average of no less than $20,000.Have an active and financially (including in-kind) supportive Board of Directors.

Ineligibility

The following entities are not eligible for a FY23 Operating Support Grant but may be eligible for other grant opportunities through ArtsMemphis.Organizations with a mission that is not arts-based.Organizations that have not applied for a grant through the Arts Build Communities, ArtsFirst, ArtsZone, or Operating Support programs since July 2019.Organizations with a three-year expense average of less than $20,000.K-12 schools, institutions of higher education or individual departments of colleges and universities.Religious organizations, churches or church-affiliated programs, and programs that have implicit religious content, express a particular religious view, or advance a religious purpose.Governmental institutions, i.e., public libraries, park and recreational facilities, schools, etc.Arts-missioned programs or projects operating under a fiscal agent that does not have an arts-based mission.Arts-missioned organizations with less than three years of programming history or that provide programs less than 9 months per year.