Augusta City Arts Grants- Combined General Operating & Projects

The Augusta City Arts Grants program supports the cultural vibrancy of the Augusta-Richmond County community by providing funding for arts organizations. Grants of up to $7,000 for general operating expenses and $5,000 for specific art projects aim to enhance programming and promote Augusta as a cultural destination. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to arts and cultural programming, maintain a physical presence in Richmond County, and operate as independent non-profits.

The mission of the Greater Augusta Arts Council is to enrich the quality of life for citizens and visitors in Augusta’s River Region by advancing vibrant cultural arts.
City Arts Granting Program
Each year, the City of Augusta allocates funding to the Greater Augusta Arts Council (GAAC) to distribute to the arts non-profit arts community. City leaders recognize the importance of public financial support to sustain a wide variety of artistic disciplines and expressions.
Funding through the FY25 Annual City Arts Grant Program enables arts organizations
to provide programming and educational opportunities throughout Augusta-Richmond Countyto promote Metro Augusta as a cultural destinationto build the capacity and stability of Augusta’s arts and cultural organizationsto enhance the economic development of the city through the arts
For fiscal year 2025, funds will be re-allocated in increments
to support General Operating Expenses – up to $7,000, and to support specific Art Projects – up to $5,000.

Eligibility

Organizations must be dedicated principally to the performance, exhibition, and/ or presentation of arts and/or cultural programming which impacts and benefits the Augusta Richmond County community. The focus on arts and cultural programming must be reflected in the organization’s mission statement.Organizations must be a non-profit entity for at least 1 year with 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.Organizations must be based in Richmond County with a physical headquarters or address in Richmond County. A post office (P.O.) box address is not sufficient to meet this requirement. If the mailing address for the organization is a P.O. Box, the organization must provide additional information confirming the organization is headquartered in Richmond County prior to submitting this application.Organizations must demonstrate financial responsibility and use the majority of its budget for performing, presenting, or exhibiting the arts. Organizations must submit a financial statement in the required format for the most recently completed financial yearOrganizations must show excellence in programming, provide programs that are accessible to the general public, demonstrate consideration of the diversity of this community and articulate strategies for inclusiveness in the organization’s operations and arts programming.Organizations must operate as an independent organization, not under the shelter of any other organization such as a government entity.Only one application per eligible 501(c)3 organization will be considered for support

Ineligibility

Activities and Organizations that are not fundedOrganizations that are not dedicated principally to the performance, exhibition, and/or presentation of arts and/or cultural programming.Organizations with physical headquarters outside of Richmond County, regardless of programming locations.Scholarships or prize money.
Individuals.
Cash reserves or endowments.
Deficit financing or debt reduction.
Financial contributions for non-arts related endeavors.
Programs that discriminate or are subject to religious philosophies, ceremonies, ideology or doctrines.Cost for creating new organizations.
Commercial (for profit) enterprises or activities.
Capital acquisitions or expenditures, purchase, restoration, renovations of a facility, or construction cost.Activities taking place outside Augusta- Richmond County, including travel.
Activities not associated with arts programs and services.