External Agency Fund- Arts + Creative Industries Funding Grant

The Arts + Creative Industries External Agency Grant Program, initiated by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government, provides vital funding support to local arts and culture nonprofits. Aimed at enhancing community life through the arts, the program offers grants of $25,000 to $50,000 based on organizational budgets. This initiative fosters creativity, promotes cultural programming, and ensures equitable access to arts experiences for all residents, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Louisville.

Background
Louisville Metro Government is a catalyst for creating a world-class city that provides all its citizens with safe and vibrant neighborhoods, great jobs, a strong system of education and innovation, and a high quality of life. As Louisville Metro’s Designated Local Arts Agency, the Office of Arts + Creative Industries leads strategic initiatives to elevate the quality of life, economy, and authenticity of the city by supporting artists, creative businesses, and cultural nonprofits. To ensure arts and culture experiences are accessible to all citizens, Metro’s Office of Arts + Creative Industries partners with community organizations, schools, and individual artists to initiate and support city-wide cultural programming that inspires and reflects the vibrancy of Louisville.
Purpose of External Agency Fund Grants
External Agency Fund Grants for Arts + Creative Industries support the important work of Louisville/Jefferson County’s arts and culture nonprofit organizations that are essential to sustaining healthy, innovative, and thriving communities. Operational Support funding is provided to maintain and develop programs, services, and facilities.
Goals of External Agency Fund Grants
Activate Louisville through the arts and creative industries by providing direct support for organizations that advance the following focus areas:Providing meaningful arts experiences for everyoneGrowing a creative workforceCultivating vibrant community spaces and neighborhoodsProvide support for established and emerging arts and culture organizations to ensure stability, adaptability, and resiliency of Louisville’s creative sector.Increase visibility and opportunities for compensation for cultural professional’s and artists’ contributions to the local community.Facilitate and encourage all residents of Louisville to increase participation in arts and culture experiences.
Organizations with budgets of $500,000 or below may apply for $25,000 awards. Organizations with budgets exceeding $500,000 may apply for either $25,000 or $50,000 awards. Budget size refers to total expenses from the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year. In- kind expenses and pass-through funds should not be included in the budget level calculation.

Eligibility

Applicant organizations must meet all criteria to be considered for Metro EAF Grant funding.An organization is eligible for funding if:Its primary mission is to deliver, create, produce, present arts and cultural experiences or educational programming.It is an organization based in Jefferson County and primarily serves the residents of Jefferson County. It is understood that organizations may conduct programming outside of Louisville/Jefferson County, however OACI EAF Grant funds may only be applied to organizational costs associated with activities that occur within Louisville/Jefferson County.It has operated in Louisville/Jefferson County as a stand-alone 501(c)(3) organization registered with the Internal Revenue Service, for a period of at least two (2) years.It is qualified to do business in Louisville/Jefferson County; in good standing with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission; and is in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State.Is in good standing with any and all other grants from Louisville Metro Government, if applicable. This includes utilizing awarded funding and meeting all reporting requirements.Additional eligibility requirements:Once notified of funding, organizations must be able to execute initial agreement and request disbursement of funds by September 29, otherwise funds may be reallocated.Organizations that hire contract employees are required to ensure those employees are registered and in good standing with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission.Applicants may only submit one application.

Ineligibility

Applicants may not apply through a fiscal sponsor.Metro OACI EAF Grants do not fund:Childcare centersHealth organizationsSupport groupsReligious groups and activities such as proselytizing, prayer, religious study, distribution of religious materials, etc.Institutions of Higher EducationActivities and organizations that are not open to the general public.Unallowable ExpensesCash incentives to program participantsCapital expenses or construction costsChildcare expensesConsultant feesDebt reductionEntertainment/recreation costs unrelated to educational programmingFood or beverage unrelated to the delivery of primary programsCapital or endowment campaigns; fundraising events; or promotional items produced for the purposes of fundraisingIncentives, awards, or giftsItems not approved in the grant budgetItems that do not have proper documentation and backup documentationMembership and/or organization duesRecognition awards, stipends, bonuses, and/or severance pay to staff or volunteersState sales taxPolitical activityVehicle purchases