Illuminate the Arts Grant: Small Creative Enterprises

Illuminate the Arts Grant: Small Creative Enterprises

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Creative Philadelphia (City of Philadelphia - Office of the Mayor)
Amount: US $5,000 - US $7,000
Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Summary

The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) aims to uplift Philadelphia's creative sector by distributing $1.5 million to individual artists and small creative enterprises with budgets under $500,000. This initiative, established by the Philadelphia City Council in 2021, supports artists from historically underfunded communities, enhancing access to the arts in marginalized neighborhoods. Administered by Creative Philadelphia, ITAG fosters cultural vibrancy and resilience post-COVID-19, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to strengthen the city's artistic landscape.

Overview

Mission Creative Philadelphia provides creative and economic opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. We advance public access to arts and culture, collaborate with local creative communities, and celebrate the city’s cultural assets, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and greener city. Illuminate the Arts Grant The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) is designed to strengthen and financially uplift Philadelphia’s creative sector, especially artists and organizations rooted in communities that have been historically underfunded or excluded from traditional sources of arts support. A total of $1.5M will be distributed to individual artists, small and mid-size arts organizations, and small creative enterprises across Philadelphia to recognize and sustain their creative practice, while expanding access to the arts in economically marginalized neighborhoods. Established by Philadelphia City Council in 2021 to aid in the creative sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ITAG continues to invest in Philadelphia’s cultural ecosystem—supporting artists and organizations whose work enhances the city’s vibrancy, resilience, and quality of life. The program is administered by Creative Philadelphia in collaboration with the Illuminate the Arts Grant Advisory Committee, ensuring that funds are distributed efficiently and equitably. The grants will support: Individual Artists; Small Nonprofit Arts Organizations; Mid-size Nonprofit Arts Organizations; and Small Creative Enterprises. Small Creative Enterprises Small creative enterprises with 2024 operating budgets less than $500,000 can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$7,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be based in Philadelphia County