Moody Fund for the Arts (MFA) Grants

Program Type: Annual grant program for small and emerging arts organizations in Dallas

Background: Created in 2017 as a permanent endowment by a $10 million gift from The Moody Foundation (based in Galveston, TX). In 2025 (eighth year), MFA distributed $445,000 in grants to 66 Dallas arts organizations. Total distributed since inception: $2,825,000 across 428 grants to 106 unique organizations.

Geographic Scope: Dallas, TX only. Applicant organization must be based in or have a permanent office in the city of Dallas.

Funder: The Moody Foundation, administered by AT&T Performing Arts Center in collaboration with City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants Must:

• Be based in or have permanent office in Dallas
• Have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, specifically classified as a Public Charity in the Internal Revenue Code
• Be supported by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture: Either approved for OAC funding in current fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2025 - Feb. 17, 2026) OR successfully executed an OAC-funded program in previous fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2024 - Sept. 30, 2025) with completed OAC reporting
• Have annual operating budget less than $1 million
• Be sustainable and demonstrate effectiveness and credibility
• Have three-year history of providing relevant work and services (organization does not need to have been a 501(c)(3) or OAC-supported for three years)
• Submit one request per annual award cycle only
• Have completed outcome reporting on previous MFA grants if previous recipient

NOT Eligible:

• Individual artists
• Fiscal sponsors
• Organizations without Dallas base
• Organizations without proper 501(c)(3) status

Award Amounts

• 2026 Award Limit: $15,000 per organization
• Multi-year requests accepted but annual 2026 amount may not exceed $15,000 yearly limit
• 2025 award limit was $12,000; total distributed was $445,000

Grant Categories

Applicants must select one of five categories:

1. New Works, Commissions, Unique Presentations
2. General Program & Operating Support
3. Community Performance/Artist-in-Residency Programs
4. Capacity Building
5. Cultural Equity/New Initiatives (Non-performance)

Applications must demonstrate realistic strategies to reach and measure broad and underserved audiences.

Timeline (2026 Cycle)

• Advisory Review Panel Evaluation: March - April 2026
• Executive Committee Final Determination: May - June 2026
• DCPA Endowment Board Approval: June 2026
• Grants Announced: July 2026
• Grant Payment Checks Distributed: July 2026

Application Process

Step 1: Registration

Register with SurveyMonkey Apply software (different from regular SurveyMonkey)

First-time users must verify email address

Important: Whitelist email addresses from noreply@mail.smapply.io and @surveymonkey.com

Use Chrome or Firefox browser (latest version); do not apply via phone

Step 2: Eligibility Determination

First page of application determines eligibility

Read eligibility requirements on website before starting

If deemed eligible, proceed to full application

Step 3: Information to Provide

Organization Information:

Complete organization details

IRS tax determination letter showing 501(c)(3) status and Public Charity classification

Primary contact information

Most recent annual operating budget (as reported to OAC) or Form 990 filed with IRS

Mission statement

Key accomplishments

Key staff list with positions

Project Information (select one of five categories):
1. New Works, Commissions, Unique Presentations
2. General Program & Operating Support
3. Community Performance/Artist-in-Residency Programs
4. Capacity Building
5. Cultural Equity/New Initiatives (Non-performance)

For Each Project, Provide:

Description

Desired outcome/impact

Target audience (must demonstrate reach to broad and underserved audiences)

Project budget

Location and venue

Neighborhood

Timeline

Funds used between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027

Implementation strategy

Marketing/Communications plan

Proposed metrics of progress and success (supportable metrics are critical)

Step 4: Supporting Materials

Upload or link to materials showcasing best work (digital written, audio, or video files accepted):

Dance companies: Video/audio files or links

Musical groups: Audio files or links

Theatrical pieces: Script or storyboard if available

Examples of past or current work

Any other relevant supporting documentation

Step 5: Submission

Complete application and submit before Noon, Tuesday, February 17, 2026

May save work and return later via bookmarked SurveyMonkey Apply URL

Deadlines strictly observed

Step 6: Review Process

Level One - MFA Advisory Review Panel:

Five-member panel reviews all eligible applications

Panel makes and prioritizes selections

Recommendations are confidential and non-binding

Level Two - MFA Executive Committee:

Three-member committee reviews and refines Advisory Panel recommendations

Makes final decisions on approved grants and award amounts

Committee members:

- Director of City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (Martine Elyse Philippe) - Chair
- Representative of AT&T Performing Arts Center (Tracey Nash-Huntley)
- Cultural Advocate (Stephen Gilhooly)

Step 7: Award Notification

Grants announced and funded in early summer (July 2026)

Application Tips

• Be succinct and respectful of panelists' time
• Make your best case for support
• If first-time SurveyMonkey Apply user, verify email to submit
• Previously submitted information may auto-fill but can be overwritten
• Supportable metrics for success are critical
• Focus on realistic strategies to reach underserved audiences