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