How much funding does Moody Fund for the Arts (MFA) Grants provide?

Moody Fund for the Arts (MFA) Grants provides Up to $15,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Moody Fund for the Arts (MFA) Grants?

The deadline is February 17, 2027.

Moody Fund for the Arts (MFA) Grants

DALLAS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Foundation Annual Grants for Arts Grants for Nonprofits Foundation Grants

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Funding Amount

Up to $15,000

Deadline

February 17, 2027

314 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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.

Contact Information

Moody Fund for the Arts
700 N. Pearl Street, Suite N1800
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214-978-2840
Email: grants@moodyartsfund.org
Press Inquiries: press@moodyartsfund.org

Primary Contact: Hector Garcia

Timeline (2026 Cycle)

Application Period: Noon, Monday, January 26, 2026 - Noon, Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (deadlines strictly observed)
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

How to Apply

Application Process

Step 1: Registration

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

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Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

Deadline

October 1, 2026

Annual

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