PCA Creative Communities Initiative Grant

PCA Creative Communities Initiative Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: October 17, 2025

Summary

The PCA Creative Communities Initiative (CCI) funds community-driven, arts-based projects that enhance social cohesion and economic vitality in Pennsylvania. With grants of up to $25,000 annually for four years, CCI promotes equity, inclusivity, and engagement through creative placemaking. The initiative aims to empower disinvested communities, support grassroots leaders, and celebrate unique local identities while fostering partnerships among artists, local organizations, and government entities.

Overview

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) PCA is a state agency, supports sustainable, collaborative creative investments as vital to vibrant, livable communities. Mission To strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s communities through the arts. PCA’s Overarching Value - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Promote equitable access for all Pennsylvanians to participate fully in a creative life and in the diverse forms of arts and culture in the commonwealth. Creative Communities Initiative The Creative Communities Initiative (CCI) provides multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for social cohesion, livability, and community and economic development. Creative Communities Program Purpose The purpose of the Creative Communities program is to provide multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects. Also called creative placemaking or placekeeping, the funded projects will have a demonstrated, positive impact on their respective communities. What is Creative Placemaking? Creative placemaking is a powerful community and economic development practice that integrates art, local creative sector assets, community culture and identity, and design to transform community spaces into vibrant, inclusive, accessible, and engaging places that foster community connectedness and livability. Creative Communities Program Goals Strengthen communities through the arts and encourage creative expression and engagement to enhance community well-being.Promote and support projects that include and are accessible to all members of PA communities.Empower communities that have experienced disinvestment and support grassroots leaders and residents in addressing local challenges.Advance community revitalization and resilience and foster sustainable growth and adaptability.Cultivate deep community engagement and encourage active participation in community projects.Celebrate unique community identities that highlight what makes each community special.Build authentic partnerships through collaboration with local government and organizations, and artists and culture bearers.Invest in the creative sector through support of artists, creative small businesses, and cultural initiatives.Address community challenges positively by leveraging community assets to tackle pressing issues. Funding Details Funding amount: up to $25,000 per year, for up to four years.Match requirement: A 1:1 match is required (up to 50% can be in-kind).10% of the match (cash or in-kind) must come from a local government entity.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Ineligibility

In general, the PCA does not fund the following:Activities for which academic credit is given.Hospitality expenses.Activities that have already been completed.Activities that have a religious purpose.Performances and exhibitions not available to the general public.Performances and exhibitions outside Pennsylvania.Cash prizes and awards.Benefit activities.Payments to lobbyists.Competitions.