SPOKANE ARTS FUND logo

Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA)

SPOKANE ARTS FUND

Foundation Annual Grants for ArtsGrants for MusicGrants for Performing ArtsGrants for Visual Artists
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Varies by round; $33,000 - $67,200 per round historically

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA)

Funder: Spokane Arts

Mission: To enrich artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy within Spokane by serving as a catalyst for a robust, healthy arts community where individual artists, creative industries, and non-profit arts and culture organizations thrive.

Geographic Scope: Spokane region and Inland Northwest, Washington State

Funding Focus Areas:

  • Visual arts (painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking, tintype, glass)

  • Performing arts (dance, theater, music, opera)

  • Film and media (documentary, interactive film, new media)

  • Literary arts (writing, publishing, poetry)

  • Cultural projects (storytelling, cultural preservation, community cultural events)

  • Arts education and youth programs

  • Arts therapy

  • Culinary arts

  • Public art

    • Eligibility:

  • Individual artists

  • Arts organizations

  • Non-profit cultural organizations

  • Creative businesses

  • Must be based in or serving the Spokane/Inland Northwest region

  • Washington State artists eligible

    • Evaluation Criteria:

  • Artistic merit

  • Effectiveness

  • Community impact

  • Project timeline and budget realism

  • Alignment with SAGA's mission and priorities

    • Grantmaking Structure:

  • Typically 3 rounds per year

  • Panel of 6 community members with arts and culture experience reviews applications

  • Panel names announced each December after funding decisions made

  • Competitive process

    • Funding History:

  • 2017 (inception): Initial awards

  • 2019: $104,500 total across 3 rounds

  • 2020: $175,000+ total (increased from $125,000 baseline due to COVID-19 relief)

  • 2021: $135,000 total across 3 rounds

  • Cumulative (through 2021): Over $500,000 awarded

    • Contact:

  • Phone: 509-321-9614

  • Email: shelly@spokanearts.org

  • Address: PO Box 978, Spokane, WA 99210

  • Physical: 801 W Riverside Ave. Suite 100, Spokane, WA 99201

    • Website: https://spokanearts.org/saga-grants/

    How to Apply

    SAGA Application Process

    Key Principles for Success:
    1. Be Creative - Use storytelling to demonstrate how your project impacts community; show artistic merit through compelling narrative; convey project vision in 10-15 seconds of reading
    2. Get Organized - Set up timelines for proposal completion; use tools like Google Calendar or grant writing notebook; start with budget/expense section, then build narrative
    3. Be Inquisitive - Ask questions about funder goals; attend workshops; seek one-on-one appointments; ensure proposal details align with SAGA's priorities

    Application Requirements:

  • Project description/narrative (demonstrate creativity and community impact)

  • Budget and expense list

  • Project timeline (must be realistic)

  • Background/context information

  • Goals and expected outcomes

  • Evidence of organizational/artistic track record

    • Key Questions to Address:

  • What is your project? (should be clear in 10-15 seconds of reading)

  • How does it demonstrate artistic merit?

  • What is the community impact?

  • How does it align with SAGA's mission?

  • Is your project timeline realistic?

  • Is your budget realistic?

  • Why does SAGA make sense for your project?

    • Support Available:

  • Grant writing workshops available

  • One-on-one appointments with SAGA grants administrator

  • Contact: shelly@spokanearts.org or 509-321-9614 for assistance

    • Application Submission:

  • Multiple rounds per year (approximately 3 rounds annually)

  • Competitive process with pool of 25-42+ applications per round

  • Submit via online portal (specific URL not provided in content)

    • Tips for Success:

  • Start with expense list to determine funding needed

  • Build narrative around realistic budget

  • Give yourself adequate time for feedback from colleagues/partners

  • Set calendar reminders for deadlines and follow-up

  • Revisit rejected proposals and incorporate feedback

  • Demonstrate resilience; rejection is part of the process

  • Show how project benefits community beyond just the applicant

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artsmusicperforming-artsvisual-artistscreative-writingtheaterdance

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for ArtsGrants for MusicGrants for Performing ArtsGrants for Visual ArtistsGrants for Creative WritingGrants for TheaterGrants for Dance

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    The Fabulous Find Monthly Partnership Grant

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Monthly
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Foundation Production Grant (AFI's Directing Workshop for Women)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    May 1, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Production Grant (Boston University)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    January 1, 2027

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Award for Best Female Director (Columbia University)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    May 1, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Foundation Film Grant (Horizon Award/Sundance Film Festival)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    January 1, 2027

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Director's Grant (IFP)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    October 1, 2026

    Annual

    Ready to apply for Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more