St. Johns Cultural Council: State of the Arts Grants

The St. Johns Cultural Council offers the State of the Arts Grants, providing six $1,500 awards to support individual artists and arts organizations in St. Johns County. Applications open annually on September 1st, aiming to fund innovative projects in various artistic disciplines. Priority is given to proposals that engage underserved communities or enhance arts education. This competitive grant process encourages creative proposals while ensuring minimal application burden on applicants.

The St. Johns Cultural Council administers an annual “State of the Arts” grant program (“SOTA”), with applications opening on September 1st of each year. This year, we are awarding six $1,500 grants to individual artists or arts organizations. The grant process is competitive and not every application will receive funding. There is no matching requirement and the application and reporting requirements are designed to minimize time of completion.
Nonprofit organizations, individual artists and public schools may apply for funds to support new or expanded programs in disciplines including arts in education; music, dance, folk arts, humanities, literature, film, theatre and musical theatre; visual arts; historic preservation; or the collection or exhibition of cultural or artistic works. Individual artists may also apply for grants to fund professional development. Proposals are evaluated for quality, impact and originality.
Applicants must be St. Johns County residents or organizations based in St. Johns County. All grant activities, other than artist professional development, must take place within St. Johns County, Florida. Proposals for activities that reach underserved audiences, provide arts education, and create art in public places will receive priority.

Eligibility

Applicants must be St. Johns County residents or organizations based in St. Johns County. All grant activities, other than artist professional development, must take place within St. Johns County, Florida. Nonprofit organizations, individual artists and public schools may apply for funds to support new or expanded programs.Allowable Grant Expenditures include:Production costsMaterialsSalary or stipends for project staffArtistic, administrative, technical, consultant feesTuition and travel expenses for professional developmentInsurance for public art projectsFor Public School Teachers/Schools Only:Applications must be for new programs or substantial enhancements to existing programs in St. Johns County public schools.Preference will be given to projects that integrate the arts with other content areas.Funds are granted only for programs or projects that are artistic in nature, but teachers of any discipline may apply.Teachers submitting grants for artists or arts organizations to provide programs at a school must submit a letter of support from the School Principal and the partnering artists or organizations, if any.

Ineligibility

Non-allowable Grant Expenditures include:Capital expenditures or debt reductionFundraising events or other contributions / donationsHospitality costs (private entertainment, food or beverages)Expenses incurred or obligated prior to or after the grant periodRe-granting or donations to other entities