TAC Arts Build Communities' Grant

The TAC Arts Build Communities' Grant provides essential funding for arts projects that enhance community engagement and address local issues in Tennessee. This program supports innovative arts experiences, strengthens social networks, and promotes cultural initiatives that contribute to community identity and economic development. Eligible organizations include non-profits and government entities, and projects must be accessible to the public. This grant encourages creativity and collaboration among artists and communities across the state.

Purpose:

• Locally administered grants for arts projects focusing on community priorities.

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. ABC funds may be used to:
Provide innovative arts experiences that are new or unfamiliar to community residentsOffer arts programs that are designed to help affect positive change in community social issuesDevelop arts programming that strengthens social networks through community engagementUndertake cultural arts initiatives that enhance a community’s identity and/or economic developmentOffer training that helps experienced or emerging artists/arts administrators develop entrepreneurial skills or innovative strategies for building sustainability
The Commission offers the ABC program through a decentralized decision-making and distribution process in partnership with regional designated agencies. Through ABC, the Commission seeks to build communities by nurturing artists, arts organizations (including local arts agencies), and arts supporters in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
Open to organizations for arts activities if they meet all applicable requirements described in the guidelines.

Eligibility

Open to organizations for arts activities if they meet all applicable requirements described in the guidelines. Colleges and universities are eligible only for activities that clearly serve the needs of surrounding communities or the State and are designed to involve a broad audience. An organization is eligible to apply for funding support of its arts activities if the organization meets one of the following qualifications:The organization is a nonprofit organization legally chartered in Tennessee and in possession of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service declaring the organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Private educational institutions must be a nonprofit and meet these tax-exempt requirements.The organization is an entity of government (such as city/county government departments, public libraries, public schools, etc.)Colleges and universities are eligible only for activities that clearly serve the needs of surrounding communities or the State and are designed to involve a broad audience.Applications that propose arts activities related to the Juneteenth holiday are eligible for Arts Build Communities grants as long as proposed projects conclude with all project expenses disbursed by June 20, 2025.All projects sponsored in part or entirely with ABC funds must be accessible to the general public
Applications from colleges or universities or other institutions of higher education, whether public or private, must emphasize non-academic community involvement in the planning and implementation of the project

Ineligibility

Individuals are not eligible to apply for ABC funding.Individuals and organizations awarded Major Cultural Institution or Partnership Support funding are not eligible to apply for ABC funding. Activities that are credit-producing or are oriented primarily to collegiate students and the academic community are not eligible.ABC funds may NOT be used:To support a project already funded by the Commission
For capital improvements (buildings or construction), for permanent equipment purchases or for the elimination of an accumulated deficit.
As “seed money” for starting new organizations
For in-school, curriculum-based projects. Projects may target youth as participants and can occur within school facilities outside of regular school hours.
To begin, match, add to or complete any type of endowment campaign or program