County opens art grant for nonprofits

Pierce County has announced the opening of the 2025 Art Grant program. This grant initiative aims to expand access to the arts, foster educational opportunities, support underserved communities and celebrate the rich cultural diversity within Pierce County.

Nonprofit organizations based in unincorporated Pierce County are encouraged to apply if they offer arts education, programming or experiences tailored to lower-income youth or underserved populations living outside Tacoma city limits. Eligible projects must take place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. 

Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000. Applications will be evaluated by the Arts Commission using a variety of criteria, including but not limited to the following: artistic merit of proposed project; reach, breadth and impact of the project; provision of art programs/services to lower income youth or underserved areas of Pierce County where such services are limited or unavailable; proposed project is equitable and inclusive, offers opportunity for connection and relationship building, and contributes to the well-being of community members; demonstrated managerial capability of the organization; contributed and earned revenues beyond funding requested from Pierce County Arts Commission; and demonstrated community support for the project and/or organization.

Pierce County Art Grants cannot support the following: capital improvements, purchase real property, or support administrative costs not directly associated with the project; costs incurred prior to the effective date of the contract; events intended as fundraisers for any organization or person; performance events for which an admission fee is charged; services before they occur (funds will be disbursed when the project is completed and the required final reports have been submitted and accepted); food, alcohol, ticket subsidies, or transportation; paying students for artistic services; funding scholarships; and discrimination of any kind. 

To assist applicants, a virtual workshop will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on the application process. 

Since 1986, the Pierce County Arts Commission has proudly supported local arts through its Art Grant program. In 2023, the County awarded nearly $27,000 in grants, funding seven projects, serving over 9,100 youth and providing 17,000 hours of enriching art experiences. 

Applications must be submitted online by 2 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2025. For workshop details, more information or to apply, visit the Art Grant program website at piercecountywa.gov/3333/Art-Grant-Program.