Providence cultural organizations have two information sessions this week for city grant programs offering a combined $750,000 for arts facilities and festivals.

The festival session is Wednesday, Oct. 28, at noon. The facilities session is Friday, Oct. 30, at noon, according to the city's program announcement. Both are online.

Facilities applications close Nov. 16

The Cultural Facilities Improvement Grants program has $700,000 over two years, divided equally between fiscal 2027 and 2028. The first application round opened Oct. 16 and closes Nov. 16.

Most awards are expected to range from $25,000 to $100,000, although organizations may request other amounts. No matching money is required.

Eligible nonprofit organizations must own a Providence public cultural venue or hold a qualifying long-term lease. Improvements must last at least five years. Administrative offices unavailable to artists, students or audiences are excluded.

Organizations that received a combined $100,000 or more in city grants, subsidies or contracts during fiscal 2025 and 2026 are ineligible under the announcement. Applicants should check that limit before preparing a proposal.

Festival applications begin Nov. 15

The separate Cultural Festival Grant Fund has $50,000 for fiscal 2027, with individual awards from $1,500 to $4,000. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from Nov. 15 through May 15, 2027.

Eligible events must be established, free and accessible public cultural festivals in Providence, with a total budget above $8,000. They must take place by June 30, 2027, meet the program's annual-event history requirements, have no religious affiliation and obtain required permits.

To RSVP for the Oct. 28 festival session, contact Charlotte Abotsi at cabotsi@providenceri.gov. To RSVP for the Oct. 30 facilities session, contact Rebecca Noon at rnoon@providenceri.gov. The city says the facilities-session recording will be available by Nov. 2.

Full application materials are linked through the Department of Art, Culture and Tourism on its website.