Providence arts nonprofits that own or long-lease a venue have until Nov. 16 to apply for a share of $350,000 in first-round repair and improvement grants. The city's Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, known as ACT, plans another $350,000 for the second year. A separate $50,000 festival fund starts taking applications Nov. 15.
Facilities grants
The Cultural Facilities Improvement Grants come from ACT's share of the city's 2020 and 2025 capital bonds. The first year is $350,000, of which $300,000 is from the 2020 bond and $50,000 from the 2025 bond. The second year is $350,000 from the 2025 bond. ACT says it expects most awards to run from $25,000 to $100,000, with no matching funds required, though applicants may ask for more or less. If every award fell in that range, the first round would fund roughly 3 to 14 grants, by our arithmetic.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a Providence venue that regularly presents performance, visual art, writing, music or dance. Individuals, LLCs, for-profits and fiscally sponsored collectives are not eligible. They must own the building or hold a qualifying long-term lease: 20 years, or five years with a 20-year option. The improvement must be built to last at least five years and be finishable by June 30, 2028 for first-round money. Administrative offices closed to artists, students and audiences do not qualify.
The city's announcement says organizations that received a combined $100,000 or more in city grants, subsidies or contracts in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 are not eligible; ACT's page words the test as $100,000 "in either" of those years. ACT's page says a review panel meets the week of Dec. 14.
Festival fund
The Cultural Festival Grant Fund offers $1,500 to $4,000 per festival from a $50,000 pool, which covers about 12 to 33 awards, by our arithmetic. Festivals must be free and open to the public, take place in Providence by June 30, 2027, have no religious affiliation, and have a total event budget above $8,000. They also need to have held the festival annually for at least three to five consecutive years in Providence and to obtain a city special event permit.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from Nov. 15, with a final deadline of May 15, 2027. Awards can cover eligible expenses retroactively for up to one year.
Application forms, eligibility rules and a recording of the Oct. 30 information session are on artculturetourism.com.
