Grants to Organizations

The Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC) offers operating and project grants to Washington’s nonprofit arts organizations. These grants increase accessibility to the arts by helping to reduce the cost of producing or presenting artistic events for the general public.

In the last year, WSAC assisted with more than 49,000 events, serving a combined audience of more than 8.9 million people. In 2007, funds budgeted from the State and the National Endowment for the Arts totaled $1.1 million.

Project Support funds small arts organizations and community service groups through matching grants for specific arts events targeted to a general public audience. Project grants typically range from $500 to $2,000. There are two deadlines each year.

Organizational Support funds mid-range arts organizations – those with a previous year cash income of at least $79,000. In 2006, grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 were awarded to 90 organizations. Applications for this biennial program are not available again until 2009.

The Intiman Theatre in Seattle is an Institutional Support recipient. Photo by Jerry Davis.

Institutional Support provides Washington's largest arts organizations ( those with budgets over $528,000) with operating grants ranging from $9,000 to $47,000. This program is currently not open to new applicants.

Cooperative Partnerships provide statewide services. Current partners include Artist Trust, Arts Northwest, Centrum, and the Washington State Arts Alliance Foundation.

Arts Participation Initiative funds nonprofit organizations to enhance cultural participation in ethnic, disabled, rural, and low-income communities throughout Washington.