WELCOME TO THE NEVADA ARTS COUNCIL'S ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM
All applications, support material and final reports must be submitted through this portal. ALL APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 5:00 PM (PST) ON THE DEADLINE DATE.
Account Information:
- You must create an account or sign in to your existing account to apply for a grant or other opportunity.
- All official Nevada Arts Council correspondence will be sent to the e-mail associated with your account. It is imperative that the information and email address in your profile is accurate and kept up-to-date.
- If you apply for grants/opportunities as both an individual and as an organization, you should have two separate accounts with different email addresses (one for individual grants and one for organizational grants).
How to Navigate this Website:
- All grants/opportunities that are currently open for applications are listed below. Click on Guidelines to review the full guidelines for each grant/opportunity.
- To apply for a specific grant/opportunity, click Apply.
- To view your current applications (active and drafts) or access Final Report forms, click on your profile name in the upper right hand corner, then click on My Submissions.
- To edit your profile information (including address, phone number, and email), click on your profile name in the upper right hand corner, then click on My Profile.
The Nevada Arts Council invites members of the community to serve as panelists for our grant panels. Serving on a peer-review panel is a powerful learning experience and a valuable contribution to the arts in Nevada. By providing your support to the arts and culture community throughout the state, you are participating in cultural policy in action and gaining insight about the grant making process. Peer review panels include artists, cultural practitioners, arts educators, and arts field professionals who represent diversity in all forms including age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, and heritage.
HOW IT WORKS: Participating as a grant review panelist is a 2-4 week commitment (depending on the number of applications submitted in the grant category). During this time, panelists will review and score all assigned applications independently using our online grant management system. Then, panelists will participate in an open public meeting to discuss each application and provide final scores (meetings may be held virtually or in-person). After panel meetings are completed, the Nevada Arts Council Board convenes to discuss the grant panel review and to vote on final grant allocations.
Panelists receive an honorarium of $100-$250 per panel day (panel meetings run 1-2 days depending on the number of applications).
Panelists must meet the following criteria:
- Must be over 18
- Must be able to independently assess the strengths and weaknesses grant applications based on a grant program’s published review criteria (the number of grant applications varies in each grant category)
- Must have access to a computer to review applications and all work samples (photos, videos, etc.) through our online system prior to the virtual panel meeting(s)
- Must be able to take part in up to three (3) mandatory group meetings (one virtual orientation meeting and up to two panel review meetings)
- Must disclose any conflicts of interest (Panelists are asked to disclose any relationships they have with an applicant or applicant organizations. Having a conflict of interest does not make you ineligible to serve as a panelist; however, during the public panel meeting panelists are asked to abstain from discussion of and voting on any application with which they have a potential conflict of interest.)
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Eligible panelists from the approved panel pool will be contacted by Nevada Arts Council staff to serve on specific grant panels based on programmatic needs. Not all nominees will be selected to serve on the current year’s panels, but the Nevada Arts Council will retain all submissions for consideration for future panels.
The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Folklife Artist Grant (FLA) supports traditional arts projects by folk artists and culture bearers. Eligible projects focus on the transmission of folk arts or traditions that are practiced, valued, and shared within culturally specific communities in Nevada. Eligible projects include apprenticeships, mentorships, or group learning activities focused on folk and traditional arts practices.
Funding is for the current Fiscal Year time frame (grant cycle):
- Activities July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 (Applications open 02/01/24, close 29 days before the end of the cycle *11:59 PM (PST) of 06/01/25)
Important Information:
- Pre-approval Requirement: Contact Folklife Specialist staff before applying to ensure that the project is eligible: Brad McMullen, Folklife Specialist: bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org or 702-486-3739
- Open To: Intermediate or advanced-level folk/traditional artist or cultural practitioners (Must be NV resident, over 21, non-student, U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status)
- Before applying, you must read the FY25 Folklife Artist Grant (FLA) guidelines
- Funding Timeline: Some components of the project, including planning, may occur outside of the FY25 grant cycle (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025), however, the portion(s) of the project being paid for with grant funds must occur completely within the grant cycle
- Additional Funding Information: Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged
Guidelines for our other current and upcoming grant opportunities can be found on the FY25 Grant Offerings page of our Nevada Arts Council website.
APPLICATION OPEN: May 1, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds remain available)
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $3,000 (no match required)*
ELIGIBILITY SNAPSHOT: Individual, NV Resident, 21 years or older, non-student
TIME PERIOD OF SUPPORT: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Folklife Artist Grant (FLA) supports traditional arts projects by folk artists and culture bearers. Eligible projects focus on the transmission of folk arts or traditions that are practiced, valued, and shared within culturally specific communities in Nevada. Eligible projects can be learning-focused, such as apprenticeships, mentorships, group learning activities, and cultural reclamation; or presentation-focused, such as exhibitions, performances, readings, concerts, and festivals focused on folk and traditional arts practices.
ELIGIBILITY
To ensure that their project is eligible in the category (folk and traditional arts), the applicant and/or project must meet the following requirements:
- Must talk with Folklife Program staff before applying
- Must be a member of the community whose arts are being presented and demonstrate a deep knowledge of the artistic practices and associated cultural traditions that will be taught
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must not be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a field related to the type of grant for which they are applying
- Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the grant application
FY26 Folklife Artist grantees may also apply for the Project Grant for Artists and Arts Learning Express Grant, if eligible. Applicants may receive funding for one Folklife Artist Grant per fiscal year and are limited to two consecutive years of funding in this category.
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $3,000 (no match required)*
Grant funds may be used for artist fees (applicant, collaborating, and production), facility costs, permanent equipment (not to exceed $500), consumable materials/supplies, production costs/materials, marketing/promotion, and/or travel (accommodation and transportation).
Grant funds may be disbursed as an advance payment upon receipt of the signed terms and conditions or as reimbursement. Documentation of the use of grant funds must be provided in the Final Report and must match the proposed expenses.
REVIEW PROCESS/CRITERIA
Nevada Arts Council staff will review applications for completeness and adherence to program requirements. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate the artistic excellence of participating folk artists, and establish the artistic merit of the project as it relates to the cultural community represented.
Applications that meet all requirements will be awarded in the order in which they are received while funds remain available. A record of the review process is maintained for all applications. Grants are contingent on available funding as approved by the Nevada Arts Council Board.
HOW TO APPLY
- Contact Folklife Specialist staff before applying to ensure that the project is eligible: bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org or 702-486-3739
- Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants
- Review the Application Questions and Support Material (Coming Soon)
- Complete the application below
- Review additional resources for applicants (Folklife and Grant specialists are available to coach applicants through the process and help to identify resources and solutions for challenges, including technical issues with the online grants management system, encountered in preparing the application.)
- If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at grants@nevadaculture.org
*Grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding.
Application Open:
May 1, 2025
Application Deadline:
July 1, 2025
Time Period of Support:
Year 1: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Year 2: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Two-Year Grant Amount:
Up to $50,000 ($25,000 per fiscal year) based on budget
ELIGIBILITY SNAPSHOT:
NV incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organizations
STAFF CONTACTS:
Michelle Patrick | Community Arts Development Specialist
mpatrick@nevadaculture.org
702-486-3732
Lauren Frick | Community Arts Development Specialist
lfrick@nevadaculture.org
775-687-7719
How the Program Works
Operating Support Grants (OSG) from the Nevada Arts Council strengthen Nevada’s arts infrastructure by supporting general operations of non-profit arts organizations throughout the state. The most competitive applicants offer ongoing, sustained, accessible programs and arts services or artistic programming in their communities. OSG funds support general operating expenses including administrative salaries and benefits, payroll expenses, insurance, facility space rental, utilities, and contracted and professional services. Operating Support Grants are awarded on a two-year cycle. Organizations will submit a full application in even fiscal years, and an Interim Report in the following odd fiscal year.
This grant is administered in two separate payments during the two-year grant cycle:
- Grantees must complete their Award Packet within 30 days of the receipt to receive Year 1 of their OSG funding (50% of total award)
- Grantees must complete the Interim Report online with all applicable support materials by June 30, 2026
- Upon approval of the Interim Report, grantees will receive Year 2 of their OSG funding (50% of total award)
- Grantees must complete the Final Report online by June 30, 2027, to remain in compliance and eligible for future Nevada Arts Council grants
Two-Year Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 total ($25,000 per fiscal year)*
The grant amount is based on the organization’s annual total revenue (see levels below). Depending on availability of funds, the organization’s award amount will be the same for each year of the grant. The Nevada Arts Council fiscal year runs July 1-June 30.
Required Match: 1:1 cash match
Eligibility
Nevada 501(c)(3) incorporated nonprofit organizations that meet the following requirements:
- Must be based in Nevada (as shown by the address on the organization’s IRS 990 form)
- Must have federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov
- Must have active incorporation status with the Nevada Secretary of State showing evidence of good standing at the time of application
- Show an annual total revenue of at least $10,000 in your organization’s most recently completed fiscal year (based on your most recent IRS 990 form)
- Have a mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose of the organization
- Provide significant arts programs or services on seasonal or ongoing basis throughout the year (this grant does not fund organizations whose primary focus is a single event)
- Have at least one paid part-time or full-time employee (Levels 2-5 only)
- Demonstrate at least three previous years of effective arts related programming
An organization may receive an Operating Support Grant, an Arts Learning Project Grant, and up to two Arts Learning Express Grants in the same fiscal year.
OSG Funding Restrictions
Please see the General Funding Restrictions of the current Grant and Award Policies.
Grant Request Levels*
An organization’s grant request level is based on the total revenue reported on the IRS 990 form (or 990-N for organizations with gross receipts of $30,000-$50,000) from their most recently completed fiscal year (as of the grant deadline date).
- Level 1: If your annual total revenue is $10,000 – $99,999, You may request up to $5,000
- Level 2: If your annual total revenue is $100,000 – $249,999, You may request up to $10,000
- Level 3: If your annual total revenue is $250,000 – $499,999, You may request up to $15,000
- Level 4: If your annual total revenue is $500,000 – $999,999, You may request up to $20,000
- Level 5: If your annual total revenue is $1 million or more, You may request up to $25,000
Review Process
This is a competitive grant category and grant funds are awarded based on panel scores and available funds. For more information, please see the Grant and Award Policies.
Review Criteria
Organizational Capacity and Management (40 points)
- Provides evidence of effective financial management and health, including maintaining appropriate budgets and a diversity of revenue sources
- Provides evidence of qualifications and effectiveness of professional staff and board to support the organization’s mission, programming, and services
- Identifies and describes methods to evaluate success, impact, and outcomes
- Provides evidence of succession, emergency planning and preparedness
Artistic Excellence (30 points)
- Demonstrates commitment to artistic excellence as evidenced through programming and/or services (includes utilizing artists, arts and design professionals, and arts educators as appropriate)
- Utilizes an effective process to select artists, services, programming, and other elements of artistic production or presentation
- Programming aligns with the organization’s overall artistic vision and mission
Community Impact/Artistic Merit (30 points)
- Organization clearly identifies and defines the demographics of the community it serves
- Programs, services, and activities of the organization demonstrate a broad or significant impact on the community
- Includes a plan for inclusion and accessibility
How to Apply
- Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants
- Review the Application Questions and Support Material (Coming Soon)
- Complete the application below
- Review additional resources for applicants
- If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at grants@nevadaculture.org
*Grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding.
The Arts Learning Express Grant (ALX) from the Nevada Arts Council is designed to support a short-term teaching artist residency (20 hours maximum). This grant is open to community organizations/public institutions and individual teaching artists who are on the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster. To offer flexibility and expedite funding, ALX grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis for each cycle. Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged.
Funding is divided into two distinct six-month grant cycles:
- Cycle A: Activities July 1–December 31, 2024 (applications open 02/01/24, close 29 days before the end of the cycle *11:59 PM (PST) of 12/02/24)
- Cycle B: Activities January 1–June 30, 2025 (applications open 08/01/24, close 29 days before the end of the cycle *11:59 PM (PST) of 06/01/25)
*This Application Form Is For Cycle B (Activities from 01/01/25-06/30/25)
Important Information:
- Open To: NV incorporated non-profit organizations (arts and non-arts), public institutions, and NV residents who are on Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artists Roster
- Before applying, you must read the FY25 Arts Learning Express Grant (ALX) guidelines
- Funding Timeline: To offer flexibility and expedite funding, grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis for each cycle
- Additional Funding Information: Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged.
Please note: If you are an individual applicant NOT affiliated with an organization, please click "Skip and continue to application" below rather than searching for an Organization EIN or UEI. Individual applicants are not required to have or submit an EIN or UEI.
Guidelines for our other current and upcoming grant opportunities can be found on the FY25 Grant Offerings page of our Nevada Arts Council website.
CYCLE A
- Application Open: May 1, 2025 at 8:00am PT
- Application Deadline: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds are available)
- Time Period of Support: July 1 – December 31, 2025
CYCLE B
- Application Open: November 1, 2025 at 8:00am PT
- Application Deadline: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds are available)
- Time Period of Support: January 1 – June 30, 2026
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $2,000 (no match required)*
ELIGIBILITY SNAPSHOT: NV incorporated non-profit organizations (arts and non-arts), public institutions, and NV residents who are on Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artists Roster
STAFF CONTACTS:
Sogand Tabatabaei | Arts Learning Specialist
stabatabaei@nevadaculture.org
775-687-7103
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
The Arts Learning Express Grant (ALX) from the Nevada Arts Council is designed to support short-term arts education programming. This grant is open to community organizations/public institutions and individual teaching artists who are on the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster. To offer flexibility and expedite funding, ALX grants will be awarded on a first come, first-served basis for each cycle. Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged.
ALX funds are divided into two six-month grant cycles:
CYCLE A: Activities July 1–December 31, 2025
CYCLE B: Activities January 1–June 30, 2026
Eligible applicants can receive up to two ALX grants per fiscal year, but only one ALX grant per cycle. The Final Report for the first grant must be submitted prior to receiving funds for the second grant. To stay in compliance and remain eligible for future Nevada Arts Council grants, grantees must submit the Final Report by the deadline stated in the award packet.
Eligibility
Teaching Artist Eligibility: Nevada Arts Council Teaching Roster Artists
- Only open to artists/groups on the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster
- Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the grant application
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must not be enrolled as degree-seeking student in a field related to the type of grant for which they are applying
- Artists working in groups must file one joint application with one individual as the primary applicant
Hosting Organization Eligibility: Public Institutions & 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Must be based in Nevada* (as shown by the address on the organization’s IRS 990 form)
- Must have federal tax-exempt status
- Must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov
- Must have active incorporation status with the Nevada Secretary of State
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $2,000 (no match required)*
In some cases, an artist may charge more than the grant will support. It is the hosting organization’s responsibility to ensure that the artist receives full payment. Grant funds may be disbursed as an advance payment upon receipt of the signed terms and conditions or as reimbursement.
Funds may be used for teaching artist fees, materials/supplies, and travel (accommodation and transportation only).
In addition to the General Funding Restrictions in the current Grant and Award Policies, ALX funds may NOT be used for:
- Private lessons, concerts, assembly programs, or lectures
- Attending classes or workshops
- Expenses outside the 6-month cycle
Programming Requirements
- The grant-funded arts education programming must be an active hands-on educational experience in the arts or traditional cultural practices
- Supplementary activities such as readings, lecture-demonstrations and performances may accompany the educational activities but cannot be more than 20% of the programming contact hours
- A teacher or adult representative of the sponsoring organization must be present at all times during the program and if the artist is working with a large group of Pre-K through 12th grade students, the adult-student ratio will be appropriate to the activity
- Programming contact hours should be 4 hours minimum and 20 hours maximum
A hosting organization may receive either the FY26 Arts Learning Express grant or the FY26 Arts Learning Project grant, not both.
Review Process/Criteria
Nevada Arts Council staff will review applications for eligibility, completeness, and adherence to the project requirements below. Applications that meet all eligibility and project requirements are awarded in the order in which they are received while funds remain available. A record of the review process is maintained for all applications. Grants are contingent on available funding as approved by the Nevada Arts Council Board. Project must demonstrate artistic excellence and artistic merit which includes the following:
- Project is interactive and hands-on
- Includes clear objectives and achievable outcomes
- Demonstrates connection to Nevada Content Standards for the Fine Arts and/or English Language Arts and Social Studies (PreK – 12 only)
- Addresses one of the following: Arts Education, Arts Integration, Arts for Social Development, Therapeutic Art Making
- Skill level must be appropriate for target audience
- Includes clear plan to evaluate the success of the arts education programming
- Involves qualified teaching artists/groups
- Must provide a clear schedule including educational contact hours
- Demonstrates an authentic and collaborative commitment to inclusion and accessibility
How to Apply
- Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants
- Review the Application Questions and Support Material
- Complete the application below
- Review additional resources for applicants
- If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at grants@nevadaculture.org
*Grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding.
Please note: If you are an individual applicant NOT affiliated with an organization, please click "Skip and continue to application" below rather than searching for an Organization EIN or UEI. Individual applicants are not required to have or submit an EIN or UEI.
The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Folklife Community Grant (FLC) supports programs with folk artists and culture bearers presented by small community organizations. Eligible projects focus on the transmission or presentation of folk arts or traditions that are practiced, valued, and shared within culturally specific communities in Nevada. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to festivals, cultural events, concerts, and gatherings that bring traditional artists, cultural specialists, and communities together.
Funding is for the current Fiscal Year time frame (grant cycle):
- Activities July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 (Applications open 02/01/24, close 29 days before the end of the cycle *11:59 PM (PST) of 06/01/25)
Important Information:
- Pre-approval Requirement: Contact Folklife Specialist staff before applying to ensure that the project is eligible: Brad McMullen, Folklife Specialist: bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org or 702-486-3739
- Open To: NV incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with annual budgets of $30,000 or less
- Before applying, you must read the FY25 Folklife Community Grant (FLC)
- Funding Timeline: Some components of the project, including planning, may occur outside of the FY25 grant cycle (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025), however, the portion(s) of the project being paid for with grant funds must occur completely within the grant cycle
- Additional Funding Information: Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged
Guidelines for our other current and upcoming grant opportunities can be found on the FY25 Grant Offerings page of our Nevada Arts Council website.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: May 1, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds remain available)
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $5,000 (no 1:1 cash or in-kind match required except for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000)*
ELIGIBILITY SNAPSHOT: NV Incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations
TIME PERIOD OF SUPPORT: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
STAFF CONTACT:
Brad McMullen | Folklife Specialist
bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org
702-486-3739
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Folklife Community Grant (FLC) supports programs with folk artists and culture bearers presented by small community organizations. Eligible projects focus on the transmission or presentation of folk arts or traditions that are practiced, valued, and shared within culturally specific communities in Nevada. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to festivals, cultural events, concerts, and gatherings that bring traditional artists, cultural specialists, and communities together.
Projects must be complete before June 30, 2026. Grantees must complete the Final Report by the deadline stated in the award packet.
ELIGIBILITY
To ensure that their project is eligible in the category (folk and traditional arts), the applicant/project must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must talk with Folklife Program staff before applying
- Must be based in Nevada and (as shown by the address on the organization’s IRS 990 form)
- Must have federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Must have active incorporation status with the Nevada Secretary of State showing evidence of good standing at the time of application
- Must have or obtain Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov
Organizations that received an FY26 Project Grant for Organizations, Arts Learning Project grant, or Operating Support Grant are not eligible to apply for the FY26 Folklife Community grant. Applicants may receive one FLC per fiscal year and are limited to two consecutive years of funding in the category.
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $5,000 (no 1:1 cash or in-kind match required except for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000)*
Funds may be used for artist fees (applicant, collaborating, and production), facility costs, permanent equipment (not to exceed $750), consumable materials/supplies, production costs/materials, marketing/promotion, travel (accommodations and transportation only), or other relevant project expenses. For a full list of non-allowable expenses, see the Funding Restrictions in the current Grant and Award Policies.
Grant funds may be disbursed as an advance payment upon receipt of the signed terms and conditions or as reimbursement. Documentation of the use of grant funds must be provided in the Final Report and must match the proposed expenses.
REVIEW PROCESS
Nevada Arts Council staff will review applications for completeness and adherence to program requirements. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate the artistic excellence of participating folk artists, and establish the artistic merit of the project as it relates to the cultural community represented.
Applications that meet all requirements will be awarded in the order in which they are received while funds remain available. A record of the review process is maintained for all applications. Grants are contingent on available funding as approved by the Nevada Arts Council Board.
HOW TO APPLY
- Contact Folklife Specialist staff before applying to ensure that the project is eligible: bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org or 702-486-3739
- Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants
- Review the Application Questions and Support Material (Coming Soon)
- Complete the application below
- Review additional resources for applicants (Folklife and Grant specialists are available to coach applicants through the process and help to identify resources and solutions for challenges, including technical issues with the online grants management system, encountered in preparing the application.)
- If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at grants@nevadaculture.org
*Grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding.