ArtsWA Community Investments

FY26 - America 250 – Latine and Hispanic History in Washington State

Deadline to Apply: November 17, 2025

As part of the national observation of America's 250th anniversary, ArtsWA is launching a Project Support grant program, "Latine and Hispanic History in Washington State." This initiative will support:   

     · A planned project focused on Latine and Hispanic History   

     · Addition to a planned project to include Latine and Hispanic History  

     · A new project that includes or is solely about Latine and Hispanic History

The rich and expansive stories of Latine and Hispanic communities in Washington State have mostly gone untold and underrepresented in history museum collections. They are rarely associated with the narratives of Early American History in Washington State; however, the Latine and Hispanic presence in the region dates to the 18th century. In 1773, the Santiago, a ship built in Mexico and operated by a Mexican crew under Spanish Captain Juan José Pérez Hernández, sailed to the current Pacific Northwest. This historic voyage is considered the first recorded connection of Latine and Hispanic peoples to what is now the state of Washington. 

Purpose of Funding

Washington State has adopted three themes to commemorate America's 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States: "We the People," "Power of Place," and "Sharing History." For this grant program, we have chosen "Sharing History". This grant program aims to rediscover and elevate the aspirations, stories, and valuable contributions of the Latine and Hispanic communities in Washington State throughout the past 250 years, enriching public understanding and fostering broader representation of the ways the Latine and Hispanic community have contributed to the Pacific Northwest, both past and present.

Funded projects should enhance the understanding and celebration of Latine and Hispanic history in Washington, including migration stories, labor, community organizing, cultural resilience, community memory, and contemporary voices over the past 250 years.

Projects can span all creative disciplines and must be fully accessible by the public. 

View a full list of what ArtsWA can and cannot fund as a state agency.

Funding Amounts and Payment Process   Funds are extremely limited. We estimate support for approximately six to eight projects in total. Grant amounts may vary depending on the available funds and number of eligible projects and applications received. Grant amounts will not fall below $1,000. 

Grants: $1,000 - $2,000 

This is a reimbursement grant. Payments are made after funds are spent, and after expense documentation and invoice forms have been submitted to and approved by ArtsWA. This can be anytime within the funding period of July 1, 2025, and August 30, 2026. Because funding is being made available late in the year, projects that are eligible and already in progress may receive reimbursement for expenses already incurred.

Important Dates

• Application Open: October 3, 2025
• Application Deadline: November 17, 2025, 5pm
• Notification of Grant Award: Early December 2025
• Final Report due September 30, 2026

Eligibility

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a mission focused on arts, heritage, or culture 

         501(c)(3)s’ must have current state corporate nonprofit status and current federal tax-exempt 

         determination under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a social impact mission – funding must go to distinct projects as opposed to regular programming 

         Example: a social impact nonprofit may have a music program. This funding would not support the 

        music program but can support a project produced by the music program.

• Groups fiscally sponsored by an arts, heritage, or culture or a social impact 501(c)(3) nonprofit – Click here for more about fiscal sponsorship
• Faith-based organizations may apply 

          Please note that projects not commonly recognized as open to the public, are an integral part of a specific   

          religion, promote religious observance, worship, instruction, or proselytization are not eligible for this project  

          support program.  

• Local Arts Agencies with official designation

          Local Arts Agencies are officially designated by a local government to provide art services to the public on 

          behalf of the local government

• Tribal Governments

Ineligible to Apply

• Individuals 
• For-profit organizations
• Government agencies and departments (unless designated as Local Arts Agencies)
• Universities, colleges, academic departments, and K-12 schools

Eligibility questions? Contact Miguel Guillén, miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov, 360-252-9970 

Required Documentation and Identifying Numbers 

• IRS Letter of Determination. More information on Letter of Determination here.

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s IRS Letter of Determination.

• Organization’s Operating Budget 

     o Fiscally sponsored: Operating budgets for fiscal sponsor and sponsored group

· Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s UEI.

• Federal Tax ID (EIN).

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s EIN.

• Statewide Vendor (SWV) number. *

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s SWV.

     o *If you have previously received payment from Washington State, check on the status of your SWV number here or by contacting: PayeeRegistration@ofm.wa.gov. 

• Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) 

     o All organizations must be registered as a Washington State Nonprofit/Charity with the Secretary of State including Fiscally Sponsored groups.

Project Requirements

• Project must be open to the public. 
• Project must happen between July 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026. 
• Project must have arts, heritage, and/or culture as a primary component.
• Project must take place in Washington State.

Application Evaluation, Scoring, and Notification

Starting with the FY26 funding cycle, we will implement priorities-based criteria to ensure our limited funds are distributed equitably. This funding structure and process is strategically designed to maximize support for our growing community while aligning with the objectives in our strategic plan. We seek to keep diverse communities engaged in the creative economy, support the creative sector statewide, and emphasize cultural equity, community diversity, and sector growth.

Priorities for Project Support grants

• Organizations with operating budgets of $0 - $50,000 

• Organizations in operation for 1 – 5 years

• Businesses located in counties commonly identified by the state as distressed areas: Clallam, Cowlitz, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Stevens, Wahkiakum, and Yakima

• Organizations serving constituencies consisting of 25% or more of an underserved group.

"Underserved" means populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, historical exclusion and marginalization due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, economics, disability, or other social or institutionally imposed barriers.

Priority Scoring

Applications are reviewed for eligibility and scored by priorities by staff who make recommendations for funding based on priorities met. 

Approval for funding is made by the ArtsWA Executive Director or ArtsWA Board of Commissioners depending on the size of the grants. 

Notification: Notification of award or decline will go out early December 2025.

Additional Information

Executive Orders

This grant program is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency that requires compliance with applicable Executive Orders. If awarded funds through this program, grant recipients must attest to compliance. Below are the two Attestations that must be agreed to to receive funding.

• I certify that our organization is in compliance with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, and that such compliance is material to the U.S. Government’s payment decisions for purposes of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729(b)(4), pursuant to Executive Order No. 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, dated January 21, 2025. 
• I certify that our organization does not operate any programs promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, in accordance with Executive Order No. 14173.

Accessibility

Federally funded projects must be accessible to people with disabilities. You can use this accessibility checklist when planning your programs. You do not need to check all boxes to be eligible for funding; this is simply a worksheet and resource for your organization. 

FY26 - America 250 – Support for Free Outdoor Music Performances

Deadline to Apply: November 17, 2025

As part of the national observance of America's 250th anniversary, ArtsWA is launching a Project Support grant program, "America 250 - Free Outdoor Music Performances Support." This initiative will support:   

     · A planned project – support for an outdoor music performance already planned

     · Addition to a planned project – support to add an outdoor music performance

     · A new project – support a new project to include a free outdoor music performance

Recognizing the power of music to build community and foster engagement, ArtsWA is offering grants to support the hiring of local musicians or the engagement of Washington-based music groups or individual musicians in community celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Priority is given to projects in rural communities outside of King and Pierce counties. 

Purpose of Funding

Washington State has adopted three themes to commemorate America's 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States: "We the People," "Power of Place," and "Sharing History." For this grant program, we have chosen "Power of Place". Grants will provide communities with small grants to assist in planning and delivering local observations of America’s 250th anniversary. 

Projects must be fully accessible by the public. 

View a full list of what ArtsWA can and cannot fund as a state agency.

Funding Amounts and Payment Process  Funds are extremely limited. We estimate support for approximately six to eight projects in total. Grant amounts may vary depending on the available funds and number of eligible projects and applications received. Grant amounts will not fall below $1,000. 

Grants: $1,000 - $2,000 

This is a reimbursement grant. Payments are made after funds are spent, and after expense documentation and invoice forms have been submitted to and approved by ArtsWA. This can be anytime within the funding period of July 1, 2025, and August 30, 2026. *

*Because funding is being made available late in the year, projects that are eligible and already in progress but not completed may receive reimbursement for expenses already incurred starting July 1, 2025. 

Project Requirements

     • Project must be open to the public. 

     • Project must happen between July 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026. 

     • Project must have arts, heritage, and/or culture as a primary component.

     • Project must take place in Washington State.

Important Dates

     · Application Open: October 3, 2025

     · Application Deadline: November 17, 2025, 5pm

     · Notification of Grant Award: Early December 2025

     · Final Report due September 30, 2026

Eligibility

 · 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a mission focused on arts, heritage, or culture 

     o 501(c)(3)s’ must have current state corporate nonprofit status and current federal tax-exempt determination under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

 · 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a social impact mission – funding must go to distinct projects as opposed to regular programming 

     o Example: a social impact nonprofit may have a music program. This funding would not support the music program but can support a project produced by the music program.

 · Groups fiscally sponsored by an arts, heritage, or culture or a social impact 501(c)(3) nonprofit – Click here for more about fiscal sponsorship

 · Faith-based organizations may apply 

     o Please note that projects not commonly recognized as open to the public, are an integral part of a specific religion, promote religious observance, worship, instruction, or proselytization are not eligible for this project support program.  

 · Local Arts Agencies with official designation

     o Local Arts Agencies are officially designated by a local government to provide art services to the public on behalf of the local government

 · Tribal Governments

Ineligible to Apply

     · Individuals 

     · For-profit organizations

     · Government agencies and departments (unless designated as Local Arts Agencies)

     · Universities, colleges, academic departments, and K-12 schools

Eligibility questions? Contact Miguel Guillén, miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov, 360-252-9970 

Required Documentation and Identifying Numbers 

 • IRS Letter of Determination. More information on Letter of Determination here.

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s IRS Letter of Determination.

 • Organization’s Operating Budget 

     o Fiscally sponsored: Operating budgets for fiscal sponsor and sponsored group

 • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s UEI.

 • Federal Tax ID (EIN).

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s EIN.

 • Statewide Vendor (SWV) number. *

     o Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s SWV.

     o *If you have previously received payment from Washington State, check on the status of your SWV number here or by contacting: PayeeRegistration@ofm.wa.gov. 

 • Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) 

     o All organizations must be registered as a Washington State Nonprofit/Charity with the Secretary of State including Fiscally Sponsored groups.

FY26 - GTO - Cultivating Healthy Communities - Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities
Deadline to Apply: November 17, 2025

Purpose of Funding
Washington's rural communities often face limited resources to initiate projects that foster belonging, social connection and civic participation, community cohesion, and overall well-being. ArtsWA introduces an exploratory program aimed at bolstering arts and cultural projects that build social connections and a sense of belonging, thereby benefiting the health and well-being of individuals and communities in rural areas of our state.   

Our aim is to demonstrate that the arts are a powerful and evidence-supported prescription to heal, stabilize and uplift the health and well-being of individuals and communities.  Research shows that participation in the arts can reduce stress, anxiety, social isolation; improve mental health outcomes; and foster improved quality of life. This grant will leverage trusted community partners and social infrastructures like arts & culture nonprofits, libraries, parks, green spaces, community centers, and museums to foster creative collaborative opportunities.  

Communities with a strong agriculture-based economy and generational agricultural and food processing workers will be prioritized. Projects must be collaborative between cultural organizations, the community, and at least one other organization or service provider.  

Projects can span all creative disciplines and must be fully accessible by the public.  

Project Requirements 

• Project must be open to the public.   

• Project must happen between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026*.  

• Project must have arts, heritage, and/or culture as a primary component.  

• Project must take place in Washington State.                   

*Because funding is being made available late in the year, projects that are eligible and already in progress but not completed may receive reimbursement for expenses already incurred.

Funding Amounts and Payment Process
   Funds are extremely limited. We estimate support for approximately six to eight projects in total. Grant amounts may vary depending on the available funds and number of eligible projects and applications received.  

Grants: $3,000 - $5,000  

   This is a reimbursement grant. Payments are made after funds are spent, and after expense documentation and invoice forms have been submitted to and approved by ArtsWA. This can be anytime within the funding period of July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Because funding is being made available late in the year, projects that are eligible and already in progress may receive reimbursement for expenses already incurred. 

 
Important Dates 

• Application Open: October 3, 2025 
• Application Deadline: November 17, 2025, 5pm 
• Notification of Grant Award: Early December 2025 
• Final Report due July 31, 2026 

Eligibility 

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a mission focused on arts, heritage, or culture   
• 501(c)(3)s’ must have current state corporate nonprofit status and current federal tax-exempt determination under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a social impact mission – funding must go to distinct projects as opposed to regular programming   
• Example: a social impact nonprofit may have a music program. This funding would not support the music program but can support a project produced by the music program. 
• Groups fiscally sponsored by an arts, heritage, or culture or a social impact 501(c)(3) nonprofit – Click here for more about fiscal sponsorship 
• Faith-based organizations may apply  
• Please note that projects not commonly recognized as open to the public, are an integral part of a specific religion, promote religious observance, worship, instruction, or proselytization are not eligible for this project support program.   
• Local Arts Agencies with official designation 
• Local Arts Agencies are officially designated by a local government to provide art services to the public on behalf of the local government 
• Tribal Governments 

Ineligible to Apply 

• Individuals  
• For-profit organizations 
• Government agencies and departments (unless designated as Local Arts Agencies) 
• Universities, colleges, academic departments, and K-12 schools 

   Eligibility questions? Contact Miguel Guillén, miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov, 360-252-9970  

Required Documentation and Identifying Numbers
   • IRS Letter of Determination. More information on Letter of Determination here. 

• Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s IRS Letter of Determination. 

• Organization’s Operating Budget  

• Fiscally sponsored: Operating budgets for fiscal sponsor and sponsored group 
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) 
• Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s UEI. 

   • Federal Tax ID (EIN). 

• Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s EIN. 

   • Statewide Vendor (SWV) number. * 

• Fiscally sponsored groups will use the fiscal sponsor’s SWV. 
• *If you have previously received payment from Washington State, check on the status of your SWV number here or by contacting: PayeeRegistration@ofm.wa.gov.   

   • Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI)  

• All organizations must be registered as a Washington State Nonprofit/Charity with the Secretary of State including Fiscally Sponsored groups. 

Application Evaluation, Scoring, and Notification
   Starting with the FY26 funding cycle, we will implement priorities-based criteria to ensure our limited funds are distributed equitably. This funding structure and process is strategically designed to maximize support for our growing community while aligning with the objectives in our strategic plan. We seek to keep diverse communities engaged in the creative economy, support the creative sector statewide, and emphasize cultural equity, community diversity, and sector growth.
 

Priorities for Project Support grants
   • Organizations with operating budgets of $0 - $50,000  
   • Organizations in operation for 1 – 5 years
   • Businesses located in counties commonly identified by the state as distressed areas: Clallam, Cowlitz, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Stevens, Wahkiakum, and Yakima
   • Organizations serving constituencies consisting of 25% or more of an underserved group.
"Underserved" means populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, historical exclusion and marginalization due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, economics, disability, or other social or institutionally imposed barriers.
 

Priority Scoring
   Applications are reviewed for eligibility and scored by priorities by staff who make recommendations for funding based on priorities met.  
   Approval for funding is made by the ArtsWA Executive Director or ArtsWA Board of Commissioners depending on the size of the grants.  
   Notification: Notification of award or decline will go out early December 2025.
 

Additional Information

Executive Orders
   This grant program is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency that requires compliance with applicable Executive Orders. If awarded funds through this program, grant recipients must attest to compliance. Below are the two Attestations that must be agreed to, to receive funding.

I certify that our organization is in compliance with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, and that such compliance is material to the U.S. Government’s payment decisions for purposes of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729(b)(4), pursuant to Executive Order No. 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, dated January 21, 2025. 

I certify that our organization does not operate any programs promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, in accordance with Executive Order No. 14173.
 

• Civil Rights FAQs for Applicants and Grantees | National Endowment for the Arts 
• Assurance of Compliance | National Endowment for the Arts 

Accessibility 

Federally funded projects must be accessible to people with disabilities. You can use this accessibility checklist when planning your programs. You do not need to check all boxes to be eligible for funding; this is simply a worksheet and resource for your organization.  

Appeals 

Unsuccessful applicants can appeal in accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 30.12.036, found here: http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=30-12-036. 

About ArtsWA 

ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. The Washington State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts fund our programs. Grants are contingent on available state and federal funding. ArtsWA complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights. For more information regarding Washington State Arts Commission’s policies on Accessibility, Diversity, and Nondiscrimination, click here. 

Contact Us 

Miguel Guillén, Grants to Organizations, Program Manager at 360-252-9970 or miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov 

If you need assistance with Submittable, take a look at our Submittable FAQs.