Grants for Arts Projects (GAP)

For more information on eligible artistic disciplines, see https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects/artistic-disciplines.

A project may consist of one or more specific events or activities; it may be a new initiative or part of your organization’s regular season or activities. Organizations that undertake a single short-term program in a year could apply for that event, or they could identify certain components (such as the presentation of a particular artist and the associated activities) as their project. Organizations may apply for any or all phases of a project, from its planning through its implementation.

Areas of Particular Interest

The NEA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and fostering mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all individuals and groups. Projects are encouraged that address any of the following:

• Elevate artists as integral and essential to a healthy and vibrant society.
  
• Celebrate the nation’s creativity and/or cultural heritage.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaborations that center the arts at the intersection of other disciplines, sectors, and industries.
• Contribute to healthy and thriving local, regional, state-wide, and national arts ecosystems and arts infrastructures.
• Invest in organizational capacity-building and leadership development for arts organizations, arts workers, and artists.
• Build arts organizations’ capacity to serve a broad public through digital or emergent technology and/or support tech-centered creative practices across all artistic disciplines and forms.
• Originate from or are in collaboration with the following constituencies encouraged by White House Executive Orders:
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 
• Tribal Colleges and Universities, 
• American Indian and Alaska Native tribes,
• Predominantly Black Institutions,
• Hispanic Serving Institutions, 
• Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and
• Organizations that support the independence and lifelong inclusion of people with disabilities.

In recognition of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, we also welcome arts projects that educate and engage communities in dialogue about the past, present, and future of our nation.

• City or township governments
• County governments
• Independent school districts
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)
• Special district governments
• State governments