We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for our FY2027 Creative Communities grant program and our America250 grant program!
Creative Communities (CC) is a grant program that provides support for projects that further the Arts Board’s goals in the following three areas: Arts Education, Folk and Traditional Arts, and Local Arts. CC has a two-phase application process. Guidelines for the Phase 1 applications are found on our website.
As we approach the semi-quincentennial of the United States of America (America250) in 2026, the Arts Board has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts to support arts projects that celebrate the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity. We will award 20 of these grants.
The America250 grant application form is embedded within the Creative Communities grant application form.
Guidelines for the America250 applications are found on our America250 page.
Applicant organizations must:
1. Have been doing mission-related work for three years prior to application, and
2. Either hold tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code or be part of a larger nonprofit institution or a unit of state, local, or tribal government including public schools and universities. If the applicant does not hold tax exempt status, it may apply using a separate nonprofit organization as a fiscal receiver.
3. Review the full list of CCP eligibility requirements.
NOTE: Organizations that receive a FY27 Creative Communities grant are not eligible to apply for a FY27 Creation and Presentation grant. Organizations that received a FY27 Creative Communities grant ARE eligible to apply for an America250 grant.
Applicants may apply to either the Creative Communities grant program or the America250 grant program.
What kinds of arts-related projects do these programs fund?
An eligible project is a collaborative endeavor that is carefully planned and designed to achieve a particular aim within an identified community. The project must be distinct from the organization's regular, ongoing programs/services. Eligibility details for CC projects can be found on our CCP eligibility page.
Eligibility details for America250 projects can be found in the America250 America250 page.
February 11, 2026 (or earlier) – Email a message to artsboard@wisconsin.gov with the subject line “Intent to Apply to Creative Communities” OR the subject line “Intent to Apply to America250.” In the message, provide a one sentence description of your project, a link to your organization’s website, confirmation that your organization has been doing business in Wisconsin for at least three years, and the contact name and phone number of the person who will submit the application.
February 18, 2026 – Deadline for Creative Communities Phase 1 applications and for America250 applications
We invite you to attend our virtual Q&A session on February 11, 2026 at 12:15 PM. Register here for the session, or watch the recording of the session later on our YouTube channel.
If you have questions regarding the Creative Communities grant program or the America250 grant program, please contact: Karen Goeschko via email (karen.goeschko@wisconsin.gov) or phone at 608/267‐2026.
If you have technical questions concerning our online application forms, please contact: Dale Johnson via email (dale.johnson@wisconsin.gov) or phone at 608/264‐8191.
Ready to apply for a CCP grant or an America250 grant?