Arts Build Communities Grants
Providing up to $5,000 for community-focused arts projects in East Tennessee.
The Arts & Culture Alliance is one of 13 designated agencies that administer Arts Build Communities (ABC) grants on behalf of the Tennessee Arts Commission. ABC grants provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises.
KEY DETAILS
- Grant amount: Up to $5,000
- Grant period: August 16, 2026 – June 15, 2027
- Application deadline: July 1 at 11:59 PM (CT)
- Where to apply: Register and apply via the Tennessee Arts Commission
- Greater Knoxville service area: ACA administers ABC grants for Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union Counties
AM I ELIGIBLE?
You are eligible if you are:
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- A government entity (public library, municipality, public school, etc.)
- A school, college, or university with a project that serves the broader community outside of the classroom
This grant is not for you if:
- Your project primarily serves enrolled students or internal audiences
- Your organization is not community-facing
- ***NEW IN FY27: TAC Operating Support grantees (MCI, Partnership Support, Small Urban Partnership Support, and Small Rural Partnership Support) are not eligible to apply for ABC
TIMELINE
- April 1 — Applications open
- May 20 — Virtual grant workshop (REGISTER HERE)
- July 1 — Application deadline
- August — Panel review and notifications (date TBD)
- August 16, 2026 – June 15, 2027 — Project implementation period
- Applications that propose arts activities related to the Juneteenth holiday are eligible for Arts Build Communities grants as long as proposed projects conclude with all project expenses disbursed by June 20, 2027.
What Gets Funded?
ABC supports publicly accessible projects that:
- Expand access to arts experiences
- Address community issues through the arts
- Strengthen cultural identity and local connection
- Support economic vitality or community development
- Build long-term sustainability for artists and organizations
Examples might include:
- A free public performance series in an underserved area
- Arts programming tied to community health or education initiatives
- A collaborative project between artists and a local nonprofit
- Cultural events, festivals, or exhibitions that engage broad audiences
How to Apply
- Register with the Tennessee Arts Commission online grants system: This is required before you can apply, so set up your account early.
- Review the guidelines: Make sure your project aligns with funding priorities.
- Develop your application: Draft your proposal, budget, and support materials.
- Talk to us: Staff are available to review ideas and answer questions before you submit.
- Submit by the deadline: Applications must be completed by July 1 at 11:59 PM (CT).
What makes a strong application?
Competitive proposals typically:
- Clearly define the project and the community being served
- Demonstrate meaningful public impact and have clear metrics for success
- Show strong planning and realistic budgeting
- Include qualified artists and/or partners
- Align with ABC goals without stretching to fit
Resources
For more information about applying for a grant, please contact ACA’s Director of Impact & Development Casey Fox at (865) 523-7543 or cf@knoxalliance.com, or the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities Coordinator, Melissa Moody, at (615) 253-5133 or melissa.moody@tn.gov.
