For Organizations

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of state or local government, institutions of higher education, or federally recognized Indian tribal governments are eligible to receive funds.

The entity and program must be located in: Barnstable County, Dukes County, or Nantucket County.

The proposed project must happen between January 2026 and December 2026.

$500 to $10,000

January 2026 – December 2026

These funds are intended to support specific project-related costs. Cost share/matching funds are not required. Please see below for unallowable expenses.

November 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Please note: No exceptions will be made past the deadline.

It is highly recommended that you begin your online application process well before the deadline to ensure there is proper time to submit your application.

The most successful applications we have received have clear evidence that significant time was spent in preparation of the narrative, the budget, and all sections of the application. We advise applicants not to wait until the final day to start their application process or to submit their application in the last few minutes before the deadline.

These grants are part of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s grant program and are supported by generous donors who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen our community.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for funding:

• Applicant must be a practicing artist. Grants for Individuals defines a practicing artist as an individual recognized by their peers, critics, or other professionals as committed to producing art on a regular basis. Artists meeting this criterion are typically paid for their work, earning a portion of their living from their creative work. Artists of all disciplines (performing, visual, literary, media, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

• Applicant must be 18 years old or older.

• Students pursuing any degree are NOT eligible.

• Applicant has at least a two-year history of public engagement, presentation, or publication.

• Applicant must be the lead artist in every aspect of their project.

• Applicant cannot be disbarred, suspended, or have any other exclusions or disqualifications from receiving federal funding.

• Applicant must maintain a residence in Barnstable County, Dukes County, or Nantucket County and expect to do so through the grant period: January - December 2026.

• Narrative

  • Brief description of project or program.

  • What new or innovative element does the program introduce to the community.

  • Please include number of artists, their roles, and how they will be compensated.

  • How will this project or program remove barriers to participation.

  • How will grant funds be used.

• Project/program budget. Please use this budget template.

Please email info@artsfoundation.org, subject: Grants Help Needed. Someone will respond as soon as possible.

Use the rubric

The following costs cannot be covered by the grant:

• General operating support, or support for a full season of programming.

• Direct grants to individuals.

• Direct grants to individual elementary or secondary schools - charter, private, or public, or booster clubs and similar organizations dedicated to supporting individual elementary or secondary schools.

• Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities such as receptions, parties, galas, community dinners, picnics, and potlucks. Generally, this also includes activities at venues such as bars, wineries, and breweries where the consumption of alcohol/social activity is the primary purpose of the venue.

• Awards to individuals or organizations to honor or recognize achievement.

• Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including arts markets, concessions, food, Tshirts, artwork, or other items for resale. This includes online or virtual sales/shops.

• Lobbying, including activities intended to influence the outcome of elections or influence government officials regarding pending legislation, either directly or through specific lobbying appeals to the public.

• Construction, purchase, or renovation of facilities or the purchase of land. Design fees, preparing space for an exhibit, installation or de-installation of art, and community planning are allowable.

• Subgranting or regranting.

• Cash reserves and endowments.

• Costs for the creation of new organizations.

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Gifts and prizes. This includes cash prizes, gift certificates/cards, or any other items with monetary value.

• General contingencies or miscellaneous costs.

• General fundraising for your organization.

• Marketing expenses not directly related to the project.

• Hospitality costs and costs related to social functions such as receptions, parties, and galas, as well as food/meals that conclude a program or event.

• Land purchase costs, construction, or renovation of building structures.

• Vehicle purchase costs.

• Audit costs not directly related to a federally required Single Audit.

• Cash reserves or endowments.

• Concessions including food, beverages, T-shirts, posters, and other items for resale. This includes costs for workers selling such items.

• Contributions or donations to other entities.

• Fines and penalties, bad debt costs, or deficit reduction.

• Costs incurred before or after the approved Period of Performance.

• Indirect costs (such as general overhead) cannot be included.