The Community Arts Development Grants are administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) to support small nonprofit organizations in Alaska that seek to develop arts programs in underserved areas of the state or underserved artistic disciplines. These grants fund a variety of arts-related projects, including exhibits, concerts, dance performances, festivals, workshops, theater productions, and readings. Additionally, funding is available to assist emerging organizations with arts administration, such as board development, accounting systems, and budget planning.

The program prioritizes organizations that are volunteer-operated with no paid staff. Grant awards are capped at a maximum of $5,000 per applicant. The funding is designed to enhance arts accessibility and cultural engagement in communities that may not have robust arts programming or resources.

Applications for the Community Arts Development Grants are reviewed on a quarterly basis, with submission deadlines on June 1, September 1, December 1, and March 1. All applicants must submit their proposals through the ASCA’s online grants system, GOSmart, which requires creating a profile as an individual or organization.

Grants are subject to funding availability, as ASCA operates on a fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. The agency continuously updates its grants page to reflect any changes or new funding opportunities. If applicants encounter difficulties accessing materials or completing the application process, technical assistance is available.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to review the full grant guidelines on the ASCA website. Technical assistance and inquiries regarding the application process can be directed to Andrea Noble via email at andrea.noble@alaska.gov.