The Statewide Creative Catalyst Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), is a rolling, competitive funding opportunity for organizations launching new initiatives that aim to strengthen the cultural, educational, or economic vitality of communities across Pennsylvania through the arts. This program is not intended for ongoing operations or established programs—it specifically targets innovative, pilot, or first-time projects with broad community reach.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, units of government, colleges or universities, school districts, and non-arts nonprofits offering arts programming in Pennsylvania. All applicants must show proof of incorporation and current activity in Pennsylvania. Fiscal sponsors and fiscal agents are not eligible to apply for funding.

Projects are evaluated on:

Alignment with at least one of PCA’s core goals:

Strengthening communities through the arts.

Expanding access to lifelong learning through the arts.

Promoting public awareness and appreciation of the arts.

The project’s statewide relevance and benefit to Pennsylvania’s creative sector.

Inclusion of meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies.

Awards typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, with a required 1:1 cash match from non-state sources. No more than 25% of the grant can be used for administrative expenses. Organizations are eligible to receive a Creative Catalyst Grant only once every three years.

The grant activity period is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. Applications are reviewed by PCA staff and recommendations are presented to the PCA Council during quarterly meetings. Applicants will be notified of decisions and next steps by email.

Applications must be submitted online via the ESA grant portal: https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Interested applicants must contact Jamie Dunlap at jadunlap@pa.gov or 717-525-5542 before applying. No hard copy submissions are accepted. Technical assistance is available from the eGrants Help Desk at 833-448-0647 or egrantshelp@pa.gov.