The Metro EAF Grant Guidelines for Arts and Creative Industries is provided by the Louisville Metro Government, specifically through its Office of Arts + Creative Industries (OACI). This program is designed to support the arts and culture nonprofit organizations in Louisville/Jefferson County. The primary purpose of the External Agency Fund (EAF) is to offer operational support for organizations that provide arts, culture, and educational programming, with a focus on enriching the local community. This funding helps maintain and develop programs, services, and facilities within Louisville/Jefferson County.

The OACI EAF Grants aim to achieve several goals. These include activating Louisville through the arts and creative industries, promoting meaningful arts experiences for all residents, growing the local creative workforce, and cultivating vibrant community spaces. It also focuses on increasing visibility for cultural professionals and artists, ensuring their contributions are compensated and recognized. Furthermore, the program encourages all residents to engage in arts and culture experiences, especially those from underserved communities.

The grant application process begins on January 31, 2025, with the submission deadline on March 3, 2025, at 11:59 pm. Following the deadline, applications undergo staff review and then a panel review. The panel, consisting of Metro staff and arts professionals, evaluates the applications and provides recommendations to the Louisville Metro Council, which makes the final funding decisions by June 30, 2025. Awardees will begin their performance period on July 1, 2025, with grant agreements signed by August 29, 2025. Funding payments will be made bi-annually for awards of $25,000 and quarterly for $50,000 awards, with the first disbursements occurring within 60 days of the signed agreement.

Eligibility for the grant requires that applicants be nonprofit organizations with a primary mission of delivering arts and cultural experiences or educational programming. The applicant must be based in Jefferson County, Kentucky, and serve its residents. Organizations must have been operating as a stand-alone 501(c)(3) nonprofit for at least two years. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission and the Kentucky Secretary of State. The grant also specifies that applicants can only submit one application and may not apply through a fiscal sponsor.

The grants are categorized based on the organization's budget level. Organizations with budgets of $500,000 or below may apply for $25,000 in funding, while those with budgets exceeding $500,000 can apply for either $25,000 or $50,000. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, rent, utilities, marketing, program expenses, and travel related to the organization’s programs within Jefferson County. However, the funding is not intended for capital expenses, debt reduction, or any activities outside the public arts and culture focus.