The 2025 Arts and Culture Grants, managed by the Lee's Summit Cultural Commission, provide financial support to nonprofit organizations delivering public cultural programming in Lee’s Summit. These grants aim to enrich the community through visual, performing, and folk arts; literature and poetry; and historical and heritage activities. Grant-funded activities must be accessible to the public and occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing with Missouri, with a primary office in Lee’s Summit or a commitment to use 100% of the grant funds for activities within the city. Two types of grants are available: General Operating Support, which aids ongoing operations and programs, and Project Support, which funds specific initiatives, projects, or events. Organizations may only apply for one grant type per cycle, with a maximum request of $2,500.

Grant funds can be used for expenses such as artist fees, staff costs, marketing, and materials but cannot cover more than 50% of total operational or project costs. Additionally, funds may not be used for items like food, fundraising events, prizes, capital expenditures, or activities not open to the public. For example, if a project budget is $3,000, the maximum grant request is $1,500.

The 2025 grant application deadline is January 10, 2025. Applications are reviewed in January and February, with funding recommendations sent to the Cultural Commission. By March, the proposed FY2026 budget is drafted, with the final budget, including grant awards, approved by the City Council in June. Award notifications begin in July, and grant agreements are distributed by late summer, with recipients receiving checks four to eight weeks later.

Recipients must publicly acknowledge the City of Lee's Summit and the Cultural Commission in all materials, using the city's approved logo and credit line. The logo must not be altered, and verbal recognition is required during events or interviews when printed materials are unavailable. For logo usage guidance or additional questions, contact the Cultural Arts team.

For application details and additional information, visit the Cultural Arts section of Lee's Summit's website. This grant opportunity supports efforts to bring diverse and meaningful cultural experiences to the Lee's Summit community.