The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) is offering the FY26-FY27 Arts Service Organization Support grant to regional and statewide nonprofit arts service organizations (ASOs). These grants provide operational funding to organizations that deliver professional development and support services to arts professionals, aiming to increase their expertise and enhance the creative economy in Washington State. Applicants can request up to $12,000, divided across two years, with funds distributed in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027.

Eligible regional ASOs must serve arts professionals in at least three counties within one of ArtsWA’s defined regions and allocate at least 10% of their programming budget to professional development. Regional organizations must be based in the area where services are provided, with regions including Northwest, Southwest, Central, and Eastern Washington counties. Statewide ASOs must serve professionals in ten or more counties or host an annual statewide convening with structured professional development components. They are encouraged to collaborate with regional ASOs to ensure equitable service distribution.

The grant covers general operating expenses, and the first half of the funding is distributed from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The second half follows from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Organizations must provide professional development services but cannot perform, produce, preserve, present, or teach art. Examples of services include training, workshops, technical assistance, and networking opportunities for arts professionals.

Applications are submitted through ArtsWA’s online platform, Submittable, and are due by 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025. An application webinar is scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., and office hours for assistance are available on January 14, January 21, and January 27. Applicants should review the grant guidelines carefully to ensure eligibility and compliance with requirements.

Evaluation criteria include the relevance and impact of the organization's services, the effectiveness and clarity of its programming, and the applicant's ability to manage grant funds effectively. Panel recommendations determine the final grant amounts, which may vary from requested amounts.

For assistance, applicants can contact Miguel Guillen, Program Manager, at miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov or Ashley Marshall, Program Assistant, at ashley.marshall@arts.wa.gov. Additional information, including guidelines and application details, is available on ArtsWA’s website. The program supports ArtsWA’s mission to strengthen the state’s creative economy by empowering arts professionals and fostering a vibrant cultural environment.