The OACI_GH_FY26_EAF grant is part of the City of Louisville’s Arts + Creative Industries initiative. The Louisville Metro Government, through its Office of Arts + Creative Industries, aims to strengthen the city's arts and cultural sectors, enhancing the quality of life, the economy, and the city's vibrancy. The Office of Arts + Creative Industries provides funding to nonprofit organizations within Louisville/Jefferson County that contribute to sustaining innovative and thriving arts communities. This initiative focuses on fostering creativity and supporting artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses across the city.

The grant’s purpose is to offer financial support through External Agency Fund Grants (EAF) for arts and creative organizations within Louisville. This funding is specifically designed to help nonprofits maintain and develop arts programs, services, and facilities that are essential to the cultural landscape of Louisville. The program's overall goal is to help organizations that promote accessible arts experiences, build a creative workforce, and cultivate community engagement through the arts.

The program’s main objectives include increasing the accessibility of arts experiences for all Louisville residents, fostering the growth of a creative workforce, and creating vibrant community spaces. It also focuses on ensuring the long-term stability, adaptability, and resilience of arts and culture organizations. Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance the visibility and compensation opportunities for local artists and cultural professionals, furthering their impact within the city. The program encourages greater participation in arts and culture by the general public.

Eligible applicants for the OACI_GH_FY26_EAF grants are nonprofit organizations involved in arts and culture within the Louisville/Jefferson County area. The grants provide support for established and emerging organizations, with an emphasis on promoting both sustainability and growth. Applicants are allowed to submit multiple applications, though only the most complete submission will be reviewed. If there is ambiguity over which submission is the most complete, the most recent application will be prioritized.

Applications for the OACI_GH_FY26_EAF grants open on January 31, 2025, and close on March 3, 2025. The available funding for each applicant is between $50,000 and $25,000, and matching funds are not required for this program. The Arts and Creative Industries Department is the responsible body for managing this grant, and Wyatt E. Woodson, the Arts Program Coordinator, serves as the point of contact for applicants who need assistance or have questions about the application process.

The program contact can be reached at wyatt.woodson@louisvilleky.gov or by phone at 502-574-6718. Applicants should be prepared to submit complete and well-documented applications by the closing date to ensure eligibility for consideration.