The Vermont Arts Council is offering one-year Arts Operating Grants for fiscal year 2026 (FY2026) to support Vermont-based arts organizations that provide year-round, high-quality arts programs and services. These grants aim to advance the Council’s mission to “cultivate and advance the arts and creativity throughout Vermont” and support the third goal of the Council’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030: “Strengthening the Creative Economy.” The Council recognizes arts organizations as vital community anchors, and this funding opportunity reflects a commitment to helping them thrive and expand public access to the arts.

Eligible applicants must be arts organizations that can demonstrate a strong and consistent presence within their Vermont community and a track record of providing impactful and inclusive arts programming. The grants are intended to support operating costs and help organizations sustain the delivery of their core services. Applicants must choose between applying for either the Arts Operating Grant or an Arts Project Grant in FY2026; they may not apply for both.

Funding for this program comes from the Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont Community Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. While the three-year operating grant cycle will reopen in FY2027, only one-year awards will be available for FY2026. Organizations can review examples of current grantees by consulting the FY2025 Arts Operating Grant recipient list available on the Council’s website.

The application deadline is May 14, 2025, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions in late August 2025. All applications must be submitted online. New applicants must register for a grant portal account, which will be reviewed and approved within one to two business days. For those needing assistance with the application process or accessibility accommodations, applicants are encouraged to contact Amy Cunningham, the grant program manager, or Michele Bailey, the accessibility coordinator.

A virtual grantseeker workshop will be held on April 2, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. The session will include live captioning, and requests for additional accommodations must be made by March 18, 2025. A recording of the workshop will be posted online for those unable to attend. Final reporting for grantees will be submitted through the grant portal, with a preview of reporting requirements available in advance.

For additional information or to schedule a phone or video consultation, applicants can reach out to Amy Cunningham at acunningham@vermontartscouncil.org or 802.402.4953.