Project Support Program

The City of Phoenix’s Project Support Program (PSP) provides funding for arts and cultural projects that engage Phoenix residents. The program aims to support a diverse range of projects, including arts workshops, pop-up performances, and collaborations with artists. The maximum funding amount available per project is $5,000. The application period opens annually in February and remains open for approximately six weeks. For the 2025 funding cycle, the deadline to apply has been extended to March 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The program supports various expenses such as guest artist fees, production costs, marketing, venue rentals, and art materials.

Eligibility for the grant is limited to organizations and entities based in the City of Phoenix or those in Maricopa County that produce an in-person ethnically cultural festival in Phoenix serving its residents. Eligible applicant types include 501(c)(3) arts or community-based organizations, public K-12 schools, youth collectives (with an umbrella organization or school as the primary applicant), arts collectives (requiring a fiscal sponsor), and arts and culture LLCs with a prior-year income below $250,000. Entities applying for the General Support Program are not eligible for the PSP. Applicants working with vulnerable populations must meet specific safety and ethical protocols.

Funding is restricted to in-person projects occurring within Phoenix city limits. Eligible projects include arts and cultural festivals, exhibitions, performances, and instructional arts programs. The grant may be used for specific expenses such as guest artist fees, contracted positions, production and marketing costs, event insurance, and permit fees. However, it does not fund virtual projects, for-profit entities, debt reduction, fundraising projects, scholarships, or capital investments.

The application process includes an eligibility review followed by a panel evaluation based on four key criteria: project overview (10 points), community significance (30 points), artistic/cultural value (30 points), and logistics and feasibility (30 points). Applicants must submit a complete application, including narrative responses, budget details, and work samples. Additional review is required for projects involving vulnerable populations.

Successful applicants must register as City of Phoenix vendors, attend a grant orientation webinar, and sign a grant conditions form. Funded projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. A final report, including an expense summary and receipts, is due 45 days after project completion. Funds are distributed upon verification of vendor registration, address confirmation, and submission of required reports.

For further information or assistance, applicants may contact Anel E. Arriola, Grants and Systems Manager, at 602-534-5084 or anel.arriola@phoenix.gov. Virtual meetings can be scheduled through Calendly. Additional resources, including application questions and evaluation rubrics, are available on the City of Phoenix website.