Tacoma Creates is offering the Impact Funding opportunity, designed to support eligible organizations that are committed to the vision of fostering vibrant, equitable, and inclusive cultural programs in the city of Tacoma. This funding opportunity is aimed at those who seek to contribute to the cultural landscape through programs that engage diverse communities and create lasting impact. The program is hosted by the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division of the City of Tacoma, located at the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Room 900, Tacoma, WA 98402.

Organizations applying for the funding may request a minimum of $3,000 and up to $60,000 per year. This funding can be used to support a single program or multiple programs within the organization. It is important to note that a funding match is required. Specifically, applicants must demonstrate a 1:1 match, which means that the funding request can only cover up to 50% of the total cost of the proposed program. The other 50% must come from other resources, which may include volunteer time, donated materials, or donated space. This match requirement encourages organizations to leverage community support and other resources to sustain their cultural work.

The Impact Funding opportunity is divided into two application levels to accommodate organizations of varying sizes and scopes. Level A is for organizations requesting funding under $20,000 or those proposing smaller programs like Beyond the Bell / Club B classes or Summer Late Nights. Level B is for organizations seeking between $20,000 and $60,000. Both levels follow the same application structure and evaluation criteria. The application review panel will evaluate the Level A and Level B applications separately to ensure that smaller, newer organizations or those with smaller programming receive the necessary support.

Applications for Impact Funding are now open and must be submitted by Monday, March 24, 2025, at 11:59 pm. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to read the eligibility requirements and the 2025-26 Application Guidelines for further information on the process and evaluation criteria. The guidelines outline important details regarding how to apply, the criteria by which applications will be evaluated, and how funding can be used. These guidelines can be found on the Tacoma Creates website, and applicants are encouraged to check for updated guidelines that will be posted by the end of January 2025.

Tacoma Creates is deeply committed to fostering a thriving cultural scene in Tacoma and encourages all eligible organizations to apply for Impact Funding. This program is especially focused on those who contribute to building an inclusive and accessible cultural environment within the community.