The Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture (FCAC) has announced its Contracts for Services (CFS) Program for the 2025 funding cycle. Applications are due by January 17, 2025, and must be submitted through WebGrants by 11:59 p.m. The program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations, public schools, colleges, universities, municipalities, and individual artists based in Fulton County. The funding is intended to support arts programming and initiatives that align with FCAC’s mission of promoting access, participation, and appreciation of the arts for all residents.

The purpose of the CFS Program is to provide unrestricted general operating and project support to eligible organizations and institutions producing public arts programming. Projects funded through this program are expected to reflect the county’s cultural diversity, engage audiences of all ages, contribute to neighborhood growth, stimulate economic development, and create job opportunities. Programs taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2025, are eligible for funding, and applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that contribute to FCAC’s strategic goal of culturally and recreationally enriching lives.

To apply, new applicants must register for a Fulton County vendor code via the vendor self-service system, while returning applicants must update their vendor information annually. Applicants with unresolved fiscal agent issues at the time of contract will forfeit funding. Organizations are advised to review program guidelines and consult with CFS staff during the application process to ensure eligibility. Applications must be accurate and complete, as late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

Applicants are evaluated based on criteria such as artistic merit, organizational effectiveness, accessibility, fiscal management, service to the community, planning, leadership capability, and program clarity. A review panel composed of arts professionals evaluates applications to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives. The final funding decisions are made by the Fulton County Arts Council and the Board of Commissioners. Award recipients are required to comply with deadlines for submitting reports and must use the funding in accordance with the approved proposal.

The program has a track record of significant impact, with over $3 million awarded in the previous cycle to 172 nonprofit organizations, public entities, and individual artists. These funds supported a variety of activities, including art classes, workshops, master classes, residencies, festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and lectures, serving more than five million residents. The CFS program complements corporate and foundation sponsorships to sustain a vibrant arts community in Fulton County.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to start the application process early, confirm vendor registration details, and review program requirements on the FCAC website at www.fultonarts.org. Additional support and guidance are available from CFS staff to ensure applications are complete and competitive.