The Tennessee Arts Commission's Partnership Support grant provides operational funding for qualified arts organizations chartered and headquartered in Tennessee. Organizations may request up to 20% of their total cash operating expenses from their most recently completed fiscal year, with a maximum grant amount of $100,000. The grant is competitive, and most requests are not fully funded. Eligible organizations must have a minimum budget of $75,000 and meet specific requirements, including having a full-time paid administrator, maintaining an independent audit, and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

First-time applicants must contact the program director to confirm eligibility and submit a formal request for entry into the category by November 30. This request should include documentation such as staff salaries, a recent financial audit, and evidence of how the organization meets eligibility criteria. Applicants must submit their applications via the Tennessee Arts Commission’s online grant system by January 6, 2025.

The funding can be used for allowable operational expenses, including salaries, benefits, taxes, professional fees, and occupancy costs. Certain expenses, such as endowment funds, penalties, in-kind expenses, and fundraising costs, are not eligible for funding. Applicants must provide documentation and complete an evaluation process. This includes proof of arts advocacy, job descriptions, a long-range organizational plan, and a board of directors list.

Applicants must show evidence of year-round public arts programming that impacts Tennessee communities. Organizations are also expected to actively promote arts advocacy, including the state’s Specialty License Plate program. The program emphasizes accessibility, requiring organizations to demonstrate that their services are inclusive to all Tennesseans regardless of race, color, disability, or other factors.

Grantees must implement a structured promotional campaign for the Specialty License Plate program and submit documentation of these efforts during the grant’s reporting process. They must also promptly report any significant organizational changes. A complete audit of the most recently completed fiscal year is mandatory to retain eligibility, and all projects must be concluded by May 15, 2026, unless an exception is approved.