The FY2025 Arts Council Grants provides comprehensive details on funding opportunities available through the Missouri Arts Council for projects occurring between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The grants support arts councils in communities across Missouri, excluding the city limits of Kansas City and St. Louis. These grants aim to foster artistic excellence, community engagement, cultural development, and advocacy for the arts. Funding is allocated to organizations that provide arts programming and services in multiple disciplines, such as dance, music, theater, literature, visual arts, and more.

The purpose of the Missouri Arts Council grants is to enhance the cultural landscape of Missouri communities by supporting organizations that provide diverse arts programming. Eligible organizations must involve the broader community, not just focus on a single artistic discipline or event. Arts councils funded by this program may be involved in producing, presenting, promoting, or supporting the arts. The program is designed to ensure that the funded organizations contribute to community development by encouraging arts education, preserving local cultural traditions, and providing artistic opportunities for underserved populations.

The funding covers the costs associated with providing arts programming and services to artists, organizations, and the general public. Grant funds may be used for administrative expenses, including salaries, as long as these are directly related to the proposed arts programs. Three primary funding categories are available: Basic Support (up to $4,000), Project Support (up to $40,000), and Operating Support (up to $40,000). Basic Support is available annually, Project Support is generally available every two years, and Operating Support is open for new applicants every three years. Additionally, organizations receiving Arts Council grants may apply for one additional grant in Express Touring for Community or Arts Education.

Eligible applicants must be located outside Kansas City and St. Louis city limits, but organizations in St. Louis County and Jackson County (outside of Kansas City) may apply. Only one organization per community is eligible, and eligibility depends on the size and structure of the applicant organization. Applicants must provide arts programming in more than one discipline or offer arts-related services and cultural development initiatives. Organizations applying for Operating Support must have an annual operating revenue of at least $50,000, offer year-round programming, and employ at least one part-time staff member dedicated to arts programs.

The evaluation process for grant applications is based on three key criteria: artistic quality (30%), community involvement (40%), and management ability (30%). Applications are reviewed by an advisory panel to ensure a fair distribution of funds across Missouri's geographic and ethnic diversity. The deadlines for submission vary depending on the grant type. Annual Discipline applications require a draft submission by January 29, 2024, and a final submission by February 26, 2024. Arts Council Basic applications operate on a rolling basis, with deadlines on the first Monday of the month at least two months before the project event date or when expenses are incurred.

For additional details on funding policies, application reviews, and discipline-specific requirements, organizations are encouraged to consult the Missouri Arts Council's Guide to Grants. Applicants can also contact Karon Majeel Hatchett, Community Development Specialist, for further inquiries regarding eligibility and application procedures.