The Pierce County Art Grant Program was established in 1986 to promote access to the arts, develop educational initiatives, and support underserved and unincorporated areas of Pierce County. With a mission to enhance cultural enrichment, the program focuses on equitable, inclusive, and community-building projects that positively impact the social, emotional, and physical well-being of residents. In 2023, the program awarded $26,870 in grants, supporting seven projects, engaging over 9,100 youth, and providing 17,000 hours of art programming.

Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, physically located in Pierce County. Projects must take place in unincorporated or underserved areas of Pierce County, outside the city limits of Tacoma, or focus on serving these populations. The initiative must occur between January 1 and December 31, 2025, and target lower-income youth or underserved individuals. Funding is provided on a reimbursable basis, and organizations must have sufficient cash flow to support the project during this period.

Certain restrictions apply to funding. Grant funds cannot support capital improvements, administrative costs unrelated to the project, or events advocating political or religious viewpoints. Additionally, grants do not cover pre-existing expenses, fundraising events, programs charging admission fees, or services performed before the project is completed. Projects must acknowledge Pierce County Arts Commission funding in publications and meet insurance requirements.

Important dates for the 2025 grant cycle include a virtual application workshop on December 10, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., and the optional preliminary application feedback deadline on January 10, 2025. Applications are due by January 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with funding decisions announced on or around March 3, 2025. Contracting with selected applicants will take place from March to May 2025. Final reports and invoicing are due within 30 days of project completion, or by December 15, 2025, for year-long projects. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2025.

Applicants may request optional feedback on their preliminary applications by January 10, 2025, to refine their submissions. This can be arranged by selecting the relevant option in the application form. The grant program aims to support creative initiatives that enrich the community, foster cultural diversity, and expand access to the arts for underserved populations in Pierce County. Interested applicants should consult program guidelines for detailed requirements and apply by the specified deadline.