The Let Creativity Happen (LCH) Grant is a funding program offered by the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) with financial support from the City of Houston through the Hotel Occupancy Tax. This grant is designed to support innovative, experimental, and imaginative arts and cultural programming that engages the public and takes place within the Houston city limits. The program encourages projects that take creative risks and push artistic boundaries while fostering meaningful community engagement and elevating Houston as a cultural destination.

The LCH grant offers funding up to $2,500 for arts and cultural projects that must include a public presentation within the City of Houston. Eligible projects must be distinct from the applicant's regular or recurring programming. Applicants may include individual artists, collectives, nonprofit organizations, and fiscally sponsored entities. All applicants must maintain residency or organizational headquarters within Houston city limits throughout the grant term. Fiscal sponsors must also meet a series of compliance requirements, including board governance, financial oversight, and a formal sponsorship agreement.

There are three rounds of funding in 2025, each with defined application periods and project timelines. Round 1 runs from March 24 to April 22, 2025, for projects occurring between August 1, 2025, and August 1, 2026. Round 2 is open from May 26 to June 24, 2025, for projects between October 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026. Round 3 runs from August 29 to September 27, 2025, covering projects from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on the closing date of the respective round, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants must demonstrate artistic merit, community engagement, sound budgeting, and clear public benefit. Required application materials include a detailed project proposal, proof of Houston residency or headquarters, a proposed project timeline, artist fee details, and work samples. For fiscally sponsored projects, the sponsor’s headquarters must also be within Houston, and sponsorship fees must not exceed 7% or 15% depending on services provided.

The review process includes an HAA staff screening for eligibility and completeness, followed by peer panel review based on artistic programming, community impact, budget soundness, and contributions to Houston's creative identity. Final decisions are subject to approval by the HAA Grants Committee and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Grant recipients must acknowledge City of Houston and HAA support in all promotional materials and submit a final report within 30 days of project completion.

For technical assistance or inquiries, applicants can reach the HAA Support Desk at grants@haatxhelp.zendesk.com or by calling 713-527-9330, ext. 6, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT.