Tempe Arts + Culture

Tempe Community Arts – Next Wave Grant offers up to $2,500 to support early-stage, small-scale arts and culture projects in Tempe. It’s designed for newer nonprofits, small creative businesses (LLCs) and first-time applicants looking to spark innovative ideas, elevate fresh voices and explore bold approaches that energize the city’s cultural future. This grant invests in what’s next—creative efforts that build connection, access and vibrancy at the grassroots level.

Amount: Up to $2,500 – no match required

Deadlines: July 1, 2025

All applicants are required to meet with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, before applying. Click here to find a time.

Expectations & Eligibility:

• Project must take place in Tempe between September 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.
• Requests may include creatives, artists fees, contracted services, production costs, venue rentals, supplies, permit fees, event insurance, food and marketing expenses.
• Must be Non-Profit organization or an LLC providing arts programming in Tempe.
• Only eligible to receive one Tempe Community Arts Grant per year (September-June).

Restrictions – this grant does not fund:

• Activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe.
• Projects that are only virtual or streamed via the web.
• Production or commission of public art (i.e. murals); permanent enhancements to infrastructure or facilities, capital investments (equipment that outlast the duration of the project).
• Fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards.
• Schools or projects with schools (see Arts in Schools Grant); parent-teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO).
• TCA home/resident companies; projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant; reduction of debt, feasibilities studies.
• Universities, colleges and auxiliary/affiliate organizations.
• Organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes.
• Grant administration, overhead or processing fees taken by an umbrella/parent organization as a percentage of the total award, fiscal agents/sponsors.
• Staff salaries that are for work outside the scope of the proposed project.
• Closed subscription or membership programming.
• An applicant who failed to submit a Final Report, complete a project, or return unused funds from a previously funded grant.

Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent community review panel comprised of Tempe residents, cultural leaders and organizers, artists and representatives from the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission. The review process is competitive and based on available funds, therefore, some applications may receive partial or no funding. The panel will recommend awards to the Community Services Director for final approval. Grant Award Notification will take place by August 15, 2025.

Final Report: Must be submitted by June 30, 2026, to be eligible for future grant funding by the City of Tempe. The report will include a summary of the project, attendance and demographic data of participants, a final budget report and professional quality photos of the project. The grant recipient agrees to give the City of Tempe the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.

Tempe Community Arts – Creative Current Grant provides up to $10,000 for established nonprofit organizations that deliver consistent, high-quality arts programming and drive Tempe’s cultural momentum. These organizations play a key role in building community, strengthening public life and shaping Tempe as a dynamic and inclusive city. This grant supports the steady force behind the arts in Tempe—nonprofits that keep the creative current flowing.

Amount: Up to $10,000 – no match required.

Deadline: July 1, 2025

All applicants are required to meet with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, before applying. Click here to find a time. 

Expectations & Eligibility:

• Project must take place in Tempe between September 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.
• Requests may include creatives, artists fees, contracted services, production costs, venue rentals, supplies, permit fees, event insurance, food and marketing expenses.
• Must be 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organizations providing arts programming in Tempe.
• Only eligible to receive one Tempe Community Arts Grant per year (September-June).

Restrictions – this grant does not fund:

• Activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe.
• Projects that are only virtual or streamed via the web.
• Production or commission of public art (i.e. murals); permanent enhancements to infrastructure or facilities, capital investments (equipment that outlast the duration of the project).
• Fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards.
• Schools or projects with schools (see Arts in Schools Grant); parent-teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO).
• TCA home/resident companies; projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant; reduction of debt, feasibilities studies.
• Universities, colleges and auxiliary/affiliate organizations.
• For-profit organizations, organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes.
• Grant administration, overhead or processing fees taken by an umbrella/parent organization as a percentage of the total award, fiscal agents/sponsors.
• Staff salaries that are for work outside the scope of the proposed project.
• Closed subscription or membership programming.
• An applicant who failed to submit a Final Report, complete a project, or return unused funds from a previously funded grant.

Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent community review panel comprised of Tempe residents, cultural leaders and organizers, artists and representatives from the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission. The review process is competitive and based on available funds, therefore, some applications may receive partial or no funding. The panel will recommend awards to the Community Services Director for final approval. Grant Award Notification will take place by August 15, 2025.

Final Report: Must be submitted by June 30, 2026, to be eligible for future grant funding by the City of Tempe. The report will include a summary of the project, attendance and demographic data of participants, a final budget report and professional quality photos of the project. The grant recipient agrees to give the City of Tempe the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.