Organizational grant opportunities

The Cultural Development Grant Program provides general program support to local cultural organizations with programming that not only serves diverse audiences but also reaches geographically diverse communities. It is the intent of the program to encourage the development of both cultural and administrative operations of these organizations. Funds provided through this grant program are also intended to enhance the organization’s ability to attract new audiences and increase funding from other sources.

An organization applying for a grant must have as its primary mission the delivery of cultural programs. Cultural disciplines encompass, but are not limited to: architecture, crafts, creative writing, dance, history, literature, media arts, music, photography, theatre, traditional arts, visual arts, and the execution, exhibition, or presentation of such allied cultural forms.

Applications for FY27 grants will open on January 12, 2026.

To read about this grant in greater detail, please review the guidelines below. If you have questions about the program, eligibility, or application, please contact us at Arts@HCFL.gov.

Apply

Details and Documents

FY26 Grant Guidelines  | FY27 Grant Guidelines  |  Sample Application |  FY26 Administration Manual |  FY27 Administration Manual | Scoring Rubric

Nonprofits: $5,000 maximum

Colleges/Universities: $12,500 maximum

The Community Arts Impact Grant (CAIG) Program is designed to make arts and cultural opportunities more accessible for underserved populations across Hillsborough County. We are committed to supporting geographic, ethnic and age diversity, as well as programs that serve veterans and people with disabilities. Additionally, this grant program is meant to provide nimble/flexible funding while serving as a “training opportunity” for small, community-based organizations that are new to grant writing and/or seeking support from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County.

The Community Arts Impact Grant-Colleges/Universities (CAIG/CU) is a competitive arts funding opportunity for colleges and universities whose administrative headquarters are located within Hillsborough County. 

Community Arts Impact Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are judged on the following three categories: 1) Access & Community Engagement; 2) Artistic and Cultural Vibrancy; and 3) Financial and Administrative Oversight. Applications for FY27 are opening March 9, 2026. If you have questions about the program, eligibility, or application, Arts@HCFL.gov.

Apply

Details & Documents

CAIG FY26 Grant Guidelines   |  CAIG Sample Application  |  CAIG FY26 Administration Manual |  CAIG FY27 Grant Guidelines |  CAIG FY27 Administration Manual |  CAIG FY27 Scoring Rubric

The Special Events Partnership Grant is for events organized by nonprofit organizations only. The grant is designed to strengthen and promote cultural assets through growing and supporting arts and cultural events that encourage place-making and community-building outcomes aligned with Hillsborough County’s economic and community prosperity goals. These events should communicate the authentic County story, activate public spaces, enrich the lives of residents, and leverage private sector financial support while aligning to economic development objectives of achieving greater patron spending and maximizing visitation to our market.

A cultural asset, for the purposes of this program, is defined as a contributing element of the County’s uniqueness, personality, and character, which falls under one or more of the following categories:

• Fine arts

• Historic

• Natural and/or recreational

• Lifestyle, culinary, and or creative industries

The Special Events Partnership Grants applications are accepted during two cycles in each fiscal year. Grant applications for FY27 funding will open on May 18, 2026. Available grant funds are competitively awarded to selected applicants after being review and scored by the Cultural Assets Commission and are issued in the form of a sponsorship in three (3) separate payments.

To learn more about this grant, visit: Special Events Partnership Grant

Details and Documents

SEPG Manual  |  SEPG Sample Application