Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | Facebook
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | Facebook
The City of Austin Economic Development Department has announced the opening of the Thrive and Elevate Grant programs, which will provide over $13 million in support for local arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and arts groups. The Elevate Grant offers between $15,000 to $80,000 for various arts entities, while the Thrive Grant provides between $85,000 to $150,000 to sustain and grow local arts organizations. Applications open on June 25 and must be submitted by July 23.
“Now in its second year, these funding opportunities were developed in collaboration with the creative community. These grants support a diverse group of cultural producers who promote equity, prioritize inclusive programming, and represent a broad range of artistic disciplines,” said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “Based on community feedback, the Thrive and Elevate Grants will further invest in Austin’s cultural landscape.”
The Elevate program will offer grants ranging from $15,000 to $80,000 for arts organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses that produce culturally vibrant and diverse artistic content. Grant funds may be used for creative, administrative, and operational expenses incurred in producing creative activities and events for the public.
Elevate applicants must have a minimum one-year history of cultural or arts programming in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area—which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. Full eligibility requirements and application details are available on the Elevate Grant website.
Additionally, applicants for Elevate may also choose to be considered for the Thrive grant aimed at Austin arts nonprofits. This grant offers focused investment to sustain and grow local arts organizations that are deeply rooted in and reflective of Austin’s diverse cultures. Approximately 35 organizations will be awarded grants ranging from $85,000 to $150,000. Funding is designated for general operating support, project support, and institutional improvements.
Thrive-eligible arts organizations must be registered as a 501c entity with a five-year history of cultural/arts programming in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Detailed eligibility requirements and application details are available on the Thrive Grant website.
Applications for both the Thrive and Elevate Grants can be submitted starting Tuesday, June 25 at 10 a.m., through Tuesday, July 23 at 7 p.m. Further information about eligibility requirements and application assistance is available at www.austintexas.gov/department/cultural-funding.
About the City of Austin Economic Development Department
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries,and local communities. These programs aim to build an equitable,sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. More resources can be found at www.austintexas.gov/edd where you can also subscribe to their newsletter.Connect with them @AustinEconDev on Facebook,@AustinEconDev on X,and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.
###
Alerts Sign-up