As 2025 winds down, savvy nonprofit leaders and program directors are already looking ahead.

The first quarter of the new year is a critical funding period, and if you’re in the arts and humanities sector, now is the time to prepare.

Procrastination is the enemy of a successful grant strategy, especially when major federal and foundation deadlines are looming.

Finding verified, high-value grant opportunities can feel like a full-time job.

To save you time, we’ve done the heavy lifting.

We’ve identified and verified four significant arts and culture grants with deadlines in early 2026. This guide provides the essential details you need—funding amounts, eligibility, and direct application links—to get a head start on your next winning proposal.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects

The NEA’s flagship grant program, Grants for Arts Projects (GAP), is one of the most prestigious and impactful funding sources for arts organizations in the United States.

It supports a vast range of projects that demonstrate artistic excellence and merit, from dance and music to visual arts and literature. A grant from the NEA not only provides funding but also lends significant credibility to your organization.

Key Details

  • Funding Amount: $10,000 to $100,000
  • Deadline to Apply: February 13, 2026
  • Focus Area: Supports projects across 15 artistic disciplines, including artist communities, dance, design, folk & traditional arts, literary arts, local arts agencies, media arts, museums, music, musical theater, opera, presenting & multidisciplinary works, theater, and visual arts.

Who Should Apply

Eligibility is specific, so review the guidelines carefully.

Generally, applicants must be:

  • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S.

  • A unit of state or local government.

  • A federally recognized tribal community or tribe.

  • Applicants must also have a three-year history of arts programming prior to the application deadline.

How to Apply & Pro-Tips

The application is a two-part process.

You must first register and submit forms through Grants.gov, followed by submitting the bulk of your application materials through the NEA’s Applicant Portal.

Do not wait until the last minute to register on Grants.gov, as validation can take time.

Pro-Tip: The NEA prioritizes projects that have the potential for meaningful public engagement and a broad reach.

In your narrative, clearly articulate who your project will serve and how it will enrich your community.

Apply Here: NEA Grants for Arts Projects Official Page

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Public Humanities Projects

For organizations that interpret and share stories of human culture, the NEH’s Public Humanities Projects grant is an essential opportunity.

This program funds projects that bring the ideas of the humanities to general audiences through exhibitions, documentary films, podcasts, and digital projects.

It’s an ideal grant for museums, historical societies, and media producers.

Key Details

  • Funding Amount: Up to $100,000 (Planning), up to $400,000 (Implementation)
  • Deadline to Apply: January 15, 2026
  • Focus Area: Supports a wide range of public-facing projects, including museum exhibitions, interpretation of historic places, television and radio programs, digital games, and podcasts that explore history, literature, philosophy, and art history.

Who Should Apply

Eligible applicants include:

  • U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.

  • Public and 501(c)(3) accredited institutions of higher education.

  • State and local governmental agencies.

  • Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.

How to Apply & Pro-Tips

Similar to the NEA, the NEH application process begins on Grants.gov.

The NEH is known for its detailed guidelines and rigorous peer-review process.

Successful applications often involve a team of humanities scholars and public programming experts.

Pro-Tip: The NEH values a strong connection between scholarly content and public appeal.

Before applying, consider hosting a planning session with consulting scholars to refine your project’s central humanities themes and interpretive strategy.

Apply Here: NEH Public Humanities Projects Official Page

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Grants

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts is a leading national funder of contemporary art.

Its grant program is dedicated to supporting the creation and public presentation of new, experimental, and under-recognized visual art.

The foundation funds a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, publications, and artist residencies.

Key Details

  • Funding Amount: Typically up to $100,000, distributed over two years.
  • Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2026 (Spring Deadline)
  • Focus Area: Supports visual arts organizations, curatorial projects, and exhibitions that are experimental, scholarly, and contribute to artistic discourse.

Who Should Apply

This grant is for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations.

The foundation prioritizes organizations that support artists and allow them to take creative risks.

  • Museums, artist-run spaces, and university art galleries.

  • Organizations must have a programming history of at least three years.

  • Direct applications from individual artists are not accepted.

How to Apply & Pro-Tips

Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online portal.

The process begins with a letter of inquiry (LOI).

If your LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Pro-Tip: The Warhol Foundation is known for supporting challenging and thought-provoking work.

Don’t be afraid to propose a project that pushes boundaries.

Your application should demonstrate a deep commitment to artists and a clear curatorial vision.

Apply Here: The Andy Warhol Foundation Grants Page

Bank of America Art Conservation Project

For museums and cultural institutions with significant works of art in need of restoration, the Bank of America Art Conservation Project is a unique and vital resource.

This global program provides funding to conserve paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that are of critical importance to cultural heritage.

It's an opportunity to preserve a masterpiece for future generations.

Key Details

  • Funding Amount: Varies by project; funds are allocated to cover direct conservation costs.
  • Deadline to Apply: January 31, 2026
  • Focus Area: Conservation of paintings, works on paper, archaeological objects, and sculptures of significant cultural or historical value.

Who Should Apply

This grant is open to nonprofit museums and cultural institutions around the world.

  • Applicants must have a work of art that is planned for public exhibition after conservation, allowing the community to see the impact of the grant.
  • The work must be in need of conservation to ensure its long-term survival.

How to Apply & Pro-Tips

Applications are submitted directly through Bank of America’s online portal.

You will need to provide a detailed project description, a conservation treatment plan, a budget, and high-quality images of the artwork.

Pro-Tip: Successful proposals clearly explain the artwork’s historical significance and the urgency of its conservation needs.

Highlighting a plan to feature the restored piece in a public exhibition or educational program can significantly strengthen your application.

Apply Here: Bank of America Art Conservation Project Page

Get Ready for a Successful Grant Season

These four opportunities represent millions of dollars in potential funding for the arts and humanities sector.

With deadlines in January, February, and March, the time to start preparing your proposals is now.

Managing multiple deadlines, narrative drafts, and budget documents can be overwhelming. A dedicated grant management platform can centralize your efforts, track deadlines, and help your team collaborate more effectively.

See how [Our Company Name]'s software can give your team the tools you need to secure funding and advance your mission in 2026 and beyond.