In the competitive world of nonprofit funding, securing support for arts and humanities projects requires a strategic approach and a sharp eye for upcoming deadlines.

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

That's why we've done the work for you.

This guide provides a curated list of significant arts and humanities grants with confirmed deadlines in 2026. We've vetted each opportunity, linking directly to the official sources to ensure you have the accurate information you need to prepare a winning application.

Whether you're a museum, a performing arts group, or a community-based cultural organization, these grants can provide the fuel for your mission.

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

The NEA is the largest federal funder of the arts and a cornerstone of support for nonprofit arts organizations across the country.

Their Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) program is highly competitive but offers significant prestige and financial backing for projects that demonstrate artistic excellence and merit.

Quick Facts

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is primarily for U.S.-based nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations with a three-year history of arts programming.

Local arts agencies and units of state or local government are also eligible.

The program supports a wide range of disciplines, including dance, music, theater, visual arts, literature, and museums.

How to Apply

Applying for an NEA grant is a two-part process.

First, you must register and submit forms through Grants.gov.

Second, you complete the main application through the NEA's Applicant Portal.

It's critical to start this process weeks in advance, as Grants.gov registration can take time to process.

Your application will need a strong project narrative, detailed budget, and work samples that showcase your organization's artistic quality.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Public Humanities Projects

For organizations focused on the humanities, the NEH offers substantial funding to bring history, literature, and cultural studies to the general public.

The Public Humanities Projects program supports a variety of formats, from exhibitions and documentary films to interpretive websites and public discussion programs.

Quick Facts

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations, public and 501(c)(3) accredited institutions of higher education, and state and local governmental agencies.

The key is that your project must be deeply rooted in humanities scholarship and designed to engage a broad public audience.

How to Apply

Similar to the NEA, the NEH application is submitted via Grants.gov.

The narrative is the core of the application, where you must articulate the project's central humanities ideas, its format, your team's qualifications, and your plan for reaching the public. A detailed budget and work plan are also required.

The NEH strongly encourages applicants to speak with a program officer before submitting.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Program Support

For organizations centered on the visual arts, the Andy Warhol Foundation is a leading source of private funding.

Their grants focus on supporting the creation and presentation of contemporary and experimental visual art, particularly work that is challenging, under-recognized, or forward-thinking.

Quick Facts

  • Official Grant Name: Program Support Grant
  • Funding Amount: Typically $50,000 to $100,000 over two years
  • Confirmed Deadline: March 1, 2026
  • Application Link: Warhol Foundation Grant Guidelines

Who is Eligible?

This grant is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including museums, artist-run spaces, and cultural centers, that are committed to contemporary visual art.

The foundation prioritizes organizations that support artists directly and engage in critical, scholarly discourse.

How to Apply

The application process begins with an online letter of inquiry (LOI).

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

The foundation looks for a strong curatorial vision, a commitment to artists, and fiscal health.

Be prepared to provide detailed information about your programming, audience engagement, and organizational budget.

Bank of America Art Conservation Project

This unique corporate grant provides funding for the conservation of historically or culturally significant works of art.

It's a fantastic opportunity for museums and cultural institutions to preserve key pieces in their collections for future generations.

This is a non-cash grant; Bank of America directly funds the conservation work.

Quick Facts

Who is Eligible?

Nonprofit museums, galleries, and cultural institutions are eligible to apply.

The nominated artwork must be of cultural or historical importance and be in need of conservation.

The program has a global reach but has funded numerous projects within the United States.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Bank of America portal.

You will need to provide detailed information about the artwork, its significance, the proposed conservation treatment plan, a conservator's assessment, and a detailed budget for the work.

High-quality images of the artwork's current condition are essential.

Pro Tips for a Winning Arts & Humanities Grant Application

  1. Tell a Compelling Story: Funders in this sector are moved by powerful narratives.

Clearly articulate the why behind your project.

What community need does it fill? What cultural conversation does it advance?

  1. Connect to Mission: Explicitly connect your project's goals to the funder's mission.

Use their language and demonstrate that you understand and align with their values.

  1. Show Community Impact: Go beyond describing your activities.

Quantify your impact whenever possible.

How many people will you reach? How will your project benefit local artists, students, or underserved populations?

  1. Prepare a Flawless Budget: Your budget is a narrative in numbers.

Every line item should be justified and directly support the project's activities.

Show that you are a responsible steward of funds.

Securing funding in the arts and humanities is challenging, but with careful planning and a targeted approach, it is entirely achievable.

Use this list as a starting point to map out your grant-seeking strategy for 2026. Start your research and application drafts early, and you'll be well-positioned for success.