Artsmemphis

Enhancement Grant

Who can apply: Eligible applicants must have received an ARTSmemphis unrestricted operating support grant in FY27, maintain strong fiscal, governance, and administrative accountability, have a dedicated paid staff member or contractor responsible for the project, and have successfully closed out and demonstrated the impact of prior Enhancement Grants. Organizations that received an Enhancement Grant in 2026 are not eligible. Applicants intending to submit an LOI must schedule a conversation with the COO before the LOI deadline. ARTSmemphis should not be the sole funder, and projects must begin after awards are made.

Deadline: Offered biannually; the next grant opportunity will be in fall 2027. The FY28 timeline will be announced in fall 2027.

Operating Support Grant

Who can apply: For the current FY27 cycle, applicants must be FY26 Operating Support grant recipients. Organizations must have current 501(c)(3) status and a primary place of business in Shelby County, or demonstrate a permanent Shelby County location and at least three years of Shelby County programming; have an arts-based mission; have received at least two qualifying ARTSmemphis grants since July 2023; provide programming at least nine months per year; have at least three years of programming history, prior-year expenses of at least $50,000, one full-time equivalent staff member, an active supportive board, diverse revenue including at least three contributors, and legal and fiscal compliance. Individual artists, schools, religious organizations, governmental institutions, and organizations without the required history or staffing are ineligible.

ArtsFirst (First Horizon-funded grants)

Who can apply: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in Shelby County with an arts-based mission and focus, at least three years of presenting quality arts projects and programs, and an active board. Applicants must have received at least one qualifying ARTSmemphis grant since July 2022. Fiscal-agent applications, individual artists, organizations receiving multi-year or other First Horizon funding, K-12 schools, solely religious, social, or fraternal organizations, political organizations, and organizations seeking to cover operating deficits are ineligible.

Deadline: The 2027 grant timeline will be announced in fall 2026.