LexArts is greater Lexington’s official local arts agency and United Arts Fund creating opportunities for quality arts experiences in central Kentucky through leadership, funding, advocacy, programming, and communication.
LexArts Inc. repeatedly backs core operating capacity at Lexington’s major arts institutions. In the recent grant list, Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra received $101,888 for program support in 2025, and Lexington Children’s Theatre received $100,000 for program support the same year. The pattern extends across several years: both organizations also appear in 2023 and 2024 with six-figure general operating support awards. That mix of program and operating support shows a funder that is not limited to project-only grants. The foundation’s giving also reaches the city’s broader arts infrastructure. Living Arts & Science Center appears multiple times in 2023 through 2025, including awards of $100,000, $85,000, and $75,000, while Carnegie Center for Literacy and Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra also recur in the recent-grants list. LexArts Inc. serves as Greater Lexington’s official local arts agency and United Arts Fund, and its grantmaking aligns with that role through arts education, visual arts, performing arts, public art, arts & health, community arts development, youth arts, and capacity-building support.
LexArts Inc. supports a mix of institutional stability and project-based arts work. For general operations, it gave $55,000 to Carnegie Center for Literacy in 2025 and the same amount in 2024, showing repeated support for organizational capacity. For arts education, Arts in Schools Impact Grants subsidize the cost of bringing arts organizations into Fayette County Public Schools. Its community-facing programming also includes the Community Arts Development Grants, which support regional artists and arts organizations through competitive, project-based awards reviewed in a public forum each year. The Arts & Health Grants add another small-scale channel, with awards of $0 to $1,000 for collaborations that connect the arts with health and wellness. Space to Create provides subsidized office or practice space for artists and arts organizations in Lexington and the Bluegrass region.
Typical award sizes cluster in the mid-thousands to mid-tens of thousands, with a p25 of $10,000, a median of $15,000, and a p75 of $25,543. The recent-grants list also includes repeated awards to the same organizations across 2023, 2024, and 2025, indicating ongoing relationships rather than one-off support. LexArts Inc. is a local funder, and its grantmaking appears to be rooted in unrestricted and operational support alongside program support and core capacity support. Several of its active grant programs accept unsolicited applications, and some awards can be paid as a lump sum or over time.
$511K
$3.1M
$1.8M
$2M
Most grants fall between $10K and $26K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$26K
AMELIA SWEETALL
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Grantmaking is fully concentrated in Kentucky: 100% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state, and the top state by grant count is also Kentucky. Recent recipients are all in Lexington, including Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Living Arts & Science Center, and Carnegie Center for Literacy. Program geography also extends through Central Kentucky, the Bluegrass region, and Fayette County in the foundation’s active grant programs.
Its stated focus areas include arts education, visual arts, performing arts, public art, arts & health, community arts development, youth arts, and capacity building/general operating support. Recent grants show support for institutions such as Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Living Arts & Science Center, Carnegie Center for Literacy, and Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra.
Yes. The recent-grants list includes multiple general operating support awards, including recurring support to Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Living Arts & Science Center, and Carnegie Center for Literacy across 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Typical awards are in the mid-thousands to mid-tens of thousands, with a p25 of $10,000, a median of $15,000, and a p75 of $25,543. The recent-grants list also includes larger six-figure awards to major Lexington arts organizations.
It is fully local in the data provided: 100% of grants go to recipients in Kentucky, and the geographic scope of giving is listed as local. Recent recipients are all located in Lexington, and active programs also name Lexington, Fayette County, the Bluegrass region, and Central Kentucky.
Yes. Several active programs accept unsolicited applications, including Community Arts Development Grants, Arts in Schools Impact Grants, Arts & Health Grants, and the Who We Support / Eligibility & Applications page describes eligibility and general application guidance. Space to Create is listed as not accepting unsolicited applications.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Lexarts that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Artists and organizations working within arts and health may seek funding for projects that impact health and wellness through the arts. Specific eligibility requirements are not stated; applicants should contact LexArts for more information.
Deadline: Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXINGTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $81,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON CHILDREN'S THEATRE | LEXINGTON, KY | $80,260 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LIVING ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER | LEXINGTON, KY | $70,620 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CARNEGIE CENTER FOR LITERACY | LEXINGTON, KY | $55,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $40,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| THE LEXINGTON THEATRE COMPANY | LEXINGTON, KY | $30,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| KY BALLET THEATER | LEXINGTON, KY | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BLUEGRASS YOUTH BALLET | LEXINGTON, KY | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ALLEGRO DANCE PROJECT | LEXINGTON, KY | $13,720 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON ART LEAGUE INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $12,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN FORUM INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CASA DE LA CULTURA HISPANA DE LEXINGTON | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| GREENROOM EXCHANGE | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| INSTITUTE 193 | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL MUSIC ACADEMY | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON BALLET COMPANY | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ANTAGONIST PRODUCTIONS | LEXINGTON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LYRIC THEATRE | LEXINGTON, KY | $8,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HENRY CLAY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | LEXINGTON, KY | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| VOICES AMPLIFIED INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $7,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON PARTNERSHIP | LEXINGTON, KY | $5,380 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $101,888 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON CHILDREN'S THEATRE | LEXINGTON, KY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON CHILDREN'S THEATRE | LEXINGTON, KY | $100,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LIVING ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER | LEXINGTON, KY | $85,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LIVING ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER | LEXINGTON, KY | $75,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CARNEGIE CENTER FOR LITERACY | LEXINGTON, KY | $60,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CARNEGIE CENTER FOR LITERACY | LEXINGTON, KY | $55,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $45,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON ART LEAGUE INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON CHILDREN'S THEATRE | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN FORUM INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LIVING ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| INSTITUTE 193 | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON SINGERS INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CASA DE LA CULTURA HISPANA DE LEXINGTON | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON CHAMBER CHORALE | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL OF LEXINGTON | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CARNEGIE CENTER FOR LITERACY | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON BALLET COMPANY | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ALLEGRO DANCE PROJECT | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| THE LEXINGTON THEATRE COMPANY | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HEADLEY-WHITNEY MUSEUM | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LYRIC THEATRE | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| KY BALLET THEATER | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEXINGTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA | LEXINGTON, KY | $25,543 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| THE LEXINGTON THEATRE COMPANY | — | $25,480 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
$40,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
PROGRAM SUPPORT
KY BALLET THEATER
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
BLUEGRASS YOUTH BALLET
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
ALLEGRO DANCE PROJECT
$13,720PROGRAM SUPPORT
LEXINGTON ART LEAGUE INC
$12,500PROGRAM SUPPORT
AFRICAN AMERICAN FORUM INC
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CASA DE LA CULTURA HISPANA DE LEXINGTON
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
GREENROOM EXCHANGE
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
INSTITUTE 193
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CENTRAL MUSIC ACADEMY
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
LEXINGTON BALLET COMPANY
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
ANTAGONIST PRODUCTIONS
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
LYRIC THEATRE
$8,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
HENRY CLAY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
$7,500PROGRAM SUPPORT
VOICES AMPLIFIED INC
$7,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON PARTNERSHIP
$5,380PROGRAM SUPPORT
CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
$45,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
$40,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LEXINGTON ART LEAGUE INC
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
AFRICAN AMERICAN FORUM INC
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
INSTITUTE 193
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
LEXINGTON SINGERS INC
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
CASA DE LA CULTURA HISPANA DE LEXINGTON
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
LEXINGTON CHAMBER CHORALE
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL OF LEXINGTON
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
LEXINGTON BALLET COMPANY
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
ALLEGRO DANCE PROJECT
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
HEADLEY-WHITNEY MUSEUM
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
LYRIC THEATRE
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
KY BALLET THEATER
$25,543PROGRAM SUPPORT
CENTRAL KY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
$25,543GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
THE LEXINGTON THEATRE COMPANY
$25,480PROGRAM SUPPORT
