Creative Catalyst Grant Program
Creative Catalyst Grant Program supports Pennsylvania’s creatives and creative industries through new initiatives and special events that build connections and deliver statewide or broad regional benefits.
Funder: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Due Dates: November 11, 2026 (Eligibility check and information request) | November 13, 2026 (Application) | February 12, 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000; confirmed 1:1 cash match required; reimbursement-based funding
Summary: Supports new initiatives with statewide or broad regional benefits for Pennsylvania’s creatives, creative industries, communities, economy, and workforce.
Key Information: Organizations may receive a Creative Catalyst grant only once every three years.
Description
Creative Catalyst is a program of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, the flagship brand of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. It supports new initiatives, special events, and unique strategic opportunities that empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries across Pennsylvania. Projects should offer statewide or broad regional reach and benefit, rather than sustain established programs, ongoing operations, or regularly recurring activities.
The program focuses on five areas: Asset Development, Workforce Development, Community Development, Visibility, and Policy. These priorities encompass creative-sector infrastructure and networking, skills and employment pathways, creative placemaking, promotion, and policies that foster opportunity. Creative industries include advertising, architecture, performing and visual arts, design, crafts, music, media and film production, publishing, and digital games.
