[Center for Cultural Innovation](https://www.cciarts.org)

June 26, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

$1,000–$5,000 per award; approximately $60,000 total available in 2026; 12–22 grants expected

Supports individual craft, folk, and traditional artists in eligible U.S. states to purchase tools and equipment for object-based work.

2026 eligibility limited to residents of CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, VT, or VA.

--- ## Description This grant program, administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) and supported by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, provides competitive funding to individual craft, folk, and traditional artists in the United States and its Territories. The grant is intended to support the purchase or repair of artistic tools and equipment that enhance an artist’s ability to create object-based work, strengthen their creative practice, and meet professional or safety standards. The program rotates geographic eligibility each year; for 2026, only artists residing full-time in specific Eastern states and DC are eligible. Awards are made based on clarity of the request, demonstrated artistic commitment, and the potential impact of the funding on the artist’s career and craft. --- ## Due Dates - **Full Application Deadline:** June 26, 2026 (by 11:59 a.m. PT / 2:59 p.m. ET) - Applications open May 19, 2026 - Notifications: September 10, 2026 (by 5:00 p.m. PT) - Period of Support: September 2026–September 2027 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $1,000–$5,000 per individual grant - **Total Available:** $60,000 for the 2026 cycle - **Expected Number of Grants:** Approximately 12–22, depending on application quality and budget requests - **Disbursement:** 90% upon grant agreement signature; 10% after completion of final report --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be an **individual working craft artist**, folk, or traditional artist (not collectives, organizations, or nonprofits) - Reside full-time in one of the following for the 2026 round: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, or Virginia - Be at least 18 years old at the application deadline - Have presented artistic work in a public context (including online) since 2023 - Demonstrate a sustained commitment to their craft discipline (self-taught or trained; spend 10+ hours/week; seek income from artistic work) - Not be a full-time/matriculating student or recipient of the Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Craft - Not request funds for routine supplies, studio rent, insurance, utilities, capital improvements, or debt payments Eligible requests include new or used tool/equipment purchases, repairs, installation, materials to build equipment, and storage solutions directly related to object-based craft work. --- ## Application Process - **Submission Platform:** [CCI's Submittable portal](https://centerforculturalinnovation.submittable.com/) - **Application Components:** - Eligibility quiz - Contact information - Project narrative (description, impact, artistic context) - One-page résumé - Project budget (one page; template available but not required) - Work samples (at least 5 high-res images or up to 3 minutes of video) - Award administration details - Optional demographic survey - Certification of eligibility/compliance - **Technical Support:** [Submittable Help Center](https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/) - **Additional Resources:** [Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Guidelines.pdf), [Application Preview (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Application_Preview.pdf), [FAQs (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_FAQs.pdf), [Sample Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Project_Budget_Sample_Template.xlsx), [Submittable Quick Tips (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Submittable_Quick_Tips.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - **Partial funding** may be awarded. - All funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. - Grantees are required to submit a brief final report and documentation of funded activities. - Funding cannot be used for routine art supplies, fixed costs, capital improvements, prior purchases, personal compensation, or debt payments. - The review panel will prioritize diversity across geography, discipline, and cultural tradition, with an emphasis on underrepresented or “under the radar” artists. - Grants over $599 may be taxable; consult a tax advisor. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.cciarts.org/tools_equipment.html) - [Full Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Preview (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Application_Preview.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_FAQs.pdf) - [Sample Project Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Project_Budget_Sample_Template.xlsx) - [Submittable Quick Tips (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_Investing_in_Artists_Tools_Equipment_Submittable_Quick_Tips.pdf) - [Submittable Help Center](https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | grants@cciarts.org (subject: IA: Tools & Equipment) | | Phone | 213.870.7129 | | Grants Office Hours | [Schedule via Calendly](https://calendly.com/imah-cciarts/grant-office-hours) | | Deaf/hearing loss assistance | [California Relay Service](https://caconnect.org/relay/) | | Technical Support (Submittable) | [Submittable Help Center](https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/) |

Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment

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