Small Grants - Individual Artists

Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Contact Information

Sandra Wolfe, Executive Director
director@tuscarts.org

Applications can be emailed or delivered in person.

Program Overview

The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County announces its annual Small Grants Program, awarding projects by Tuscaloosa County artists.

Since 1986, local artists and organizations have received more than $160,000
New as of July 2023: The 1:1 matching requirement no longer applies to Individual Artist Grants!

Grant Details

Maximum Grant:
$750
Minimum Grant:
$100
Match Required:
None (as of 2023)
Project Period:
October 1 - May 15
Eligibility:
Professional artists residing in Tuscaloosa County

Purpose & Eligibility

Small grants primarily provide limited support to small or pilot arts activities or to special projects of high artistic quality which cannot be self-supporting but meet one or more of the Council's goals.

For Tuscaloosa County professional artists only.

Eligibility Requirements

An individual must be a professional artist who:

  • Resides in Tuscaloosa County
  • Has exhibited prior artistic excellence in the community
  • Does not need to be an Arts Council affiliate or member

Eligible Projects Include:

  • Special projects and pilot activities
  • Travel for artistic opportunities
  • Registration fees for conferences and workshops
  • Educational experiences (seminars, workshops, conferences)
  • Apprenticeships with master artists
  • Other costs directly connected with the project

Applications Discouraged For:

  • Deficit financial and debt retirement
  • Fraternal organizations, societies, or orders
  • Political organizations or campaigns
  • Lobbying or election influence
  • Fundraising events
  • Surveys, food, or drinks
  • Undergraduate student projects

Application Process

Application Deadline:
October 1, 2025
Notification Date:
By October 31, 2025
Grant Payment:
Half paid in advance (if requested), balance after project completion
Final Report Due:
Within 30 days of project completion, or before May 15
Note: Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Priority given to projects not previously funded by the Council and artists that are not ASCA grant recipients.

Activity Narrative Requirements

Your application narrative should address:

  • The specific project or need
  • Significance of the project to the community
  • Goals and objectives of the project
  • Educational benefits that will be generated
  • Evidence of broad-based community support, planning, participation and collaboration
  • Potential for long-term impact within school, school system, community, and/or state
  • How professional artists are utilized and benefit
  • Evidence of appropriate venue for the activity

Application Materials

Individual Artist Application: Download Application Form
Complete Guidelines: Individual Artist Guidelines

How to Complete the Grant Application Forms

Option 1: Print and Complete by Hand

After reading guidelines, click on the "Application" link, print out, and complete by hand.

Option 2: Complete Using Text Fields

  1. Right click on the link, select "Save Link As," to save the PDF to your computer. In order to view and complete the form properly, you must have the latest version of Adobe Reader on your computer from Adobe.com.
  2. Read all guidelines and include required signatures before completing the form and submitting to The Arts Council.
  3. The application form is designed to complete using your computer.
  4. Fill out the form by clicking in the first highlighted field after "Name." After you complete each field, push Tab on your keyboard to move to the next, or use your mouse to click in each field. When selecting "Yes" or "No," use your mouse to click in the appropriate square.
  5. Be sure to select File – Save periodically to save your work for future editing. If you wish to edit your form, be sure to select the version saved to your hard drive, not the original form on The Arts Council site.

Upon final editing and completion, print out the form.

Submission Options:

In Person: Bring completed application to The Arts Council offices before Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Email: director@tuscarts.org

Mail:
The Arts Council
P.O. Box 1117
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

Recipients will be announced by October 31, 2025.