Small Grants Guidelines - Organizations

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 and non-profit organizations.

Since 1986, local artists and organizations have received more than $160,000

Grant Details

Maximum Grant:
$1,000
Minimum Grant:
$100
Match Required:
1:1 (no more than 25% can be in-kind contributions)
Project Period:
October 1 - May 15
Grants Per Year:
Maximum one per organization

Purpose & Eligibility

Small grants primarily provide limited support to small or pilot arts activities, to new and developing programs or organizations, 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 organizations only.

Eligible Projects Include:

  • Exhibits and festivals
  • Artist residencies and consultants
  • Staff attendance at seminars, institutes, workshops
  • Productions and performances
  • Technical assistance
  • Promotion, publicity, printing
  • Free tickets for economically disadvantaged citizens

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 organizations 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

Organization Grant Application: Download Application Form
Complete Guidelines: Organization Grant Guidelines 2025-2026

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 at 4 p.m.

Email: education@tuscarts.org

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

Recipients will be announced by October 31, 2025.