2025 TOPARTS GRANTS: APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

The TopArts Grant Program is Topeka’s only grant program that supports art programs in all disciplines all across Topeka. Individuals and organizations are invited to apply. ArtsConnect will host grant writing workshops on Jan 14 (in person) and Jan 21 (online via Zoom) to help applicants complete their applications as well as to offer basic information about grant writing. These workshops are open to anyone and free to attend.

ABOUT THE TOPARTS GRANT PROGRAM

The TopArts Grant program has been in existence since 2016 and is made possible with funds allocated by the City of Topeka. ArtsConnect is proud to have been chosen by the city as the organization responsible for administering the allocation of these funds. All funding decisions will be based on the criteria found in these guidelines and will be guided by the recommendations presented in the Topeka Arts & Culture Master Plan.

GRANT INFORMATION

GOALS & PURPOSE: The purpose of the TopArts Grant Program is to support art programs and projects that seek to achieve one or more of the following goals:

  1. Expand access to meaningful art experiences, connect artists to their audiences;

  2. Support the development of public art projects; and 

  3. Align with the recommendations and strategic goals outlined in the Topeka Arts & Culture Master Plan. 

DEADLINE: The due date for 2025 applications is February 23rd at 11:59p CST. We are not able to accept applications that are late, incomplete or not submitted electronically using this form. Changes to your application will not be accepted after the deadline. Please review the full guidelines for this program prior to submitting your application.

GRANT AMOUNTS: ArtsConnect anticipates awarding grants in amounts that range from $500-$5,000. We do not award grants in any amount less than $500. While matching funds are not required, matching funds are viewed favorably and seen as a demonstration of project viability. 

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Any organization or individual based in Topeka is eligible to apply. In the past, this program has funded programs that are based outside of Topeka, but these funds must be expended for the benefit of Topeka residents. Projects that represent ALL artistic disciplines are encouraged to apply. 

2025 TopArts Grant Timeline

Application Period: December 23 - Feb 23

Grant Workshops:

APPLICATIONS DUE: FEB 23 @ 11:59P

Funding Notifications: Mid-March 2025

Grant Period: Jan 2025-March 2026

DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION FOR 2025 APPLICANTS

We hope that the materials found below will help you in preparing to write your application and/or applying for other funding opportunities!

TOPARTS GRANT APPLICATION
Applications need to be submitted online via WuFoo Forms.

FILLABLE VERSION OF APPLICATION
This Google Doc version of the application can be downloaded and filled out so that you can work on drafting your application. THIS VERSION CANNOT BE USED TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION!

BUDGET WORKSHEET
When submitting your application, we encourage you to use the budget worksheet that we have created.

PAST GRANTEES
As you prepare to write this grant, we hope that you will have a look at the programs funded by the TopArts Grant Program in the past.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I haven’t ever written a grant before. Can you help me figure out how to get started?
A: We suggest that you attend one of the grant-writing workshops that are scheduled to take place on January 14 & January 21. These workshops will give you the basics for where to get started with your first grant!

Q: Can individuals apply for funding through this program?
A: Yes, individuals can apply. We have frequently funded artists for educational opportunities and/or public art projects. If you are applying as an individual, please remember to think about whether you need to reserve space, identify partners or consider other logistics issues.

Q: How much money should we ask for?
A: It depends on your project, but these grants awards range from $500-$5,000. For more assistance, please read the full guidelines & budget worksheet for more information. If you still have questions, please reach out to ArtsConnect staff for additional information/assistance.

Q: How long will we have to spend the money?
A: For projects funded in 2025, these grant funds can be used to pay for expenses incurred between Jan 1, 2025-March 31, 2026.

Q: Where does the funding come from for these grants?
A: The TopArts Grant program is made possible with funding from the City of Topeka and is administered by ArtsConnect. ArtsConnect commissioned an economic impact survey of the arts which was published in 2014. This began a series of strategic efforts to inform and educate city stakeholders about the importance of the arts in our community. We have been the organization offering key advocacy on this issue, which has resulted in the establishment and maintenance of this funding. Since 2016, more than $300,000 has been granted into the community, reaching thousands of Topekans directly.

…stay tuned as we will add more FAQs as we receive feedback about the application process!

GRANT REPORTS NEEDED FROM 2023 & 2024 GRANTEES!

If you received a Top Arts Grant in the past, please complete the grant reporting form.

In order to be eligible for funding in 2024, we must have a report on file for your project.