ArtsFirst is open to 501(c)(3) organizations in Shelby County with an arts focus, a minimum three-year history of presenting quality arts projects, and an active Board of Directors.

Note: Capital campaigns or multi-year requests are not eligible for consideration this year.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Bryce Goodloe Programs and Operations Manager (901-6824701, bgoodloe@artsmemphis.org) before beginning work on an application.

ArtsFirst grants may be used to support the following activities after April 1, 2023.

• General Operating Support
• Project Support
• Sponsorship
• Other

ArtsFirst Grants may not be used to support:

• Capital campaigns or multi-year requests are not eligible for consideration this year.
• Individuals
• Trips and Tours
• Charities sponsored solely by a single civic organization
• Charities that redistribute funds to other charitable organizations, except in the case of recognized united fund-type organizations
• K-12 Schools and solely religious, social or fraternal organizations
• Political organizations or those having the primary purpose of influencing legislation or promoting a particular ideological point of view
• Operating budget deficits

To Apply, please visit the ArtsMemphis Grant Platform.

All applications must be submitted through the online platform.  We recommend using the document linked below to compile your answers and then to copy and paste this information into the online platform. 

Requests

• Requests may be for program or project support, season sponsorship, or for general operating support.
• There is not a suggested minimum or maximum request amount but grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000.
• It is expected that other support apply to your proposed project so it is not advisable to request a high percentage of the project budget.
• Grant proposals are reviewed by a panel of First Horizon Foundation employees and funding decisions are made by this panel.
• Proposed projects should not begin before April 1, 2023.  If you are requesting operating support or season sponsorship, the request may be for the fiscal year that includes fall 2023, winter, spring and/or summer 2024.

Template

• Staff and Board list using ArtsMemphis’ Staff & Board List Template.
  • Required only if you do not have a current LIVEGIVEmidsouth profile.

If you have not used our application platform before, please visit our tutorial videos here.

You may submit questions about this grant in writing to Bryce Goodloe , [email protected]