Creative Futures Grant Program

Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines, application preview, FAQs, and other support materials available in the sidebar. If accessing this page on desktop, view the sidebar to the right. If accessing this page on mobile, scroll to the bottom of the page to view the sidebar.

During the 2022 state legislative session, the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Creative Network advocated for increased investment in economic recovery for the creative sector. One outcome of this session (a part of Act 183) was the allocation of $9 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Vermont Arts Council for grants to creative sector entities that have sustained economic harm due to the pandemic. Read more about our advocacy efforts during the session.

View a list of funding recipients.

What is the Creative Futures Program?

The aim of this program is to provide aid to creative sector organizations and businesses that continue to struggle financially due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This program is open to all Vermont-based creative economy nonprofits and for-profit businesses including sole proprietors that can demonstrate economic harm caused by or exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Unincorporated arts, humanities, or cultural groups without official nonprofit status may apply using a fiscal agent provided they are otherwise eligible.

Funding amounts will be based on 2019 (pre-pandemic) operating revenue.

These funds are for any regular operating expenses, including but not limited to payroll and benefits, utilities, rent, and insurance. Please refer to the guidelines for more details.

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Severity of Covid-19 pandemic harm
• Community and cultural impact
• Economic impact

Questions?

We welcome conversations well in advance of your application. Our role is to help you prepare the strongest application possible and support you in the application process. See the sidebar for information about grant-seeker workshops and scheduling a time to meet with a program staffer. Inquiries about the Vermont Creative Futures Program can be made by sending an email to [email protected].