Arts & Cultural Events Grant 2026
Afree Foundation Announces 2026–2027 Arts & Cultural Grant Cycle: Empowering Community Expression & Cultural Showcases
The Afree Foundation is opening its upcoming 2026–2027 Arts & Cultural Grant Program, providing funding to elevate local cultural storytelling, live performances, and visual arts of peoples of African descent across our communities. This grant stream directly invests in creative initiatives that foster cultural preservation, neighborhood vibrancy, and intergenerational engagement through the arts.
The Afree Foundation will prioritize grants utilizing event spaces in network (such as Black Scranton Project, Africa Freedom Mall, Welby Court).
Funding Levels & Eligibility Requirements
- Award Amounts: Grants range from $500 to $5,000.
- 501(c)(3) Requirement: Grantees applying for funding within this tier ($1,001 to $5,000) must hold active 501(c)(3) nonprofit status (or partner with a designated 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor).
- Individual Restriction: Grants of $2,500 or more are not available for individuals and must be submitted on behalf of a qualifying nonprofit organization.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Grant capital is intended to fund high-impact cultural activations, educational programming, and artistic production. Allowable project expenses include:
- Visual Art Shows & Installations: Gallery/Fashion showcases, community murals, public sculpture/installations, and exhibition materials.
- Performing Arts & Live Production: Spoken-word showcases, theatrical performances, dance concerts, live musical showcases, stage rentals, sound/lighting gear, and artist honorariums.
- Marketing, Promotion & Outreach: Digital marketing campaigns, print collateral (flyers, banners, programs), social media ads, and community engagement efforts to drive audience attendance.
- Workshops & Cultural Programming: Community-accessible masterclasses, youth arts workshops, panel discussions, and creative mentoring sessions.
Key Dates & Grant Timeline
| Phase | Timeline |
| Application Window Opens | November 2026 |
| Application Deadline | February 2027 |
| Please submit to: | afreeorganization@gmail.com |
| Project Execution Deadline | All awarded projects must be fully completed by February 2028 |
How to Prepare & Submit
Nonprofit organizations planning to apply should prepare their project narrative, production budget, proof of 501(c)(3) determination, and marketing plan.
Submissions and inquiries should be sent to:
info@afreefoundation.org
Subject Line: 2026-2027 Arts&Cultural Grant App
Download application form here: