EXPRESS GRANTS
Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.
Express Grants applications are accepted and award amounts are determined on a rolling basis throughout the year. We are currently accepting applications for Express Project and Express Touring programs for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). The maximum request amount is $4,000, and no matching funds are required.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, two months before the month in which the project will have expenses. If the first Monday is a holiday, the deadline
shifts to Tuesday. Examples: #1) If your project is for one single event, which for instance costs money in October, we need your application by the first Monday in August. #2) If you have a series of events, which
for instance start in October, we need your application by the first Monday in August for the entire series to be considered.
We encourage organizations to apply early, since funding is limited.
FY2027 Express Grants Questions and Supplemental Materials
Questions
We’re excited to begin your Project/Program/Performance review! To help us gain a better understanding of your work, we have prepared the questions below to assist in our review process. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions and share your insights in your answers on your application. We’ve also provided text in the application to give a broader understanding of what we’re looking for, to help you answer these questions. Let’s get started!
– What is the project? Describe the project.
– Why was this particular artistic project chosen? Describe the process and criteria for choosing the project. Was it selected for its content, form, history, community needs, organizational
needs, artistic challenge, etc.?
– What are the criteria for selecting artistic individuals? Describe the criteria.
– Who are the artists involved, and why did you select them for this project?
– What are the qualifications of the people leading the project?
– How many people will you reach?
– How will you reach the community with the project? This may be demonstrated with evidence of promotion in different media and platforms; affordability with free, low-cost, or sliding-scale
options; strategies to engage historically underserved groups; partnerships with community groups and businesses; and/or accessibility for people with physical, sensory, or mobility issues.
– How does the project impact the community and audiences? This may be demonstrated with evidence of broad or significant impact in many areas, including economic development, jobs, tourism,
revenues, health benefits, and social benefits. Identify each specific impact and how it enhances the community.
– How do you make the project accessible to participants and artists? Consider the physical, sensory, and cognitive needs of your participants and artists. Review the Accessibility Service
Options on
our Apply for Funding page. For additional information, contact Arts & Health Specialist Piper Hutson,
piper.hutson@ltgov.mo.gov, 314-244-8933, 800-735-2966 TDD.
– How will Missouri Arts Council funds be used?
– If your operating figures for the last fiscal year reflected a deficit, how did this occur, and how was it addressed? If not, type N/A.