Community Accelerator Grant

ArtsFund is pleased to partner with Allen Family Philanthropies to announce the 2026 grantees of the Community Accelerator Grant, a $10 million investment in Washington State’s arts and culture sector. A fifth round of funding has been confirmed for 2027. 

The program provides grants to arts and cultural organizations across Washington State, prioritizing communities that have had less access to traditional philanthropic funding, including organizations centering BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and rural communities. Awards will be unrestricted, allowing recipient organizations to utilize funding in ways that they determine and prioritize for highest impact. More information about the next grant cycle will be available in the spring of 2027, including an informational webinar. 

Sign up for the ArtsFund Statewide Newsletter for important updates. 

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Funded by Allen Family Philanthropies, Year 4 of the Community Accelerator Grant program provides unrestricted grants for cultural organizations across Washington State in amounts of $2,500 to $25,000. 

The Community Accelerator Grant is intended to fund Washington State’s arts and culture sector. 501(c)(3) public charities, organizations fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) public charity, and state or federally recognized tribal entities are eligible to apply. Details for 2027 eligibility will be posted spring of 2027.

Grants from the 2026 Community Accelerator program will be issued by December 31, 2026.

The program is informed by a Community Advisory Panel that represents geographic and demographic diversity. The panel works to ensure decision-making is as close to the impacted communities as possible. 

The Community Accelerator Grant invests in a stronger, more inclusive and thriving arts and cultural sector for Washington state by allowing organizations to self-determine how best to utilize their funding. The funds are intended to boost arts organizations’ ability to invest in their missions and essential roles serving communities across the state. 

To learn more about program updates and key 2027 dates, you can also sign up for our ArtsFund Statewide Newsletter  as they are released.