The Inclusive Arts Fund supports small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations across southeast Michigan through flexible grants designed to strengthen organizational capacity and expand access to arts and cultural experiences. Arts and culture are central to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s work — fostering creativity, preserving diverse histories, and building vibrant, connected communities. Since launching in 2022 with support from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr., Foundation, the fund has awarded more than $1.5 million to 85 organizations across the region, ensuring resources reach the smaller nonprofits whose work is vital but often underleveraged.

Grant Opportunity | Application opens on June 29, 2026

This grant opportunity opens on June 29, 2026, offering up to $25,000 in flexible funding (which may be reduced to $15,000 upon review) for small to mid-sized arts and cultural nonprofits in southeast Michigan. Grant terms run 12 to 24 months and funding may be used for programming, operations, and capacity building. Competitive proposals will demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to arts and cultural experiences, strengthening organizational sustainability and meaningful community engagement.

To qualify, organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits — or work with a fiscal sponsor — with arts and culture central to their mission and an operating budget of $2 million or less, serving one or more of the following counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston or St. Clair. The registration deadline is July 13, with a final application deadline of July 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST and grant decisions expected in October 2026. Applications are submitted through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

Key Details 

• Grant Amount: $25,000 (grant amounts may be reduced to $15,000 upon review)  

• Grant Term: 12–24 months  

• Type of Support: Flexible funding for programming, operations, and capacity building 

• Eligibility: Small to mid-sized arts and cultural nonprofits with operating budgets under $2 million  

• Geographic Focus: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston and St. Clair counties  

Fund Priorities 

Competitive proposals will: 

• Expand access to arts and cultural experiences across Southeast Michigan  

• Strengthen organizational capacity and long-term sustainability  

• Demonstrate strong community presence and meaningful engagement  

2026 Timeline

• Application Opens: June 29, 2026  

• Virtual Information Session: July 9, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Register 

• Registration Deadline (MyCF online portal): July 13, 2026  

• Application Deadline: July 27, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST   

• Grant Decisions Announced: October 2026 

Who Can Apply

Applicants must: 

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status  

• Have arts and culture as a core part of their mission  

• Have an operating budget of $2 million or less in their most recently completed fiscal year  

• Be physically located in and/or serve one or more counties in Southeast Michigan  
  • Grants will not be made to individuals, schools, or municipalities

Before You Apply 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full program guidelines before beginning an application. The guidelines include eligibility requirements, funding parameters, and additional application details. 

Ready to Apply? 

Applications are submitted through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal. 

Apply Through MyCF 

Download the Grant Guidelines