In three annual competitions, the commission awards over 100 grants every year to to a broad and diverse field of Dane County nonprofit organizations, school districts, municipalities, and individuals for local history and arts initiatives. Grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 must be matched by recipients with cash or in-kind donations. Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, touring productions, festivals, publications, school residencies, and other community activities benefiting Dane County residents. Application deadlines are February 1, June 1, and September 1. See application forms
The grant review process is rigorous and applicants are encouraged to contact the Cultural Affairs Office for assistance. "Twelve Tips to Writing a Successful Grant Proposal" is also a useful guide. See twelve tips
The commission's grants program is regarded as one of the most unique in the nation, funded through carefully forged, public-private partnerships. Program donors are Dane County, the Overture Foundation, American Girl's Fund for Children, the Evjue Foundation, the Madison Community Foundation, the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, and the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation.
Arts Grants
By far, the greatest number of awards are issued three times a year in this
category. Grants are competitively awarded for initiatives involving architecture,
dance, folk arts, literary arts, music, theater, visual arts, and local history.
Programs targeted to small communities and rural areas are a priority. More about arts grants
Arts-in-schools Grants
K-12 educational arts programs with a strong emphasis on the creative process
are supported by arts-in-schools grants. Eligible applicants include public
school districts, private schools, nonprofit organizations, and individuals
seeking supplementary support for artists-in-residence, touring productions,
cultural expeditions, and special performances. A dollar-for-dollar match
is required of applicants and at least twenty-five percent of the total cash
contributions to the project must be provided by the school, school district,
parent-teacher organization or other private source. More
about arts-in-schools grants
Local History Grants
Local history grants are awarded by the commission for local history and historic
preservation exhibitions, publications, public lectures, and other community
service ventures. Eligible applicants include Dane County historical societies
and museums, school districts, municipalities, and individuals. All grants
must be matched dollar-for-dollar by recipients with cash or in-kind donations.
More about history grants
Capital Grants
Funded through an annual contribution from the Overture Foundation, matching
grants of up to $5,000 are awarded by the commission exclusively to small
Dane County nonprofit arts and historical organizations for capital equipment,
construction, and building improvements. Resident arts organizations of the
Overture Center are not eligible. Deadlines are February 1, June 1 and September 1. More about capital grants
