Call Description

The City of Issaquah Arts Program is now accepting applications to its arts grant program for arts and culture projects and programs that will take place in and for the community in 2026.

The City of Issaquah invests in arts and culture through an annual grants program that supports valuable arts programming, arts education, cultural events and festivals in and for the community. Arts Grant selection criteria include:

(1) Public Benefit: Project/program includes meaningful efforts to create community participation in arts and culture and reach diverse audiences in Issaquah. (2) Artistic Value: Project/program is well-conceived, compelling, has art as the primary component and promotes meaningful arts engagement. (3) Feasibility and Managerial Capacity: The applicant has demonstrated ability to produce the project/program and capacity to manage grant funds (may be based on past management of Issaquah arts grants or other city contracts). The project/program has a clear and realistic budget. There is evidence of community involvement and support.

Application Requirements

All applications must demonstrate a public benefit to the Issaquah Community.

All applicants must fill out the application form and submit a project budget for their Arts Project application or an organization budget for their Arts Partnerships application.

Eligibility Criteria

There are two categories for the 2026 Issaquah Arts Grant Program. Applicants may apply to only one of the two categories. 

Arts Partnerships: Any nonprofit arts organization, based in Issaquah, WA, that has arts and culture as the singular focus of its mission. Organizations awarded funding will be required to show proof of an active City of Issaquah business license. Limit one application per applicant.

Arts Projects: Any group or individual offering cultural arts programming that has a clear community benefit for Issaquah in 2026. Applicants do not need to have an arts-based mission. Please note, only projects that are delivered within Issaquah city limits are eligible for funding. Individuals and groups awarded funding will be required to obtain a City of Issaquah business license. Applicants may submit up to three applications, for separate, non-overlapping projects.

Items not eligible for funding: Scholarships or tuition assistance Projects that only benefit organizations' members Projects that support religious activities or political organizations

Please note, the grants to schools program is currently on hold and schools are not eligible to apply for arts grants at this time.