upstArt arts access grant program
we bring the arts—with you
Lincoln Arts’ upstArt Arts Access Grants Program provides arts and service organizations of our community with up to $2,500 in funding to support self-made arts programs and outreach projects for under-resourced populations. With the support and expansion for programming like this, we can truly reach everyone in the community with the arts.
Our grants program may assist in the growth and sustainability of artist’s and organization’s current programming, or to fund innovative ideas that provide arts opportunities in the communities they serve. In the spirit of Lincoln Arts’ upstArt Program, our upstArt Arts Access Grant Program seeks grant applications that reflect the goals of our own arts programming—to bring the arts to those who might not otherwise get to enjoy their benefits, including to those in need, whether it be older adults, new Americans, people with developmental disabilities, system-impacted, etc.
Lincoln Arts receives proposals early November through early December. Only applications from non-profit arts or non-profit social/human service organizations are eligible for funding. For more information about Lincoln Arts’ upstArt Arts Access Grant Program, please contact Robert Goldberg, Arts Access Director, at 402.304.3849 or robert@artscene.org.
Funding for Lincoln Arts’ upstArt Arts Access Grants Program is made possible thanks to a generous gift from an endowment established by the estate of Kenneth J. Good. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Good for his generosity and vision for a future filled with beauty.
our process
timeline
Applications for 2024 projects were accepted between November 13, 2023 and December 18, 2023. Approved projects are eligible to receive up to $2,500 in funding. Projects that receive funding must occur between February 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Notification of funding will occur by January 31, 2024. A final report to Lincoln Arts is due by February 1, 2024. Lincoln Arts is no longer accepting grant applications for 2024 projects.
eligibility
1. Any non-profit arts organization or non-profit social/human service organization serving the Lincoln community is eligible to apply.
2. Organizations that already have an ongoing partnership with Lincoln Arts through upstArt are eligible to apply so long as it is for a different project.
3. The project must be Lincoln-based.
funding priorities
1. For arts organizations, interactive projects that reach out to under-resourced populations (e.g. older adults, new Americans, people with developmental disabilities, system-impacted, etc.).
2. For social/human service organizations, projects that use the arts to enhance existing services to currently-served populations.
3. Projects or programs that demonstrate cultural and generational diversity.
4. Projects that demonstrate partnerships between arts organizations and human service organizations.
review criteria
Applications are reviewed and scored by panelists (non-Lincoln Arts staff) on the following criteria:
1. Community impact, especially for under-resourced audiences. (40%)
2. Originality of the project, and whether it offers something new to your organization’s programming. (30%)
3. Inclusive programming: events or programs that include participants from diverse cultural, demographic, geographic, and economic backgrounds. (30%)
4. Additional points may be awarded for projects that have not previously been funded by a Lincoln Arts upstArt Arts Access Grant.
restrictions
The grant will not fund the following:
- The purchase of equipment and/or software.
- Reception or per diem expenses.
- Faith-based programming.
- Training expenses.
application questions
Lincoln Arts is no longer accepting grant applications for 2024 projects. During the application period, applicants are asked to submit a special application form that addresses the following points.
- upstArt Grant Application Cover Sheet (included in form above)
- Describe the project. (Limit 5000 Characters)
- How does the project support your mission? (Limit 2000 Characters)
- Who are the people/group(s) that will benefit, and how will the project impact them? (Limit 2000 Characters)
- What efforts are you using to make the project accessible or inclusive? (Limit 2000 Characters)
