In order to support Nashville’s arts ecosystem, Metro Arts provides operating support to arts organizations for the FY25 grant cycle. Operating grants support nonprofit organizations of all sizes and supports them in work that addresses one or more of the community outcomes: stronger creative workforce; vibrant, creative neighborhoods; and deeper cultural participation. Applicants scores are determined a community grant panel. Funding allocations are made by the Metro Arts Commission depending on funding availability. The Metro Arts Commission reviews all proposed awards before voting to approve. All funding is contingent upon Metro Council approval of Metro Arts’ General Operating Budget.
Grant partners: You can find our most-requested forms and reports on our Partner Tools page.
We strive to provide individuals with disabilities and all community members with equitable access to Metro Arts opportunities. To request accommodations, please complete this form. You may also contact Skylar Peterson at 615-862-6721, TTY Relay Service 800-848-0298.
If you applied for Operating Grant funding for FY25:
-
Review the final Operating Guidelines here.
-
You are not required to make any changes to your application; however, you must log into Submittable to confirm your application is ready to review for the FY25 cycle.
-
If your organization has experienced a significant change since you applied, you can make updates to your application on Submittable through February 18, 2025.
-
All qualifying organizations who score at least 70% will be partially funded. Download this spreadsheet for a breakdown of potential awards. The last column, in green, indicates the potential award amount for FY25. The spreadsheet demonstrates how award sizes are calculated; however, all specific award amounts are estimates and subject to minor changes, pending data verification and based on the number of qualifying applications.
-
The contract and spending period for operating grants will be January 22, 2025 through June 30, 2025. The guidelines currently indicate a June 1, 2025 end date, which will be amended to June 30, 2025 after an amendment is passed by the Metro Council in February.
-
Operating Background Check Attestation: Organizations that involve the programming or instruction of minors are required to attest that all adults have satisfactory background checks. Please use this attestation form and submit it with your Submittable application.
Grant History
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021