City of Tacoma announcement.

Tacoma Creates is now accepting applications for its third year of funding, supporting programs and events from cultural organizations that will be presented between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Tacoma Creates supports organizations whose primary purpose is to advance and/ or to preserve arts, culture, heritage and/or science through two categories of funding: full organizational support and impact funding.

Funding is determined through a competitive application process and is intended to help eligible nonprofit organizations expand equitable access to public programs, expand educational options for youth, increase opportunities in Tacoma neighborhoods and to ensure the sustainability of services.

“The cultural sector continues to be a valuable asset in our community, taking on new challenges and continuing to innovate in its programming,” said Tacoma Creates Program Manager Lisa Jaret. Sheree Cooks, Chair of the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, added, “How arts, culture, heritage and science organizations connect with the community today is so important; their good work is directly related to community health.

Comprehensive Organizational Support Funding

Organizations applying for Full Organizational Support Funding may apply for up to 15% of their total annual budget, based on the average of their actual revenues over their last three completed fiscal years, up to a maximum of $400,000. $. Applicants in this category must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the city of Tacoma and offer a wide range of ongoing cultural programs, including programs accessible to the general public, as well as programs education for young people. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

Impact Funding

Organizations applying for impact funding can request a minimum of $3,000 and up to $50,000 for a single program or multiple programs. Impact funding can support mainstream programs and/or youth education programs. Organizations in this category may be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or may apply with an eligible fiscal sponsor. Business district associations and neighborhood councils recognized by the City of Tacoma, cultural organizations affiliated with a larger nonprofit, and organizations based in Pierce County but whose primary work is taking place in Tacoma may also be eligible. The deadline to apply is March 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

Application Information

Detailed eligibility criteria, program and application guidelines, and access to the online application form are available on the Tacoma Creates website.

Application support

Potential applicants for both categories are encouraged to attend free workshops (via Zoom) explaining the application process and how to develop a strong proposal. Registration links and information on how to contact staff directly for assistance are available online.

In addition to application support available to all applicants, Tacoma Creates is pleased to announce a new partnership with Communities Rise to provide additional application support to organizations that serve communities affected by systemic oppression and whose annual budgets are $200,000 or less. Organizations that meet these criteria and the Impact Funding eligibility criteria can request up to 2 one-hour sessions with a consultant, at no cost.

About Tacoma creates

Tacoma Creates is a voter-approved initiative to increase access to arts, culture, heritage and science experiences by reducing barriers to access and expanding offerings, especially for underserved youth. In its first year of funding, Tacoma Creates funded 57 cultural organizations that created new and innovative ways to deliver programs to the community despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Learn more about the impact of the $4.7 million contracts in Tacoma Creates’ 2020-2021 Annual Report.

More information about Tacoma Creates is available at tacomacreates.org.