The City’s Initiative grant program provides funding between $5,000 and $10,000 funding to individual artists and nonprofits to develop strategic and creative projects that engage both visitors and residents, enhancing Houston’s cultural identity and tourism. Grant expenses are restricted to project related costs, which include artist fees, and marketing costs. Typical awards are between $5,000 and $10,000. A preliminary meeting with grants staff is encouraged to discuss the details of your proposed project and ensure a successful submission at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. Only applicants applying under the Art + Disaster Resilience Awareness funding area are eligible to request more than $10,000 for the 1st round of 2025.

Read the City’s Initiative 2025 Grant Guidelines before you apply.

Learn more and apply at houstonartsalliance.com.

CI 2025 – Round 1 application period: March 24 – April 22, 2025.
Round 1 Grant Term: August 2025 – August 2026.

  • FOCUS AREA: Art + Disaster Resilience Awareness

CI 2025 – Round 2 application period: May 26 – June 24, 2025.
Round 2 Grant Term: October 2025 – October 2026.

CI 2025 – Round 3 application period: August 29 – September 27, 2025.
Round 3 Grant Term: January 2026 – December 2026.