Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website
Translate
Begin Main Content Area

​Statewide Creative Catalyst Grants


Note: This program has a rolling due date. ​

2024 - 2025 Statewide Creative Catalyst Grant Program Guidelines (PDF)

Program Overview:

Statewide Creative Catalyst Grants support new initiatives and opportunities that advance strategies for strengthening the cultural, educational, or economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s communities through the arts. Applications will be assessed based on the degree to which they meet the following components:

  1. Align with one or more of the three goals of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts:

    • Strengthen Pennsylvania communities through the arts. 
    • Connect and increase Pennsylvanians’ access to lifelong learning through the arts. 
    • Champion public awareness and appreciation of the arts in Pennsylvania communities. 

2. Demonstrate statewide reach and benefit to Pennsylvania's creative sector. 

3. Include mechanisms to implement the PCA’s overarching value of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Please note the following:
  •  Typical grant amounts are between $5,000 and $10,000.
  • No more than 25% of the grant award may be used for administrative expenses.
  • A 1:1 cash match is required.
  • Organizations can receive a Creative Catalyst grant once every three years.
  • Please note that this funding opportunity is NOT designed to support established programs, ongoing operations, or provide an annual source of funds. For those types of applications/projects, please contact the PCA for more information.

Eligibility

  • Organizations must be nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations, a unit of government; college or university; school district or non-arts nonprofit providing arts programming and/or arts services in Pennsylvania.
  • Organizations are required to provide proof of incorporation and activity in Pennsylvania before applications are reviewed or funds awarded.
  • Fiscal agents and fiscal sponsors are not eligible to apply for Creative Catalyst funding.


Funding Process

  • Applications are submitted online to the PCA. 
  • PCA staff reviews application(s) based on the above components and makes recommendations to the Council, the PCA’s governing body. 
  • The Council acts on staff recommendations during their quarterly meetings. 
  • Those receiving awards will be sent a letter outlining the next steps in the grant process.


How to Apply

  1. Thoroughly read the above information regarding eligible projects, as well as the accompanying funding process 
    desc​ription. 
  2. Contact Jamie Dunlap at jadunlap@pa.gov or (717) 525-5542 before submitting an application.
  3. Register and apply through https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us.
  4. Submit online. No hard copies are required.


Need Help?

For questions regarding potential applications, contact Jamie Dunlap at jadunlap@pa.gov or (717) 525-5542. 
For technical and login questions, contact DCED's egrants help desk: 833-448-0647 or egrantshelp@pa.gov.




​