GRANTMAKING IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR WORK
As the biggest public funder of the arts in St. Louis, our top priority has always been supporting the diverse collective of artists and arts organizations that make our extraordinary arts and culture community so vibrant. Since our beginning in 1985, we have provided more than 7,300 grants worth over $115 million. We are more than a funder. We are a passionate advocate, a true partner, and a leading catalyst for positive change in the arts and culture sector.
Our approach to grantmaking is rooted in our values. We strive for equity, transparency, and to be responsive to the needs voiced by the community we serve. Efficient processes and accountability have guided some important updates to our process in 2025, which you may review below under “New In 2025” and see stated on each individual grants page and listed in the guides for each grantmaking area.
ARTIST SUPPORT GRANTS
Artist Support Grants are for artists of all backgrounds and disciplines who want to advance their careers and complete their creative projects. These grants are not only designed to be flexible and accessible, but they also encourage creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustained commitment to artistic work. Read more…
ORGANIZATIONAL GRANTS
Organizational Grants are for mission-driven nonprofit arts and culture organizations that produce and present programming in St. Louis City and County. These grants provide a one-year, unrestricted, renewable and flexible grant to support day-to-day operations and programs. Read more…
PROGRAM SUPPORT GRANTS
Program Support Grants are for non-arts organizations or fiscally-sponsored projects (including arts programs produced by universities in St. Louis). These grants support a one-year program or project with funding for the production and/or presentation of artistic activities. Read more…
NEW IN 2025
BLACKBAUD CHANGES
As of January 2025 RAC has adopted a new grants portal. ALL applicants will go through this new portal. Click here to view detailed directions, important links, and easy-to-reference FAQs regarding the new portal.
ARTIST SUPPORT GRANT UPDATES
The Artist Support Grant will run for one single cycle in 2025. The application will open in late March. Application materials will be published prior to the application opening date. Please go to the Artist Support Grant page for important information and updates.
POPULAR ASPECTS THAT ARE STAYING THE SAME
Returning in 2025 will be free workshops accessible to all with the purpose of strengthening your grant submission. Please Note: We strongly suggest reading the application guidelines carefully and taking advantage of the workshops – we anticipate a highly competitive grants cycle and the amount of available funding will likely not be sufficient to fund all eligible applications.