The Regional Arts Commission’s is providing arts and culture nonprofits with the opportunity to apply for unrestricted funding. This builds equity into our processes, enhances our grantees’ capacity, and resilience in our vibrant arts organizations. Unrestricted funding allows grantees the flexibility to direct spending where it is needed, while addressing key infrastructure issues.
The Organizational Grant category provides a one-year, unrestricted, renewable, and flexible grant to support the day-to-day operations or programs of nonprofit arts and culture mission-driven organizations that produce and present arts and culture programming in St. Louis city and county.
Are you looking to submit a final report?
Final reports for grants received in 2025 will be submitted through the Blackbaud portal through the button below. Please contact grants@racstl.org if you have any questions about your final report.
frequently asked questions
Is RAC launching a new grant cycle in Fiscal Year 2026?
RAC is NOT launching new grant applications in FY26. Due to continuing financial volatility and RAC’s 2026–2030 Strategic Roadmap, RAC will use 2026 to determine how we will move forward in 2027 and beyond with new grantmaking processes.
Why isn’t there a new grant cycle in Fiscal Year 2026?
This pause allows RAC to support eligible and high-scoring 2025 grantees and applicants while navigating financial challenges and planning for a stronger, more sustainable grant program in the future.
Who is eligible for 2026 Organizational or Program Support funding?
What do Fiscal Year 2025 grantees need to do to receive Fiscal Year 2026 funding?
Eligible grantees must complete three steps:
- Complete the SMU DataArts Profile (Organizational grantees only)
Instructions will be sent by the grants team after the first of the year. - Complete the FY26 Eligibility Assessment
The purpose of this form is to collect updated contact information for the 2026 Organizational Grant and to confirm that the organization continues to meet the eligibility criteria for RAC Organizational Grant funding. Eligible organizations will receive the form in late August/September 2026. - Submit all required FY25 grant reports
Reports must be completed and submitted on time. 2025 Organizational Grant Final reports are due August 17, 2026.
Please email grants@racstl.org with any questions.
How much funding will organizations be eligible for?
FY26 grantees are eligible for and expected to receive 80% of their 2025 grant award. Please see the FY25 list of grantees here.
When will Fiscal Year 2026 payments be issued?
Grant payments will be made in Q4 2026 (October 1 – December 31, 2026).
How will organizations receive more details about the process and timeline?
All eligible 2025 Organizational grantees have been contacted with the 2026 Organizational Grant process. Please note that email notifications were sent to the account associated with the 2025 Organizational Grant application. If the person who submitted the 2025 application is no longer with the organization, please contact grants@racstl.org for further instructions.
What is the 2026 Organizational Grant Period?
The activities and/or operations being funded must take place between November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. Organizations that need adjustments to this timeline may contact the grants team at grants@racstl.org.