Applications will open on June 8, 2026. Keep scrolling for eligibility details and application instructions.
About this Initiative
The Arab American National Museum (AANM), the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), and the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), all national institutions of ACCESS, are working to direct funding to arts and culture organizations that reflect the immigrant experience.
AANM, CAAP, and NNAAC are part of a coalition hosted by The Wallace Foundation’s Advancing Well-Being in the Arts Initiative, which brings together 12 cultural organizations nationwide to design and facilitate a regranting program that provides funding to smaller arts organizations across the country.
Through this initiative, in 2025, AANM, CAAP, and NNAAC, in partnership with Wallace, awarded $493,500 in general operating support grants to 30 organizations.
Applications Opening Soon
The application launches June 8. Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $40,000. Please note that your organization’s budget will affect the amount of funding you are eligible to receive.
If you are applying, or wish to apply, here is our advice:
- Check your eligibility:
- Organizations must have an annual operating budget greater than $25,000 and less than $500,000 (based on the average of the last three fiscal years or current budget, current budget, or last year's budget).
- Organization must have a valid 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(33; must be an arts and culture nonprofit based in the United States.
- Preference is given to organizations that reflect or center the Arab American lived experience.
- Please note: We do not fund individuals, religious organizations, political organizations, school groups/programs at universities, or international organizations.
- Prepare your budget: Your organization’s operating budget will be reviewed alongside your grant application. Here is an example of a budget.
- Reflect on your reality: The application will ask you questions about who you are, what you do and your current organizational joys and challenges. We encourage you to be honest and upfront!
- Right-size your request: Grant award amounts are scaled to an organization’s size and operating capacity. Smaller organizations typically receive smaller awards, while larger organizations may be considered for larger amounts. Your grant request should not exceed 15% of your operating budget, up to $40,000.
Timeline
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Deadline to Apply: June 29 at 11:59 p.m. EST
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Notification of Decision: Mid-September
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Grant Period Begins: October 1, 2026 - Sept 30, 2027
For questions, please contact bshaheen@accesscommunity.org.