We work with artists and organizations to ensure that Bellevue is a great place where each year, over 6,000 artists and volunteers can live up to their creative potential, over half a million attendees experience innovative art and diverse cultural traditions, and thousands of people are supported with free access to these experiences and other educational opportunities.
NEW Check out our FAQs from two recent info sessions. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
We offer two-year operating support to organizations through Eastside Arts Partnerships and one-time project support to artists, groups, and organizations through Projects Grants. Two additional add-on grant opportunities are available for each granting program. See the below tabs for guidelines.
One-Time Project Grants for Organizations
One-Time Project Grants for Organizations - NOW CLOSED
The City Council recently approved a one-time conversion of the Arts CIP budget to the general fund, following the request of a letter from the Arts Commission. This one-time conversion of funds will be combined with a small remainder of a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant to provide one-time support for projects administered by organizations in Bellevue.
Project grants provide funding for arts, cultural and heritage projects that serve residents and visitors in Bellevue. We encourage innovative projects that fill cultural gaps and inspire new forms of creative participation. Nonprofit organizations applying for a project grant may request one of three levels of funding: $3,000, $5,000 or $7,000. Projects must take place in 2023 before Nov. 30.
Timeline
- Application portal opens Jan. 11.
- Applications due Feb. 13.
- Awards announced March.
- Award acceptance due April 10.
- Post-grant report due Nov. 30.
Eastside Arts Partnership Support Grants
Eastside Arts Partnership Support Grants
We partner with organizations to offer high-quality arts, cultural and heritage programs in Bellevue. EAP provides operating support to bring the arts to the community, recognizing the value the arts bring to our quality of life, the education and development of our children, the vitality of our businesses, and our sense of connection to the community. Applicants can request up to $10,000. Applying nonprofits must have a 501 (c) 3 designation or a 501 (c) 3 fiscal sponsor and provide publicly accessible programming.
2023 Guidelines for Eastside Arts Partnership Support Grants
Guidelines can be requested by emailing mstamm@bellevuewa.gov. Please note that the EAP grants have changed since 2022.
Add-on Grant Opportunity
While applying for an EAP grant, applicants can choose to apply for an additional $5,000 add-on, the PowerUp for Equal Access bonus grant. This opportunity aims to fill arts and cultural gaps for underserved communities.
Project Grants
Project Grants
Project grants, formally called Special Project grants, provide funding for arts, cultural and heritage projects that serve residents and visitors in Bellevue, Washington. We encourage innovative projects by artists, individuals, and arts organizations that fill cultural gaps and inspire new forms of creative participation.
Applicants can request two levels of funding, $1,000 and $2,000. Non-profit organizations applying for a Project Grant may request up to $3,000. Projects must take place in 2023.
2023 Guidelines for Project Grants
Guidelines can be requested by emailing mstamm@bellevuewa.gov. Please note that the Project grants have changed since 2022.
Add-on Grant Opportunity
While applying for a Project Grant, applicants can choose to apply for an additional $1,000 add-on, the BelRed Arts District bonus grant. This opportunity aims to incentivize the activation of and work to bring the BelRed Arts District to life.
2023 Regular Grant Schedule
2023 Grant Schedule
Applicants can manage applications via the Bellevue Arts portal.
Instructions on how to use the online portal are here.
| Application Portal Opens | Aug. 16, 2022 |
| Applications Due | Oct. 3, 2022 |
| Awards announced | Dec. 31, 2022 |
| Award Acceptance Due | Jan. 10, 2023 |
| Post-Grant Report Due | Nov. 30, 2023 |