NEA Grants for Arts Projects 2026

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is soliciting abstracts for the National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for Arts Projects program.

An organization may submit only one application per year to this program. As such, RSP is conducting a limited submissions competition to determine which proposal will be submitted to NEA. This internal competition involves the submission of a one-page project abstract, which is scored by UNI faculty reviewers using NEA review criteria.

The NEA is committed to supporting excellent arts projects for the benefit of all Americans. Activities funded through Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) enable Americans throughout the nation to experience the arts, foster and celebrate America’s artistic heritage and cultural legacy, and benefit from arts education at all stages of life. The NEA also supports arts and health programs, including creative arts therapies, that advance the well-being of people and communities. Applications for arts projects that focus on one or more agency funding priorities are strongly encouraged.

Grants for Arts Projects grants require a non-federal match of at least 1 to 1. For example, if an organization receives a $10,000 grant, the total eligible project costs must be at least $20,000 and the organization must provide at least $10,000 toward the project from non-federal sources. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000.

To be considered, please email a one page abstract and a completed cover sheet signed by your Department Head or Dean to rsp@uni.edu by Tuesday, May 5th. Applicants will be notified of decisions by Friday, May 29th. The selected applicant will work with RSP staff to develop a full proposal. Full proposals are due July 21st, 2026.

If you have any questions or would like feedback on your abstract, please contact the preaward staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs:

Rebecca Rinehart, rebecca.rinehart@uni.edu
Sean Parrish, sean.parrish@uni.edu