Fund for the Arts

At the Fund for the Arts, we believe that art is a right, not a privilege, because art is a fundamental expression of the human condition.

We envision a healthy and vibrant community where everyone embraces the art that exists in our lives every day, where everyone contributes to our arts community, and where it is understood that everyone belongs. The Fund generates resources for, invests in, and supports our local arts, artists and arts organizations through our major initiatives:

Arts in Institutions is the longest-standing Fund initiative and what we are known for. Through our Sustaining Impact Grant, Fund for the Arts raises unrestricted funding that is then available via an open application for local non-profit arts organizations. These operational grants invest in arts organizations so they may have the flexibility to better fulfill their mission. Arts in Institutions also encapsulates Cultural Pass, which grants FREE admission to people ages 0 - 21 to arts and culture institutions of all size, all summer long. 

Arts in Learning brings artists to schools and schools to artists with programs like 5x5 (5 arts experiences by 5th Grade) and TAG (Teacher Arts Grants). Through Arts in Learning, children make have in-school workshops, long-term residencies, or even filed trips.

Arts in Neighborhoods prioritizes the art that happens right where we live, in our own communities. Through the Community Event Mini-Grant, anyone can apply for $500 - $5,000 in funding to support a free, intergenerational, arts-related event for their community. Through Arts in Neighborhoods events, the Fund facilitates performance villages of talented performing artists and arts organizations at local art fairs, bringing arts-loving audiences together for FREE community celebrations. 

Founded in 1949, the Fund for the Arts (FFTA) is one of the two oldest United Arts Funds in the country. FFTA supports, promotes and develops arts, artists, and arts organizations to help create a healthy and vibrant community for all. Since our founding we have raised over a quarter billion dollars that have directly and indirectly benefitted millions of people and scores of organizations in our community.

Who We Are

Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit committed to building a vibrant community through the power of the arts.

With your help, Fund for the Arts supports a range of arts organizations and drives accessibility across neighborhoods, schools, community centers, and public spaces. The Funds raised in our community are invested in our community to ensure access to arts experiences, advocate for cultural equity, cultivate new arts leaders, and promote Louisville as a world-class city of arts and culture.