ABOUT THE COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT PROGRAM
Community Arts Grants (CAG) are funded by the City of New Orleans and administered by Arts New Orleans. These grants support 501(c)(3) arts non-profits domiciled in Orleans Parish through the New Orleans as Cultural Capital category as well as the activities of incorporated non-profits that produce or celebrate New Orleans traditions through the More Joy category.
Applications will reopen in spring 2026 for the More Joy category and early 2027 for the New Orleans as Cultural Capital Category.
Applicants for 2026 grants will be notified in June 2025.
New Orleans as Cultural Capital
The New Orleans as Cultural Capital category provides operating support grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations offering artistically excellent programming in Orleans Parish. This two-year grant will be renewed for the second year of activity. All disciplines are eligible.
Applications for operating support for 2028/29 will open in early 2027.
Applicants for operating support for 2026/27 will hear about the status of their application in June 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- Primary purpose is to provide arts programs and services
- Domiciled in Orleans Parish
- 501(c)(3) status
- Good standing with the Internal Revenue Service and the Louisiana Secretary of State
- Governed by an independent board of directors
Read guidelines for the complete requirements.
Preview our most recent application here – this is for reference purposes only, and subject to change prior to the next application period.
More Joy
The More Joy category funds groups engaging their communities through activities that have roots in or pay homage to the street parading culture of New Orleans, activities usually done by Black Masking Indians and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. These are one-year, project-based grants.
Applications for projects taking place in 2027 will open in spring 2026.
Applicants for projects taking place in 2026 will hear about the status of their grant in June 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- Produce or celebrate New Orleans’ Street Parading traditions usually created by New Orleans indigenous cultural groups
- Incorporated by the State of Louisiana as a nonprofit organization
- Good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State
- Domiciled in Orleans Parish
Read guidelines for the complete requirements
Preview our most recent application here – this is for reference purposes only, and subject to change prior to the next application period.