Monroe Arts! Mini Grants 2026 Application OPEN!
Mini Grant Program funds are designed to support costs related to arts programming, including but not limited to public exhibitions, performances, creation of new works, compilation and publication of works of literary merit, and art workshops. Projects that are funded by the Program must be accessible to the public.
Individuals/organizations domiciled IN the city of Monroe may apply for $500.
Eligible expenses include: • Artists fees • Production costs • Supplies • Equipment rental • Other direct costs associated with art programs
Eligibility criteria & application form below.
Application closes: August 17, 2026 @ 4pm
Projects must be completed with final reports due November 30, 2026.
2026 Grant Guidelines
Monroe Arts! Mini Grants are administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and are designed to provide financial assistance for City of Monroe visual and performing artists and arts organizations to:
• Enhance the cultural and artistic growth of the City of Monroe
• Develop larger and more diverse audiences for arts and cultural programs
• Increase opportunities for local visual and performing artists
• Foster arts accessibility
• Encourage new initiatives and enhance existing programing
For the purposes of this program, “arts” are defined as music, dance, drama, literary, and visual arts.
ELIGIBILITY
• Individual visual and performing artists living in the City of Monroe, ages 18 and older, are eligible to apply.
• Only one project per applicant per granting period.
• Commercial businesses, programs within the public-school system, governmental agencies, churches, synagogues, universities, and for-profit ventures are NOT eligible to apply.
• Organizations receiving LPG (Louisiana Project Grant funding) grants are NOT eligible to apply.
• Organizations with a current cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of Monroe are NOT eligible to apply. Nonprofit arts organizations domiciled in the City of Monroe that do not have a current cooperative endeavor agreement are eligible.
• Individuals or Organizations that have received a Mini Grant within the last two (2) years are NOT eligible to apply.
• Artists and organizations who apply MUST have a published Culturalyst account.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 17, 2026
AMOUNT OF SUPPORT
• One grant of $500 will be awarded.
• 75% of the grant will be awarded upon approval of request, with the remaining 25% awarded upon receipt of complete final report.
REVIEW PROCESS
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s Monroe Arts! Mini Grant Program committee of the Board of Directors review all applications. Applications are judged based on artistic merit of the application, reasonable planning, and management of the project, demonstrated ability to secure additional funding to fully support the project and availability of funds at the time of application.
WHAT THE GRANT FUNDS
Monroe Arts! Mini Grant Program funds are designed to support costs related to arts programming, including but not limited to public exhibitions, performances, creation of new works, compilation, and publication of works of literary merit, and art workshops. Eligible expenses include:
• Artists fees
• Production costs
• Supplies
• Equipment rental
• Other direct costs associated with art programs
WHAT THE GRANT DOES NOT FUND
• Projects already underway
• For-profit organizations
• Commercial businesses
• Deficit reduction
• Fundraising events or expenses
• Purchase of permanent equipment
• Scholarships, fellowships, or tuition assistance
• Events not open to the general public, except in projects involving schools or school systems (K-12), detained youth, or other special populations
• Activities intended to primarily serve only an organization’s own membership
• General operating support
• Refreshments and event décor
• Administrative costs not associated with the project
• Artist’s fees to non-professional artists and/or student artists and anyone under the age of 18
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
• Complete Application Form
• Provide a one-page narrative describing the proposed project (who, what, when, where, why). If necessary, you may use both front and back of said page.
• Describe the project or activity for which you seek support
• When and where the project or activity will take place
• How this project will enhance Monroe’s creative economy
• Why this type of project is needed in Monroe
• One paragraph description of organization’s mission, history and goals (for arts organizations only)
• Artist Bio or Resume (for individual artists only)
• Project Budget that shows how the $1000 will be spent
OBLIGATIONS
• The recipient will notify the Arts Council of funded events so they may attend. If tickets are required, the recipient agrees to provide the Arts Council with four complimentary tickets upon request.
• The recipient agrees to acknowledge the grant by using the Arts Council logo and credit statement using exact wording provided by the Arts Council on all printed and online promotional materials and advertisements.
“SUPPORTED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE NORTHEAST LOUISIANA ARTS COUNCIL WITH FUNDS FROM THE CITY OF MONROE”
• The recipient assumes full liability and responsibility for the conduct of the funded project and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, its Board of Directors, employees, and volunteers.
• The recipient must submit a Final Report to the Arts Council by October 15, 2025.
• This report is comprised of a one-page synopsis of the grant activities, copies of invoices and cancelled checks reflecting proper expenditure of 100% of the grant, and any supplemental materials documenting the project.
• The recipient must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY
• Failure to credit the grant as required, submit an acceptable and timely Final Report, or violation of grant contract terms may result in penalties including forfeiture and/or return of grant funds, ineligibility to apply for future Arts Council grants, or other penalties deemed appropriate by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.
