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Arts and Culture > Resources and Funding

Resources and Funding

2025 Arts and Culture Grants

The Cultural Commission welcomes grant applications from nonprofit organizations that offer public programming in any of the following categories:  

  • Visual, fine and performing arts.
  • Folk arts.
  • Literature and poetry.
  • History, heritage and humanities.

The use of grant funds must culminate in the presentation of a publically accessible cultural experience for the Lee's Summit community. The information below pertains to activities planned between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. 

Eligible Entities

  • A 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization in good standing with the state of Missouri.
  • The organization must hold a primary office in Lee’s Summit or utilize 100% of grant funds for activities within Lee’s Summit if its primary office is outside the City. 

  • Artists fees, stipends or salaries.
  • Staff and administrative costs.
  • Marketing and promotion.
  • Supplies and materials.

  • More than 50% of an organization’s operational budget for general operating requests.
  • More than 50% of project costs for project grant requests.
    • Example: Total project budget is $3,000. The maximum allowable request is $1,500.
  • Costs associated with food and beverage, social events, receptions, exhibits or gallery openings.
  • Fundraising events, benefits or raffles.
  • Prize, award or scholarship money given to an individual or group during a competition.
  • Capital, equipment or other fixed assets, or the maintenance, refurbishing or rehabilitation costs associated with any of these items.
  • Reduction or elimination of debt.
  • Booth space for festivals, fairs or networking events.
  • Activities that are not open to the public (i.e., “donors only” or “members only” events).

 

Timeline for the 2025 Grant Cycle | July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

January 10

 Grant application deadline for FY2026 requests. Applications reviewed for eligibility.

January - February

 The Cultural Commission grant committee reviews applications and recommends funding to the Cultural Commission.

March

 Arts and Culture drafts the FY2026 budget with Cultural Commission recommendations for grant appropriations.

June 

 City Council approves FY2026 City budget, including the Arts and Culture budget.

July 

 Earliest possible notifications to awarded grant recipients. Grant awards cannot be announced until the City Council approves the City's annual budget.

August - September 

 Grant agreements are distributed to recipients. Applicants should allow four to eight weeks for processing of grant distribution checks.

 

Submit an Application

Eligibility Guidelines      Online Application Portal 

Recognizing the City and the Cultural Commission

Projects that receive funding from the Cultural Commission must prominently recognize the City of Lee's Summit and Cultural Commission on all grant-related news releases, brochures, flyers, banners, etc., using the City's approved logo and credit line “Public support provided in part by the City of Lee’s Summit and the Lee's Summit Cultural Commission.” Verbal acknowledgment should be given at any event where printed materials are not feasible and during any interview with the media.

City logos are available for use only by approved grant recipients and community partners. Grantees may request a logo packet below. 

Request Logo Packet

Modification of City logos in any way is prohibited. Contact Arts and Culture to request any additional logo formats or for questions related to logo use or placement.