Funding for Organizations

Cultural Arts Grant Application

The annual Cultural Arts Grant program supports activities that provide meaningful cultural experiences for residents and visitors. Local arts and cultural organizations that meet the eligibility criteria below are invited to submit a funding request.   

The information below pertains to activities planned between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The deadline has passed, sign up to receive our newsletter for our next opportunity! 

Types of Grants Funded

General Operating Support (up to $2,500) - For requests to support the overall mission and ongoing operations of an organization. For example, an annual performance season.

Project Support (up to $2,500) - For requests in which funding is restricted to support a specific program, project, activity or event that is a component of an organization's ongoing operations. Requires the submission of a separate project budget in addition to the organization's operating budget and financials. For example, one specific performance or series out of an entire season or a specific education or outreach program. 

Eligible Entities

To apply for a Cultural Arts Grant, applicants must:

• Be a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
• Hold a primary office in Lee’s Summit, or utilize grant funds entirely for activities within Lee’s Summit if the primary office is located outside of the City.

The Arts Council cannot fund the following activities:

• More than 50% of an organization’s total 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 or exhibit/gallery openings.
• Fundraising events, benefits or raffles.
• Prize, award or scholarship money given to an individual or group as part of 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 2023 Grant Cycle

Submit An Application

Eligibility Guidelines PDF

Online Application Portal 

Final Grant Report

Grantees are asked to submit a Final Grant Report for all completed projects funded by the Cultural Arts Grant program.

Final Grant Report Portal

Recognizing the Cultural Arts Division and Cultural Commission

Projects that receive funding from the Cultural Arts Grant program must prominently recognize the Cultural Arts Division and Cultural Commission on all grant-related news releases, brochures, flyers, banners, etc. using the Lee's Summit Cultural Arts logos and credit line “Financial assistance provided in part by the City of Lee’s Summit Cultural Arts Division and Cultural Commission.” Verbal acknowledgment should be given at any event where there are no printed materials and during any interview with the media.

The Cultural Arts Division logo and Cultural Commission logo are provided to allow funded organizations to acknowledge the division's support. Logos are available for use only by approved grant recipients and community partners. Grantees may request a logo packet. 

Request Logo Packet

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