The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and ArtsFund have announced $10 million in funding to support 811 arts and culture organizations across Washington state. The Community Accelerator Grant program, which began in 2023, provides unrestricted grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to help organizations invest in their missions. The grants were awarded to every eligible nonprofit organization that applied, with a focus on organizations that center BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities, as well as those in rural communities. Approximately 70% of grantees reported annual budgets of less than $500,000, and organizations in 37 Washington counties, representing 99.8% of the state’s population, received funding.
The top five disciplines represented in the grantee pool include music, cultural heritage, multidisciplinary, theatre, and visual arts. The program aims to support a diverse range of cultural activities across the state, with a focus on reaching underserved communities and amplifying voices that are often marginalized. Lara Littlefield, executive director of partnerships and programs for the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, expressed excitement about the extensive reach and continued impact of the program, highlighting the rich cultural activity found in every corner of Washington state.
The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, founded in 1988 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his sister Jody Allen, invests in various areas including arts and culture, science and technology, and bioscience research. The foundation’s support for the arts in Washington state reflects a commitment to fostering creativity and cultural expression throughout the region. By providing funding to a wide range of organizations, the foundation aims to help strengthen the arts ecosystem in Washington and ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive in communities across the state.
The grantees of the Community Accelerator Grant program come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, showcasing the vibrant and varied arts landscape in Washington state. These organizations play a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity, preserving heritage, and supporting emerging artists and creators. Through the funding provided by the Allen Family Foundation and ArtsFund, these organizations have the opportunity to further their missions, engage with their communities, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Washington state.
The grant recipients represent a broad spectrum of arts and culture organizations, from traditional music and theatre groups to contemporary multidisciplinary projects and visual arts initiatives. The diversity of recipients reflects the program’s commitment to supporting a wide range of artistic endeavors and ensuring that all communities have access to cultural resources and opportunities. By investing in these organizations, the Allen Family Foundation and ArtsFund are helping to create a more inclusive and vibrant arts ecosystem in Washington state.
Overall, the Community Accelerator Grant program is a testament to the commitment of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and ArtsFund to supporting the arts and culture sector in Washington state. By providing much-needed funding to a diverse group of organizations, the program is helping to strengthen the cultural fabric of communities across the state and ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive for years to come. The impact of this funding will be felt by artists, audiences, and communities throughout Washington, enriching lives and fostering creativity and expression.
