Pennsylvania 2027–2028 Creative Communities Initiative — Community-Led Arts and Placemaking Grants
Pennsylvania Creative Industries (powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts) is accepting applications for its 2027–2028 Creative Communities Initiative. The program offers competitive, reimbursement-based grants for place-based, community-driven arts projects that strengthen civic connection, livability and community and economic development. The application period opened September 1, 2026 and closes November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Individual applicant funding
The funder states that awards are generally up to $25,000 per year for up to four years, subject to award decisions. This is an individual applicant funding guideline, not a guaranteed award or an overall program budget. The official guidelines do not state an overall funding pool. Grant payments are reimbursement-based: recipients first pay approved expenditures and then submit appropriate invoices, final reporting and proof of payment.
Who may apply
A proposal must be a place-based project in Pennsylvania with a partnership of at least two organizations and one designated lead applicant. The lead applicant must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, or unit of government, such as a county, city, borough, township or municipal authority. It must be located within the Pennsylvania community or county where the proposed project will occur. The program supports new or distinct community arts/creative placemaking or placekeeping initiatives, not ongoing organizational operations or an annual replacement operating subsidy.
Matching funds and local partnership
A 1:1 project match is required. Up to 50% of the match may be in-kind. A local government must document, through an appropriate resolution and pledge, at least 10% of the required matching contribution in cash or in-kind support. Applicants must describe the partnership and community engagement process, including authentic participation by local artists and culture bearers.
Eligible activities and restrictions
Appropriate projects can use creative placemaking to activate public spaces, strengthen community relationships, reflect local cultural assets, and address community needs. Projects must be accessible to community members. Prohibited or excluded uses described by the controlling guidelines include activities outside the performance period, religious-purpose activities, lobbyist payments, prizes and awards, fundraising benefits, hospitality receptions, competitions, performances unavailable to the public, and activities for academic credit. Expenses are limited to approved activities and reimbursable costs documented under the grant agreement.
Application materials and process
Submit a complete application through Pennsylvania’s Electronic Single Application (ESA) system by November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applicants no longer need a preliminary Letter of Interest. The application must explain community context, opportunities and challenges, partner roles, community engagement, and the role of artists and culture bearers. Upload three letters of support from relevant partners or stakeholders, and obtain the required local-government pledge/resolution. The performance period runs July 1 through June 30 each grant year; confirm award years and agreement dates in the final award documentation.
Read the official 2027–2028 Creative Communities program page and the controlling six-page 2027–2028 Application Guidelines (PDF). Follow the state website’s grant-application instructions and confirm submission receipt in ESA. Direct application-content questions to the program contact listed by the funder.
Official Pennsylvania Creative Industries program page and full controlling six-page application guidelines independently reviewed October 24, 2026. This is a competitive applicant financial-assistance opportunity, not a procurement solicitation.