The Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations are designed to support the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations for increasing organizational capacity to achieve long-term sustainability, growth, and/or operational stability. This grant program is open to film, visual arts, performing arts, traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary arts organizations.

Funding can support staff or board participation at conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities and events. In addition, these grants can support expenses for in-person and virtual professional development for organization-wide staff learning and training. Funds support travel expenses (for example, lodging and air/ground transportation), admission/registration fees, or other related expenses (for example, consultant/service fees for staff learning/training sessions).

Due to limited funds, this grant is open to arts organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or less.

Eligibility

The following list of main eligibility requirements are necessary to be considered for a Professional Development Grant:

• Be a tax-exempt nonprofit, an official unit of local, county, or state government, or a federally recognized tribal community based within South Arts' nine-state service area (AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, or TN)
• Be an arts organization, including but are not limited to artist ensembles, producing and presenting organizations, visual and performing arts centers, museums, film festivals, arts service organizations, community arts organizations, and art councils
• Have an operating budget of $500,000 or less

Match Requirement

Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar (50%) cash match.

How to Apply

All grant applications must be submitted online using South Arts' grants management system.

Contact

For assistance, contact program director Nikki Estes at 404-874-7244 x816. New applicants are encouraged to reach out before applying.

Deadline

• Applications open on July 16, 2025 and are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the professional development start date.
• Projects must take place between October 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026