The goal of the Challenge America grant from the National Endowment for the Arts is to fund projects that will bring the arts to underserved populations. These populations can be defined by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. This program also seeks to provide assistance to populations and small organizations who are less likely to receive other funds.

This grant is for a fixed amount of $10,000 with a minimum match of $10,000. Part 1 of the application, the Application for Federal Domestic Assistance on grants.gov, is due by April 21, 2022. Part 2 is done through the Applicant Portal. The Portal will be open from April 26 – May 3, 2022.

Eligibility

Applicant

Nonprofits organizations, state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, or some combination thereof are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. This can include arts organizations and school districts. Partnerships are not required but are highly encouraged.

Applicants who received NEA funds through either the CARES Act or the American Rescue Plan are eligible. Previous Challenge America grantees are also eligible. Applicants are not eligible if they have received funding in Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, or 2022 for

• Grants for Arts Projects (formerly known as Art Works)
• Research Grants in the Arts 
• Our Town

Project Types

A broad range of arts projects may be eligible for Challenge America funding. The central goal, however, must be to bring the arts to underserved populations. This can be done through any artistic medium (visual arts, dance, music, theater, etc.). Arts programming and/or the commissioning of works of art are permitted. Grantees may also use funds for promotion and marketing or for organizational planning.

Ineligible Activities

Activities for which grant funds may not be use include

• General operating expenses
• Courses at colleges and universities
• Literary publishing of non-contemporary work
• Social events such as receptions and galas
• Projects that do not apply jury/editorial/curatorial judgment to the selection of artists and artwork.
• For profit activities
• Political lobbying
• Capital improvement projects including new construction, the purchase of property, or renovations.
• Subgranting except for state arts agencies, regional arts organizations, or local arts agencies operating as part of their local government.
• Gifts and prizes

Review Criteria

Artistic Excellence

• Quality of the artists, organizations, educators, and works of art
• Relevance to the audience and community

Artistic Merit

• Potential to reach underserved populations
• Relevance of project
• Effect on organizational capacity growth
• Ability to carry out the project
• Evidence of direct compensation to artists and other workers
• Engagement, where appropriate, with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal entities, and institutions serving people of color or the disabled.

Important note : Projects may be subject to review under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). No grant funds will be released until that review is complete. Projects must also follow all federal accessibility guidelines.