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ArtsFirst Grants is a grant from First Horizon Foundation that funds arts organizations in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, to promote artistic excellence and community enrichment. Administered in partnership with ARTSmemphis, the program supports sponsorships, programs, and general operations for local arts organizations that strengthen the region's cultural vitality.
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an arts-based mission, at least three years of program history, an active board of directors, and a location in Shelby County. Organizations that received ARTSmemphis funding since July 2022 are ineligible. Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000.
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Art lifts our spirits and expands our horizons. First Horizon Foundation, a longtime supporter of our local arts community, partners with ARTSmemphis each year to grant funds to local arts organizations toward sponsorships, programs, and/or general operations that promote artistic excellence and enrichment. The ArtsFirst grant panel is composed of First Horizon Foundation representatives, who make all funding decisions.
The First Horizon Foundation focuses contributions to strengthen these vital signs of a strong community: Arts & Culture: Promoting excellence and enrichment in the arts Education & Leadership: Educating, developing the next generation of leaders Environment: A more sustainable future Financial Literacy: Investing in the financial future Health & Human Services: Improving the well-being of our communities The 2027 grant timeline will be announced in fall 2026.
The 2027 grant timeline will be announced in fall 2026. ArtsFirst is open to 501c3 organizations in Shelby County with an arts-based mission and focus, a minimum three-year history of presenting quality arts projects and programs, and an active board of directors. Applications by fiscal agents are not permitted.
Organizations that have not received one grant through any ARTSmemphis program (Arts Build Communities, ArtsFirst, ArtsZone, FedEx Arts Program, Operating Support) since July 2022, are not eligible to apply. Arts Build Communities is recommended for first-time applicants. Organizations currently receiving multi-year funding or funding outside of the ArtsFirst grant program from First Horizon, are not eligible to apply.
This grant is not open to individual artists. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Nur Abdalla. All grant applications must be submitted using the online grant application platform.
FY26 Application: ArtsFirst grants may be used to support the following activities after March 1, 2026: General Operating Support ArtsFirst grants may NOT be used to support: Charities sponsored solely by a single civic organizations Charities that redistribute funds to other charitable organizations, except in the case of recognized united fund-type organizations K-12 schools and solely religious, social, or fraternal organizations Political organizations or those having the primary purpose of influencing legislation or promoting a particular ideological point of view Operating budget deficits Data and information provided by organizations during grant application processes is utilized by ARTSmemphis to advocate and secure funding for the local arts sector, including this grant program and will be shared with the grant funder, First Horizon Foundation.
Requests may be for program or project support, season sponsorship, or for general operating support. There is not a suggested minimum or maximum request amount but grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000. It is expected that this grant is not the sole or primary source of funding for your project, so it is not advisable to request a high percentage of the project budget.
Proposed projects should not begin before March 1, 2026. If you are requesting operating support or season sponsorship, the request may be for the fiscal year that includes Fall 2026, Winter, Spring and/or Summer 2027. Submission of an application for funding does not guarantee that funding will be awarded.
Award of funding one year does not guarantee funding the following year. If not awarded funding, this does not exclude organizations from the opportunity to apply for funding in following years.
If your organization is awarded an ArtsFirst grant you will be required to do or provide the following: Community Reinvestment Act information Updated LIVEGIVE account link or 501c3 Determination Letter and most recent 990 First Horizon Foundation Recognition and Benefit Opportunities The 2026 grantees will be announced in April.
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According to the current listing, eligibility includes: 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an arts-based mission, 3+ years of program history, an active board of directors, and located in Shelby County; organizations that received ARTSmemphis funding since July 2022 are ineligible. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $5,000 - $30,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
ArtsFirst Grants (Memphis/Shelby County) is funded by First Horizon Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Tennessee. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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