Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG)

Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) is sponsored by Creative Philadelphia. The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) is designed to strengthen and financially uplift Philadelphia's creative sector, especially artists and organizations rooted in communities that have been historically underfunded or excluded from traditional sources of arts support.

Illuminate the Arts Grant - Creative Philadelphia Applications for the 2025 cycle of ITAG are now closed. We anticipate a grant announcement before the end of the year and funds will be distributed in early 2026.

2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) is designed to strengthen and financially uplift Philadelphia’s creative sector, especially artists and organizations rooted in communities that have been historically underfunded or excluded from traditional sources of arts support. A total of $1.

5M will be distributed to individual artists, small and mid-size arts organizations, and small creative enterprises across Philadelphia to recognize and sustain their creative practice, while expanding access to the arts in economically marginalized neighborhoods.

Established by Philadelphia City Council in 2021 to aid in the creative sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ITAG continues to invest in Philadelphia’s cultural ecosystem—supporting artists and organizations whose work enhances the city’s vibrancy, resilience, and quality of life.

The program is administered by Creative Philadelphia in collaboration with the Illuminate the Arts Grant Advisory Committee, ensuring that funds are distributed efficiently and equitably. Applications are accepted November 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM – November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM . Applications for the 2025 cycle of ITAG are now closed.

We anticipate a grant announcement before the end of the year and funds will be distributed in early 2026. The 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant application process and eligibility requirements are uniquely geared to meet the needs of the local arts and culture community while providing relief quickly and efficiently. Applicants must be based in Philadelphia County.

The 2025 grants will support: Individual artists with a 2024 total annual income of $66,850 or less can apply for a grant of $1,500-$2,000 . Individual artists who claim dependents are eligible for higher maximum income limits and should visit the application once open to determine eligibility. Small nonprofit arts organizations with 2024 operating budgets of $100,000 or less can apply for grants ranging from $3,000-$5,000 .

Mid-size nonprofit arts organizations with 2024 operating budgets between $100,000-$500,000 can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$7,000 . Small creative enterprises with 2024 operating budgets less than $500,000 can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$7,000 . This will be a competitive grant with more eligible applicants than the $1.

5M Illuminate the Arts Grant will be able to support. Applicants can submit only one request to the 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant but are encouraged to apply for support through other funding available from local, state, and national levels. A list of other resources is available here.

For assistance in completing the application through the online form, please email illuminatetheartsphl@gmail. com . NOTE : All application assistance will end at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26, due to the City being closed Thursday and Friday.

Applications remain open until Sunday, November 30, at 11:59 PM, but staff will be unable to provide additional support after 12 PM on Wednesday, 11/26. Please reach out now if you need help. Language access support is available by request.

Si no puede completar la solicitud a través del formulario en línea o necesita ayuda en español, envíe un correo electrónico a illuminatetheartsphl@gmail. com . Drop in to ask questions or get assistance with your application at the CreativePHL office.

We’ll take questions together as a group, and work with applicants to fill out the Submittable form. No appointment needed, stop in anytime during the windows for support.

Thursday, 11/20: 3:30p-6p / Office Hours: In Person at Creative PHL, City Hall Room 116 Tuesday, 11/25: 3pm-4pm / Office Hours: Virtual on Zoom – Register here Tuesday, 11/25: 4:30p-6p / Office Hours: In Person at Creative PHL, City Hall Room 116 View the Frequently Asked Questions 2024 Illuminate the Arts Grant In 2024, 730 of Philadelphia’s individual artists, small and mid-size nonprofit arts organizations, and small creative enterprises received a total of $1,500,000 through the Illuminate the Arts Grant.

View the list of 2024 Illuminate the Arts Grant Awardees 2022 Illuminate the Arts Grant In 2022, 934 of Philadelphia’s individual artists, small and mid-size nonprofit arts organizations, and small creative enterprises received a total of $1,500,000 through the Illuminate the Arts Grant, a 45 percent increase in awardees from 2021.

View the 2022 Illuminate the Arts Grant Report View the list of 2022 Illuminate the Arts Grant Awardees 2021 Illuminate the Arts Grant In 2021, 645 of Philadelphia’s individual artists, small and mid-size nonprofit arts organizations, and small creative enterprises received $1,002,400 in relief funding through the inaugural Illuminate the Arts Grant.

To learn more about the impact of the grant, view the 2021 Illuminate the Arts Grant report . View the 2021 Illuminate the Arts Grant Report