The City of St. Petersburg has introduced the Level Up Arts Grant, a new funding opportunity aimed at supporting small non-profit arts and culture organizations with budgets not exceeding $50,000. Applications for this grant will be accepted until June 30, 2025, or until the allocated funds are exhausted.
Celeste Davis, Director of Arts, Culture, and Tourism for the City of St. Petersburg, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative: “I am thrilled to announce the launch of St Pete’s new Level Up Arts Grant.” She emphasized that this opportunity is more than just financial aid; it reflects a commitment to promoting artistic excellence within the community. Davis added, “We believe in nurturing creativity and supporting the invaluable contributions of local organizations.”
To qualify for this grant, non-profits must meet several criteria: they must operate on a budget of $50,000 or less and be registered as a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3. Their primary mission should focus on arts or culture programming or services. Additionally, they must have been active in providing services to St. Petersburg residents for at least one year and present arts-related activities benefiting locals and visitors alike.
Organizations seeking this grant cannot qualify for the City’s full Arts and Culture Grant and must have no outstanding debts to the city unless prior arrangements are made. They are also required to complete a business workshop curriculum provided by St. Pete Greenhouse and submit a final activity report upon completion of their funded project.
Funding from the Level Up Arts Grant can cover general allowable expenses during the fiscal year specified in their proposal. Grants will be awarded based on recommendations from the Arts Advisory Committee and approval by City Council with amounts up to $2,500 per award.
This initiative aims to provide project or capacity-building funding to eligible non-profits contributing significantly to St. Petersburg’s vibrant arts scene while aligning with Mayor’s Pillars for Progress such as Equitable Development and Education Opportunities in arts.
Activities funded through this grant cannot commence before its award period nor extend beyond September 30, 2025.
For further details or application submissions visit www.stpete.org/levelupgrant.
