Funding Deadlines Artists & Small Businesses Should Know
Don't miss these opportunities for December 2025 and Early 2026!
Whether you’re an individual creator or a small business owner looking for support in 2026, now’s the time to mark your calendar. Below is a curated guide to key grant deadlines, with links to applications and resources.
🎨 Artist Grants & Creative Opportunities
1. NEA: Grants for Arts Projects — Federal Arts Funding
One of the biggest sources of U.S. arts funding, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has two major grant cycles in 2026:
Part 1 (Intent to Apply): Feb 12, 2026
Part 2 Submission Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
Second Cycle: July 9 – July 21, 2026
📍 These deadlines are for project grants supporting wide-ranging art disciplines. NEA Grants for Arts Projects – official deadlines and requirements
Tip: Start your Grants.gov/SAM.gov registrations early — they take time.
2. Innovate Grant — Quarterly Artist Funding
Deadline: December 11, 2025 (usually recurring quarterly)
Awards include up to $1,800 for visual artists and photographers.
📍 Great for emerging or mid-career artists across media. FALL 2025 Innovate Grant overview and deadline reminder
3. CatchLight Global Fellowship
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Fellowships of ~$30,000 for documentary, photography, and media storytellers.
📍 A strong opportunity for artists whose work engages global social narratives. CatchLight Global Fellowship deadline and details
4. Atlanta Contemporary Nexus Fund Grants
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Ten grants of ~$6,000 support project-based work in and around Atlanta.
📍 A regional opportunity with meaningful awards for project realization. Nexus Fund award details and deadline
5. Artist Trust (Washington State) – GAP Grants
Deadline: June 22, 2026
$1,500 unrestricted grants for artists of all disciplines (Washington state).
📍 Excellent for continuing or launching new project work. Artist Trust GAP grant details and deadline
6. Creative Capital and Rolling Opportunities
Not all deadlines are fixed — organizations like Creative Capital list rolling grant and residency opportunities, including emergency relief and arts residencies.
📍 Rolling means you can apply year-round. Creative Capital artist opportunities page
💼 Small Business Grants & Funding Resources
1. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Grants & Programs Directory
This comprehensive guide links to 100+ small business grants, loans, and support programs ranging from federal funding to private grants.
📍 Bookmark this resource and filter by industry, region, and eligibility. Chamber’s small business grant guide
2. Queer Business Alliance + Breva Thrive Grants (LGBTQ+-Inclusive)
Breva Thrive Grant: Quarterly applications; Q4 deadline: Oct 31, 2025
Other microgrant programs: rolling deadlines
📍 Useful options for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners. LGBTQ+ small-business grants overview
9. Amber Grant (for Women-Owned Small Businesses)
This monthly award of $10,000 with a year-end larger prize is open throughout 2025.
📍 Monthly application cycles mean you can apply now for future months. Overview of Amber Grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs
🗓 How to Stay on Track
Set alerts or use a planner: Many funders update deadlines yearly, but platforms like Artwork Archive and Mid-America Arts Alliance maintain rolling lists of opportunities. Artwork Archive+1
Start early: Federal or large-scale grants can take weeks to prepare; register with Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and organization portals ahead of time.
How startWorks Helps You Secure Funding in 2026
At startWorks, we know that grants and funding opportunities can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re already juggling the day-to-day work of creating, building, and running your business. That’s why we’re here to make the process easier, clearer, and more strategic.
Whether you’re an independent artist applying for project support or a small business owner seeking capital to scale, startWorks offers hands-on guidance every step of the way:
Grant Matching: We help identify which opportunities align with your goals, discipline, and business stage.
Application Support: From narrative writing to budgets and work samples, we help you assemble a polished, compelling submission.
Portfolio & Pitch Development: We ensure your digital presence — website, artist statement, branding, and messaging — matches what funders look for.
Deadline Tracking & Strategy: We monitor upcoming cycles so you never miss a window of opportunity.
Business Planning & Operations Support: For small businesses, we help build workflows, systems, and documentation that support long-term growth.
startWorks is dedicated to championing small businesses and independent artists because we believe creativity and entrepreneurship are the backbone of resilient communities. And with new deadlines, expanded grant programs, and a rapidly shifting creative economy, 2026 is shaping up to be the perfect year for creative entrepreneurs to thrive.
✨ Our mission for 2026?
Make it the Year of the Creative Entrepreneur — and help you get the funding, visibility, and support you deserve.
Let’s build it together.
👉 Interested in joining? We cannot wait to meet you! Fill out this form to be contacted by one of our concierges. Ready to jump right in? Visit https://buy.stripe.com/5kA8zh9UGaRA1ri9AL to join.
We are here to help you do what you do best. If you have any questions or concerns, you can find us at The Longview Gallery every Friday for “Work from the Office Fridays” or stop by any Wednesday during Office Hours with our IT team. We’re always ready to help troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.
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