Grants

The CAC supports projects meeting one or more of the following objectives:

1. CREATE – Creating and curating works of Art
   Outcome: An increased visibility of the arts and appreciation of diverse forms of artistic expression that inspire people to encounter God
   Examples: architecture, dance, film, literature, music, resource, theater, visual arts, new media, and multidisciplinary
2. EDUCATE – Educating and nurturing Christian imagination
   Outcome: A re-enchanted Christian imagination, character, and spiritual formation in people fostered by experiencing the awe and wonder of God through the arts
   Examples: workshops, retreats, courses, webinars, expert engagement, and speaker series
3. NETWORK – Cultivating and sustaining a thriving network in Christianity and the arts
   Outcome: A vibrant nationwide movement that inspires people to discover and live the beauty and wisdom of the Christian story and encounter God through the arts
   Examples: showcases, art exhibits, live performances, festivals and celebrations, convenings, and conferences

We define Art as a creative expression that uses an imaginative or aesthetic appeal to reflect, magnify, and illuminate an idea related to the Christian faith. Art can use traditional platforms such as painting; sculpture; poetry and prose; musical expressions of composition, instrumentation and lyric/vocal singing; dance; and can use newer forms of content expression such as interactive and digital media, film, animation and videogames; and experience-design through gatherings and community experiences such as installations, performances, concerts, and more.

The Creative Arts Collective supports faith-declaring Art and Art experiences. Faith declaring projects can be faith-driven – publicly accessible and not explicitly evoking God or transcendence, faith-reflecting – more explicit about God and transcendence but capable of being appreciated in secular ways, or faith-overt – explicitly Christian Art. 

Applicants may submit proposals ranging from $75,000 to $250,000 that may be used over a one-year period.

No, multi-year grants are not available through the Create, Educate, & Network Grant Program.

Grant funding may cover expenses directly related to the project such as artist fees, design fees, materials, production costs, venue rentals, technical support (e.g., audio-visual expertise), honorariums, and travel expenses. Funding requests can include an overhead/indirect cost component that is no more than ten percent (10%) of the total direct expenses. The overhead/indirect cost should be included in the total amount requested. General operating expenses and capital expenses are not eligible for funding.

No. There is a limit of one LOI submission per applicant per grant cycle.

The CAC seeks applicants inspired to fulfill the aspirational aim of our mission through proposals that embrace innovation, especially through the use of new media, platforms, and audiences to reach. The theme of Finding Freedom in the Wilderness is encouraged but is not a requirement to achieve this goal.

The application process has two main steps:

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): All interested applicants must first complete and submit the online LOI form by November 3, 2025, through the CAC’s website, to be considered to submit a full grant proposal in our competitive process.
2. Full Grant Proposal: The CAC will offer the opportunity to submit a full grant proposal for our competitive 2026 Spring Grant Cycle to approximately 20 of the strongest applicants who submitted an LOI. The selected applicants must submit full grant proposals online by March 16, 2026, through the CAC’s grant portal.

The CAC intends to award grants to applicants who submit the most compelling proposals and demonstrate they have the capacity to design, implement, and sustain a quality innovative project or program that advances the CAC’s aspirational aim. All proposals will first be screened by CAC staff for minimum criteria, and then by a Review Board for consideration and review.

Applicants must:

• Provide all required materials and documents by stated deadlines
• Offer work that exemplifies or adheres to the core values of the CAC
• Clearly communicate the connection of the proposed project to the Christian story and faith
• Commit to producing art not only in singular form, but also to become involved in the CAC network
• Demonstrate the ability to manage funds and maintain requirements associated with the grant

The CAC anticipates announcing grant awards in May 2026.

Yes, the CAC requires grantees to provide two reports within the one-year grant cycle, an interim report and final report, that include both a narrative and financial report on the project.

The CAC will ask those who are awarded grants to engage in the following ways:

• Articulate how the project reflects the Christian story
• Attend an in-person grantee retreat
• Join a virtual grantee cohort
• Participate in the Creative Summit & Arts Festival
• Coordinate with the Creative Arts Collective storytelling team
• Collaborate with network constituents and other commissioned artists

Unfortunately, given the large number of LOI submissions received, the CAC is generally unable to provide feedback to applicants on their submission.

Please email collective@belmont.edu to contact the CAC team.