Projects, Events, or Festivals Grant

The Projects, Events, or Festivals (PEF) grant program is administered by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) and is designed to advance arts and humanities programming within the District of Columbia. This grant supports both individuals and nonprofit organizations that develop and present creative projects with strong local impact. The purpose of the program is to ensure that all District residents have access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences, to enhance quality of life through vibrant community programming, and to contribute to the local creative economy. Eligible projects may range in scale and format but must demonstrate clear benefits to the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. Supported activities include performances, exhibitions, readings, and multidisciplinary festivals that incorporate diverse art forms such as theater, dance, folk art, music, and film. CAH encourages proposals that are community-based in nature—those that reflect shared interests, geographic focus, or cultural impact within local neighborhoods. The PEF program is open to both individual artists and nonprofit organizations in the arts, humanities, arts education, or cultural service fields. Individual applicants may request up to $10,000, while organizations may request up to $20,000. All proposed projects must take place between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Funding decisions are contingent on the number of applicants and available resources, with awards made based on merit, feasibility, and alignment with CAH’s mission. The application process for the FY25 cycle opened on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and the deadline for submission is Tuesday, April 22, 2025, by 10 PM Eastern Time. CAH offers support resources to assist applicants, including workshops and live chats, which require RSVP via Eventbrite. All applicants are encouraged to review the full Request for Applications (RFA) before submitting and may contact CAH staff for individualized guidance. Two staff contacts are available to assist applicants: Lucy Hernandez, who handles applications from organizations, and Tanya Myers, who manages individual applications. Both may be reached via email. Applicants unsure about eligibility or project scope are advised to consult with a CAH grants manager prior to submission.