Tempe Community Arts – Next Wave Grant offers up to $2,500 to support early-stage, small-scale arts and culture projects in Tempe. It’s designed for newer nonprofits, small creative businesses (LLCs) and first-time applicants looking to spark innovative ideas, elevate fresh voices and explore bold approaches that energize the city’s cultural future. This grant invests in what’s next—creative efforts that build connection, access and vibrancy at the grassroots level.
Amount: Up to $2,500 – no match required
Deadlines: July 15, 2026
All applicants are required to meet with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, before applying. Schedule a time to meet.
Expectations & Eligibility:
- Project must take place in Tempe between September 15, 2026 - June 30, 2027.
- Requests may include creatives & artists fees, contracted services, production costs, venue rentals, supplies, permit fees, event insurance, food and marketing expenses.
- Must be Non-Profit organization or an LLC providing arts programming in Tempe.
- Only eligible to receive one Tempe Community Arts Grant per year (September-June).
Restrictions – this grant does not fund:
- Activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe.
- Production or commission of public art (i.e. murals); permanent enhancements to infrastructure or facilities; capital investments (equipment that outlasts the duration of the project).
- Fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards.
- Schools or projects with/in schools (see Arts in Schools programs); parent-teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO).
- TCA home/resident companies; projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant; reduction of debt, feasibilities studies.
- Projects that are only virtual or streamed via the web.
- Universities, colleges and auxiliary/affiliate organizations.
- Organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes.
- Class series programmed in a city facility or duplicate programs offered by city of Tempe
- Grant administration, overhead or processing fees taken by an umbrella/parent organization as a percentage of the total award, fiscal agents/sponsors.
- Staff salaries that are for work outside the scope of the proposed project. Closed subscription or membership programming.
- An applicant who failed to submit a Final Report, complete a project, or return unused funds from a previously funded grant.
Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent community review panel comprised of Tempe residents, cultural leaders and organizers, artists and representatives from the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission. The review process is competitive and based on available funds, therefore, some applications may receive partial or no funding. The panel will recommend awards to the Community Services Director for final approval. Grant Award Notification will take place by August 24, 2026.
Final Report: Must be submitted by June 30, 2027 to be eligible for future grant funding by the City of Tempe. The report will include a summary of the project, attendance and demographic data of participants, a final budget report and professional quality photos of the project. The grant recipient agrees to give the City of Tempe the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.
How to Apply:
Compile all materials listed in the guidelines below and complete the online application.
View Next Wave guidelines
Download Next Wave application questions (doc)
Download Application Budget Form
Complete the online application
Final Report
Submit Final Report
Download Final Budget Form
Funded Projects
View 2025-26 recipients