2023 Organizational Support Grants

In keeping with our mission, the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts (MKFA) supports arts organizations that exemplify critical thinking, risk taking, and provocation in the arts. The grant program furthers Mike Kelley’s philanthropic work and honors his legacy by awarding funds to arts organizations that embody the spirit of his practice.

As the Foundation continues to adapt its grant program to the changing needs of arts organizations and the artists they support, MKFA will offer Organizational Support Grants (OSG) for a third year. The OSG offers unrestricted grant funding targeting small to mid-size nonprofit and fiscally-sponsored arts organizations. Grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded. Award size will depend on the grant budget, operating budget, and how much MKFA can offer in awards.

One notable change in this year’s application is the required submission of an upcoming exhibition, performance or other public project that will take place by February 2024. The project should highlight the strength of the organization’s programming and show how it aligns with MKFA’s mission. Although the application requires an upcoming project description, the grant does not necessarily need to cover the project’s expenses. As stated above, the OSG remains unrestricted—grant funds may cover costs including but not limited to: rent, staff salaries, retaining employees, utilities, and exhibition and artist project expenses. Evaluation of applications will be based on the strength of the upcoming project, how the grant will help maintain operations, and how the mission and programming of the organization aligns with MKFA’s core values of critical thinking, risk taking, and provocation in the arts.

For more information, we strongly encourage potential applicants to read our Guidelines and FAQs. You can access the application here.