Our Grantmaking Strategy

The Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation is committed to supporting arts and cultural projects that directly enhance the identity, vitality, and economic growth of the Armstrong Park Cultural District. Our funding strategy prioritizes projects that are based in Armstrong Park Cultural District or that have a demonstrable impact on the cultural district’s programming, audience engagement, or reputation as a regional cultural destination.

We aim to fund projects that strengthen Armstrong Park as a hub for artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity. The Foundation’s investments are designed to support creative work that increases public engagement with the Cultural District, supports local artists, and enhances the overall cultural ecosystem in and around the Armstrong Park Cultural District.

Types of Projects We Fund

The Foundation only funds projects that are based in Armstrong Park Cultural District or have a direct, measurable impact on the Armstrong Park Cultural District. The following types of projects are considered for funding:

Live Performances and Events (Must take place in Armstrong Park Cultural District)

• Music, dance, theater, and spoken word events held in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Outdoor or site-specific performances that engage Armstrong Park Cultural District visitors

• Artist residencies and curated performance series within Armstrong Park Cultural District

Public Art and Placemaking (Within Armstrong Park Cultural District)

• Permanent and temporary art installations in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Murals, sculptures, and interactive public art within the Cultural District

• Projects that enhance the visual identity and atmosphere of Armstrong Park Cultural District

Film and Media (Armstrong Park-focused content or screenings)

• Film screenings and festivals held in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Artist Q&A sessions and panel discussions in the park

• Multimedia art installations and video projections in Armstrong Park Cultural District

Creative and Professional Development (Benefiting Armstrong Park Cultural District)

• Artist and curator residencies located in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Workshops and training programs held in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Professional development for artists and creative organizations with a presence in Armstrong Park Cultural District

Community Engagement and Access (In Armstrong Park Cultural District)

• Free or low-cost public events designed to engage Armstrong Park Cultural District visitors

• Community art-making and interactive experiences in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Programming that increases access to cultural experiences for diverse audiences in Armstrong Park Cultural District

Arts Incubation and Collaboration (Located in Armstrong Park Cultural District)

• Projects that establish new arts programming in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Cross-disciplinary collaborations between artists, businesses, and nonprofits within Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Pilot projects that test new models for long-term arts and cultural programming in Armstrong Park Cultural District

Projects We Do Not Fund

The Foundation only funds projects that are directly connected to the Armstrong Park Cultural District. The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:

Projects Not Based in Armstrong Park Cultural District

• Any project that takes place outside of Armstrong Park Cultural District or does not have a clear and measurable impact on Armstrong Park Cultural District’s programming or identity.

Capital Improvements

• Construction, building renovations, or infrastructure improvements (unless directly tied to an approved creative placemaking project in Armstrong Park Cultural District).

General Operating Expenses

• Salaries for existing staff (outside of project-specific roles).

• Overhead or administrative costs not directly tied to the funded project.

Political or Religious Activities

• Political campaigns, lobbying efforts, or religious programming.

• Projects that promote a particular religious or political agenda.

Debt Repayment

• Payments on loans or debt restructuring.

Retroactive Funding

• Projects that have already been completed or are underway before the application period closes.