2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant - Individual Artist Application

The Illuminate the Arts Grants (ITAG) are designed to strengthen and financially uplift Philadelphia’s creative sector, especially artists and organizations rooted in communities that have been historically underfunded or excluded from traditional sources of arts support. 

A total of $1.5 million will be distributed to individual artists, small and mid-size arts organizations, and creative enterprises across Philadelphia to recognize and sustain their creative practice, while expanding access to the arts in economically marginalized neighborhoods. 

Established by Philadelphia City Council in 2021 to aid in the creative sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ITAG continues to invest in Philadelphia’s cultural ecosystem—supporting artists and organizations whose work enhances the city’s vibrancy, resilience, and quality of life. 

The program is administered by Creative Philadelphia in collaboration with the Illuminate the Arts Grant Advisory Committee, ensuring that funds are distributed efficiently and equitably. Applications will be accepted November 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM – November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM. 

Individual artists with a total annual income of $66,850 or less can apply for a grant of $1,000 - $2,000, depending on the number of eligible applicants. Artists who claim dependents are also eligible based on the following table:
 

Use the figure from Line 15 of your IRS Form 1040 to complete this field.

Individual Artists

Individual artists with a total annual income of $66,850 or less can apply for a grant of $1,500-$2,000.  Use the figure from Line 15 of your IRS Form 1040 to determine your eligibility.  Individual artists who claim dependents are also eligible based on the following table:

This will be a competitive grant with more eligible applicants than the $1.5M Illuminate the Arts Grant will be able to support. Applicants can submit only one request to the 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Reside and operate in Philadelphia county
• Provide evidence of their creative practice prior to January 1, 2025 (documents, photos, links to websites)
• Provide completed and signed W-9, if awarded funds. A blank W-9 for completion can be obtained online.
• Be in compliance with all local, state, and federal taxes, or be on an approved payment plan, or can prove they are in the process of getting on a payment plan. The Philadelphia Department of Revenue is offering flexible payment plans.
• Provide proof of total earned income and estimated earned income from their creative practice for calendar years 2023 and 2024
• Provide proof of dependents with 1040 Income Tax Form if applicable
• Provide year of birth, basic contact information, and demographic information.

Review and Distribution

• Funding will be distributed to grantees via ACH direct bank deposits.

Prohibited Use of Grant Funds

• Funds may not be used for the purchase of new real estate property.
• Funds may not be provided to governmental entities on local, state, or federal levels.
• Funds may not be used by organizations that received support from the City’s FY25 General Operating Budget. (Does not include support from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund)

If you have any questions about applying for the 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant, please email illuminatetheartsphl@gmail.com. If you are having issues with the Submittable website, complete this help form immediately. View Frequently Asked Questions here.