West Chester, Pa (September 1, 2026) – Small arts organizations and programs have just under two weeks left to apply for funding through Pennsylvania’s new Spotlight Grant Program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said today.
The Spotlight Program, created by the Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, is designed to provide flexible funding that can go toward grantees’ operational expenses, including salaries, rent, and utilities.
“Our arts programs and organizations reflect Chester County’s unique culture, provide an outlet for creative expression and education, and power our local economy, boosting tourism and attracting millions of visitors each year,” Comitta said. “I applaud the Pennsylvania Creative Industries for recognizing the importance of supporting smaller arts organizations that collectively have a mighty impact.”
The program is open to non-profits, tax-exempt corporations, or local government entities that have an annual revenue between $10,000 and $99,999
“The Spotlight program is an exciting and meaningful addition to our suite of investment programs for Pennsylvania’s creative sector,” said Council Chair Susan S. Cohen. “Pennsylvania Creative Industries is committed to supporting arts organizations of every size, growing the next generation of artists and supporting those who share their talents with communities across the Commonwealth. This program progresses our long-term goal to help build a thriving, competitive, comprehensive creative sector ecosystem for Pennsylvania.”
Over the past two decades, the number of arts and culture nonprofits in Pennsylvania has more than doubled, growing from about 2,600 in 2004 to roughly 5,400 today.
Smaller organizations represent nearly 40 percent of the Commonwealth’s arts and culture nonprofits, and help drive the cultural and economic impact of the creative sector, which supports nearly 190,000 jobs and contributes approximately $30 billion annually.
Grant awardees will receive up to $5,000 per organization and may use their grant funding for a broad range of operating expenses in 2027. Spotlight grants are reimbursement-based and only one application per organization, per year, may be submitted.
Applications are open now through September 14.