Due date: Rolling
Grant activity period: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Typical award amount: $5,000–$10,000
Match requirement: 1:1 confirmed cash match
Administrative expense cap: Up to 20% of grant funds
Frequency: Organizations may receive funding once every three years
Overview
The Creative Catalyst Grant Program supports new initiatives and opportunities that strengthen Pennsylvania’s creative sector. It focuses on advancing strategies that empower, connect, and amplify creatives, creative industries, and their contributions to local communities, the state economy, and the workforce.
Projects are evaluated based on how well they:
- Align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ five areas of opportunity:
- Asset Development
- Workforce Development
- Community Development
- Visibility
- Policy
- Demonstrate statewide reach and benefit.
- Show organizational capacity to complete the proposed project successfully.
Eligibility
Applicants must be one of the following entities providing creative sector programming or services in Pennsylvania:
- Nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation
- Unit of government
- College or university
- School district
Requirements:
- Proof of incorporation and activity in Pennsylvania is required before review or award.
- Fiscal agents and fiscal sponsors are not eligible.
- Creative Catalyst grants cannot fund ongoing operations or established programs — only new or catalytic initiatives.
Funding Notes
- Grant size: $5,000–$10,000 (typical)
- Match requirement: 1:1 confirmed cash match (not in-kind)
- Administrative cost limit: No more than 20% of the grant may be used for admin expenses.
- Funding frequency: An organization may only receive a Creative Catalyst grant once every three years.
- Purpose: Not a recurring or annual funding source; designed for pilot projects or strategic expansion aligned with the program’s five opportunity areas.
Review & Funding Process
- Applications are submitted online and reviewed by Pennsylvania Creative Industries staff, who score them based on alignment with program priorities.
- Submission does not guarantee funding. Awards are granted to projects that most effectively advance Pennsylvania’s creative ecosystem.
