Nexus Grant
Grant for new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses to produce creative public projects.
Nexus 2026 Applications will open in March and September
2026 Nexus Application Cycle
The Nexus Grant will have two application cycles in 2026, Nexus Round 1, opening in March, and Nexus Round 2, opening in September.
- Round 1 is for Activities happening July 1, 2026 – June, 2027
- Round 2 is for Activities happening January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
- Visit the Nexus website for full program details.
There can only be one complete application to the 2026 Nexus Grant submitted per applicant, per round.
Fiscal Sponsors may not complete the Intake Form, Eligibility Form or the Application on behalf of their sponsored projects. They may be added as collaborators. If awarded the Sponsored Project’s application will be transferred to the Fiscal Sponsor at the time of contracting.
For assistance with grant guidelines, eligibility, and application requirements:
- Register to attend one of the AACME Funding Programs Workshops
- Attend AACME Funding Programs’ Virtual Open Office Hours
- Email applicationhelp@thelongcenter.org. Our application assistance team will redirect your question to the right AACME staff member.
If you are a current Nexus awardee, please visit the FY25 Nexus Contract Kick-Off Meeting page for information about your program requirements.
The Nexus Grant allows Fiscal Sponsors. The Sponsored Project must start the Intake form. The application will be transferred to the Fiscal Sponsor if awarded. For more information, please see our Guide to Fiscal Sponsorship.
If you have questions on the grant program guidelines, eligibility requirements, or application content, please reach out to culturalarts@austintexas.gov.
The Cultural Arts Division’s Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom every Tuesday through March 4th, 10am – 12pm.
The Nexus Grant allows Fiscal Sponsors if the Fiscal Sponsor submitted the application on behalf of their sponsored project. For more information, please see our Guide to Fiscal Sponsorship.
Resources for
Nexus Grant Applicants
2024 Fall/Winter Application Cycle
The application window for the FY24 Nexus Fall/Winter Grant is open from Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 through 7pm CST Tuesday August 27th, 2024.
For application assistance:
- Reach out to Create Austin’s application assistance team at applicationhelp@thelongcenter.org or call 512-457-5161.
- View our Submittable Applicant and Technical Assistance Guide
For assistance with grant guidelines, eligibility, and application requirements:
- Register to attend one of the Cultural Arts Division Workshops
- Attend Cultural Arts Division’s Virtual Open Office Hours
- Email applicationhelp@thelongcenter.org. Our application assistance team will redirect your question to the right City of Austin staff member.
2024 Summer Application Cycle
The application window for the FY24 Nexus Summer Grant was open from Tuesday April 16th, 2024 through 7pm CST Tuesday May 14th, 2024.
Award were announced on Friday May 31st, 2024.
If you are a current Nexus awardee, please check the City of Austin Nexus website for the most up-to-date information about your program requirements!
If you require technical assistance, please reach out to the Long Center’s Community Programs team at cityofaustingrants@thelongcenter.org.
If you have questions on the grant program guidelines, eligibility requirements, or application content, please reach out to culturalarts@austintexas.gov.
The Cultural Arts Division’s Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom every Tuesday, 10am – 12pm, and from 10:30am – 4pm the Monday and Tuesday before an application closes.
The Nexus Grant allows Fiscal Sponsors if the Fiscal Sponsor submitted the application on behalf of their sponsored project. For more information, please see our Guide to Fiscal Sponsorship.
Events for Nexus Summer Applicants
Almost Real Things Magazine: Artist & Community Social Hour
Wednesday, April 17 · 6:30 – 8pm CDT
City of Austin Economic Development: Nexus Grant Drop-In Application Help
Monday, April 29 · 5 – 8pm CDT
City of Austin Cultural Arts: Virtual Open Office Hours
Tuesdays until May 14 · 10am – 12pm CDT
Almost Real Things Magazine: Nexus Grant In the Know Workshop
Saturday, May 4 · 12 – 2pm CDT
Almost Real Things Magazine: ¡Entérate! Información general de subvención Nexus
Saturday, May 4 · 2:30 – 4pm CDT
City of Austin Economic Development: Nexus Grant Drop-In Application Help
Monday, May 6 · 5 – 8pm CDT
Almost Real Things Magazine: Let’s Apply Together! Grant Application Assistance
Saturday, May 11 · 1 – 4pm CDT
City of Austin Cultural Arts: Virtual Open Office Hours
Monday, May 13 & Tuesday, May 14 · 10:30am – 6pm
Almost Real Things Magazine: Let’s Apply Together! Grant Application Assistance
Tuesday, May 14 · 1 – 4pm CDT
Learn More About the Other AACME Funding Programs That Create Austin Administers
Austin Live Music Fund
Encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse music industry.
Creative Space Assistance Program
Supports commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates.
Elevate Grant
Offers funding for arts organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses that produce culturally vibrant and diverse art.
Heritage Preservation Grant
Serves to promote tourism through historic preservation projects and activities inclusive of all stories rooted in history and heritage.
Thrive Grant
Offers focused investment to sustain and grow local arts nonprofit organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of Austin’s many cultures.
See the Impact of the Nexus Grant
Browse our calendar of local events that have been funded by grants – including Nexus – from the Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department
Creativity should be prioritized in our city – creating vibrant neighborhoods, social impact, sustainable economics, and job opportunities. By working together, we can enrich the lives of all who live in and visit our vibrant city.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply to one of the five grants administered by Create Austin, visit our Submittable Grant Management Platform. For more information on each program, you can explore our Resource Hub or visit the City of Austin website:
- Heritage Preservation Grant can be found through the Heritage Tourism Division.
- The Austin Live Music Fund can be found through the Music and Entertainment Division.
- Thrive, Nexus, and Elevate can be found through the Cultural Arts Department.
It is important to look at the city’s eligibility guidance for each program, to find the grant application closest suited to you or your organization.
While most of the public resources available for 2023’s round of grant programs will be found through the City of Austin, Create Austin is working to produce a great number of additional resources to support future applicants, current grantees, and community networkers. These will include, but not be limited to: public training sessions on grant writing, engagement opportunities for community collaboration and feedback, and detailed guidance on application processes, timelines, and eligibility.
The Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) is a statewide tax collected from hotels and other tourist-oriented accommodation providers. It is used to support the cultural industries within cities that drive tourism. The five City of Austin grants administered by Create Austin are funded exclusively through this source.
As a contractor of the city, Create Austin is not responsible for the selection of grant awardees. Our role is administration and logistics – ensuring the grant funds are distributed and providing financial reporting back to the city.
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