The AACME (Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment) funding cycle is a grant program designed to support organizations, groups, or individual creative entities in Austin working in arts, culture, music, and entertainment.
The first step is an Intake Form. Through the Intake Form, lead applicants can select specific AACME Funding Program(s) of interest or receive a notification about those specific programs and simplify the funding application process. Please note that not all applicants will meet the eligibility requirements.
What’s New for FY25–FY26
This year’s process has been streamlined for the applicant’s convenience. Through one Intake Form, you can now:
- Build your Submittable profile and
- Start the application process for all AACME funding programs at once.
The Create Austin website also provides resources for each grant program, where you’ll find:
- Program guidelines
- Fillable templates
- Technical-assistance resources
- Additional application materials as they become available
Before You Begin: Important Notes
Lead Applicant Requirement:
The individual who submits the application must be the legal Authorizing Authority for any potential grant agreements with the City of Austin.
Fiscal Sponsors:
If you’re applying under Elevate or Nexus and plan to use a fiscal sponsor after an award is made, you must still submit your own Intake Form first. If awarded, you’ll then transfer account ownership to your fiscal sponsor.
Multiple Creative Entities:
A creative entity is a distinct group, organization, or project that produces or presents creative work. If you represent more than one creative entity, you must complete a separate Intake Form for each one.
Additional Information:
You can find the most up to date information about these grants on the City of Austin AACME website.
Step 1: Accessing the Portal
- Go to the Submittable portal.
- Scroll to the FY26 Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME) Funding Cycle and click “Apply.”
- If you don’t yet have a Submittable account, click “Sign Up” and follow the prompts.
- Verify your email, then refresh the page or click “Proceed to the Form.”
- If you already have an account, simply log in.
Tip: Turn off your browser’s autocomplete to make filling out the form easier. (Search “how to turn off autocomplete” plus your browser name for additional help.)
Step 2: Completing the Intake Form
The Intake Form has four sections.
Section 1: Contact Information
Provide your contact details.
If you’re a nonprofit, upload the document verifying your tax-exempt status (specific to your nonprofit type).
Section 2: About Your Creative Entity
Answer basic questions about your organization, group, or project.
Section 3: Programs of Interest
Select which funding programs you’d like to apply to.
- Beginning October 14, you’ll receive an Eligibility Form for each program you select.
- If you’re unsure which program fits you best, select “Unsure.” Within two business days, Create Austin staff will guide you toward the programs you may qualify for.
Section 4: Demographic Questions
These questions are used by AACME for reporting purposes. You may select “Prefer not to answer” for any question you wish to skip.
Responses in this section are not used to score applications and will not be visible to reviewers.
Step 3: Saving and Submitting
- To save your work, click “Save Draft” at the bottom of the form.
- To return later, go to Submissions → Drafts → Continue in your Submittable account.
- When finished, click “Apply” to submit your Intake Form.
Step 4: Making Edits After Submission
If you need to make changes after submitting:
- Go to your Submissions page in Submittable.
- Click the Forms tab.
- Locate the Edit button in the upper-right corner.
- A request window will open — describe your edit and submit it.
- A staff member will review and approve your edit request.
Step 5: What Happens Next
After you’ve submitted the Intake Form:
- You’ll be sent eligibility forms starting October 14 (or a notice when a specific program’s application opens).
- You’ll only receive eligibility forms for the programs you selected.
- If your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll be invited to complete the full application once it opens.