Thrive Grant
Offers focused investment to sustain and grow local arts nonprofit organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of Austin’s diverse cultures. It offers a cohort experience that operates through a combination of funding, peer leadership, and networking.
Thrive Grant Applications will open in July 2026
2026 Application Cycle
The 2026 Thrive Grant application will open in July 2026. Please see the AACME Thrive Website for the most up-to-date information about this program.
For Submittable (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 AACME Funding 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.
Resources for Thrive Grant Applicants
Events for Thrive Applicants
Asistencia en español disponible en todos los eventos
Cultural Arts Virtual Open Office Hours
Tuesday, June 25 · 10am – 12pm CDT
Online Elevate and Thrive Application Workshop for Nonprofits
Wednesday, June 26 · 10am – 1pm CDT
Cultural Arts Virtual Open Office Hours
Tuesday, July 2 · 10am – 12pm CDT
Elevate and Thrive In-Person Application Drop-in Workshop for Non-Profits
Saturday, July 6 · 10am – 1pm CDT
Cultural Arts Virtual Open Office Hours
Tuesday, July 9 · 10am – 12pm CDT
Elevate and Thrive In-Person Application Drop-in Workshop for Non-Profits
Wednesday, July 10· 6pm – 10pm CDT
Cultural Arts Virtual Open Office Hours
Tuesday, July 16 · 10am – 12pm CDT
Previous Award Cycles
If you are a current awardee, see our Grant Administration Updates page for information about our payment runs.
See the Impact of the Thrive Grant
Browse our calendar of local events that have been funded by grants – including Thrive – from the Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department
By the Numbers
Thrive Grant Applicants and Awardees
The Thrive Grant was established by the City of Austin to sustain and grow arts organizations that are deeply rooted in and reflective of Austin’s diverse cultures. See statistics and details from the Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department for the 2022 Thrive Grant.
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.
Nexus Grant
Supports emerging cultural and creative individuals and organizations to produce public projects and activities for Austin’s diverse communities.
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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