Thrive Grant
Nexus Application Deadline: May 13, 2024 at 7 pm CST
The Thrive Grant provides a focused investment to sustain and grow arts organizations that are 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 to develop organizational improvements, goals, and a path to becoming a cultural institution.
The 2024 Thrive Grant application is anticipated to open in mid-June. More information will be updated on this page and the City of Austin Thrive Website when it is available.
If you are a current awardee, see our Grant Administration Updates page for information about our payment runs.
Resources for Thrive Grant Applicants
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 City of Austin Economic Development Department for the 2022 Thrive Grant.
Learn More About the Other City of Austin Grants That Create Austin Administers
Austin Live Music Fund
This fund was established by City of Austin and provides an ongoing budget for cultural funding programs for Austin’s music industry.
Nexus Grant
Grants for new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses to produce creative public projects.
Elevate Grant
Grants for arts organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses that produce culturally vibrant and diverse artistic content.
Heritage Preservation Grant
Promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities inclusive of all stories rooted in history and heritage.
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.
See the Impact of the Thrive Grant
Browse our calendar of local events that have been funded by grants – including Thrive – from the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department.
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. You can also look at our infographic – Which Grant am I Most Suited For?
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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