Partnership Agreement Grants, FY 2027
🏛 National Endowment for the Arts
Can you apply?
This grant is for state arts agencies (SAAs) and regional arts organizations (RAOs). The 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies are the primary applicants. The six regional arts organizations whose member SAAs comprise them are also eligible. Awards support partnership agreements and collaborative arts initiatives between arts agencies. Geographic scope is national, covering all US states and territories.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
The National Endowment for the Arts’ State & Regional Partnership Agreement grants are awarded to the nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs), and the six regional arts organizations (RAOs) whose members comprise SAAs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement
- Project narrative describing partnership agreement
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of matching funds or commitment letters
- Documentation of organizational capacity and SAA/RAO status
Program contact
- 👤 National Endowment for the Arts
- 📧 apply@arts.gov
- 📞 202-682-5504
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 45.025 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,383,095
-
$2,990,017
-
$2,661,770
-
$2,617,692
-
$2,529,340
-
$2,525,040
-
$2,454,292
-
$2,403,662
-
$2,373,445
-
$2,071,600
Top States by Funding
- CO 6 awards $15.8M
- MD 7 awards $15.1M
- GA 7 awards $13.0M
- MA 8 awards $10.6M
- CA 5 awards $8.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 45.025). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $68,714,500 | |
| 2025 | $71,036,900 | |
| 2026 est. | $69,230,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for these grants?
The 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies and the six regional arts organizations are eligible. These are established entities, not individual applicants.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is September 29, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What funding levels are available?
Awards range from $400,000 to $2,500,000. The total funding pool is $70 million across all recipients.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, applicants must contribute matching funds. The specific match percentage should be verified in the full RFP.
How competitive are these grants?
These grants are highly competitive. Only 62 eligible organizations nationwide can apply, and funds are limited.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the full RFP early to understand partnership agreement requirements and match expectations. NEA guidelines are detailed and specific.
- State and regional arts agencies should align proposals with their strategic plans and constituent priorities.
- Demonstrate clear partnership structures. NEA emphasizes collaboration between arts agencies and community organizations.
- Build the matching funds budget carefully. Cost-sharing is substantial at these award levels.
- Submit well in advance of the September deadline. Competition is fierce among the 62 eligible applicants nationwide.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating match requirements or failing to secure matching funds before submission. Proposing partnerships that lack clear governance or accountability structures. Submitting generic proposals without demonstrating unique state or regional impact.
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