The Horizons Grants Program leverages community cultural development by granting private funding to individuals and organizations who propose projects that “build community and change lives.”
Horizons is made possible by private contributions from more than 50 individuals, foundations, and businesses in partnership with the Salina Arts & Humanities (SAH) Foundation. The SAH Foundation has provided over one million dollars in support of more than 550 Horizons Grants since 1986. Salina Arts & Humanities staff provide grant oversight and administration for Saline County artists and organizations.
Developing Artist and Organizational Project Grants are awarded annually. Smaller Horizons Enrichment Grants are available throughout the year as funds are available.
Grant Cycle: May 1 – November 1
Eligible Applicants: Any highly-skilled visual, performing, literary, and/or interdisciplinary artist who has demonstrated dedication to his/her art form but has not yet firmly established his/her career as a full-time, practicing artist. Applicants must be 18 years or older and a resident of Saline County for at least one year before the application due date.
Eligible candidates are not required to earn a living exclusively through the practice of their art form. However, applicants must demonstrate a commitment when and if it becomes feasible. Artists with established skills and credentials in one art form but expanding into a new area are eligible to apply for funding.
Beyond these general guidelines, the decision of who qualifies as a Developing Artist is ultimately determined by the Salina Arts and Humanities Department according to guidelines and criteria. PLEASE NOTE: these grants are intended to advance an artist’s career and demonstrate community impact through a committed public component.
Grant Cycle: May 1 – November 1
Eligible Applicants: Any nonprofit organization or local governmental unit in Saline County may apply. Nonprofit organizations must be incorporated and be recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. All applicants must agree to abide by federal and state laws regarding civil rights, access for people with disabilities, and other non-discriminatory provisions.
Though nonprofit organizations and local governmental units may only submit applications, SAH encourages unincorporated groups to develop projects for funding. These groups should attempt to locate at least one eligible partner willing to apply on their behalf and serve as fiscal agent for the grant funds. Groups seeking the services of a suitable fiscal agent are encouraged to notify the department staff for assistance in the process.
Grants Available from February 1 – November 15
Deadline: 4 weeks before the start of the proposed project (6 weeks before the start for FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS)
Eligible Applicants: Any individual artists, nonprofit organization, or local governmental unit in Saline County may apply. Individual applicants must have been a resident of Saline County for at least one year before the application due date. Nonprofit organizations must be incorporated and be recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. Unincorporated groups are also encouraged to apply by locating an eligible partner to serve as a fiscal agent.
Launched in 1986, the Horizons Grants Program was the first of its kind in operation in the State of Kansas. It has grown to become a widely respected resource that helps give Salina a firm reputation as a vibrant and supportive cultural community that actively helps to empower individual artists and organizations that enrich our lives. More than $1,000,000 has been granted since the program began.
Contact us for more information on becoming a Horizons donor and supporting arts and cultural development in Saline County, Kansas.