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Community Grants
Incorporated in 2022, the Meow Wolf Foundation supports our local communities through direct community grants, employee matching gifts, and partnerships with local, regional, and national nonprofits to foster creative economies in the states of Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. The majority of grants are unrestricted and can support general operations.
The Meow Wolf Foundation grant program is invitation-only.
Our Focus Areas
ACCESS
Creative Inclusion
- Art and Culture Programming for Diverse Audiences of All Ages, from children to seniors, within schools and/or outside of formal institutions at exhibits/performances/festivals/camps/community centers etc. Particular emphasis will be placed on art programs serving young people in historically under-resourced communities.
- Boosting Next Generation Creative Professionals, in support of artists and other creatives to pursue and grow their craft. This includes organizations supporting internships, residency programs, mentorship programs, loans and training, and other avenues into the creative economy.
RESTORE
The Healing Power of Art
- Art to Heal, Nourish, and Bridge Divides, including mental and behavioral health programs, that utilize the healing ability of creativity, imagination, and art.
- Preservation of Traditional Artistic & Cultural Practices, in particular for indigenous/first nations communities, in support of the healing capacity of traditional practices.
TRANSFORM
Experimental and Innovative Solutions
- Research and Innovative Projects that leverage art and creativity to re-imagine solutions in innovative and experimental ways.
- Advocacy and Impact Art that harnesses the power of creativity and storytelling to help drive civic engagement and social change.
What We Are Looking For
Grant interest Form: Nonprofits that have not been invited to apply but align with our strategic focus areas and meet eligibility requirements may submit a form.
Eligibility
- 501(c)3 nonprofit arts & culture organization
- Based in:
- New Mexico
- Colorado: Denver Metro Area (Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties)
- Nevada: Clark County
- Texas: Grapevine (DFW) or Houston - Annual operating budget of at least $50,000 and have paid staffing equivalent to .5FTE or greater
- Strong organizational history and accomplishments; A minimum of 3 years consistent public arts & culture programming
- Address community need and clear articulation of funding purpose
- Demonstration of community impact, including number served and depth of service
We strongly encourage applications from:
- Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) led and serving organizations
- Grassroot organizations
- Those working with and in historically targeted/marginalized/under-resourced communities
- Those with strong ties to other organizations including collectives/collaborations
We don’t provide direct grants to:
- Individuals, including scholarships, loans, and sponsorships
- Schools or government entities
- Events and media/film productions
- Activities or initiatives that have a religious purpose
- Endowment funding
- Funding to retire operating debt
- Galas, memberships, and event sponsorships
- Organizations that do not benefit those who live in eligible states of Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico or Texas
- Organizations that discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex, gender, religion, national origin, age, actual or perceived physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other classification protected by law
- Political organizations and those having the primary purpose of influencing legislation or promoting a particular ideological point of view.
If your organization meets the requirements, we invite you to complete the grant interest form. Once submitted, our staff will receive a copy of the form via email.