State arts funding announced, applications open

Article submitted by United Arts Collier

After last year’s total statewide veto of arts funding, this year’s Florida state budget marks  restoration of support for arts and cultural organizations across the state.

The 2025–2026 budget, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, includes significant arts and culture funding through the Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture. While many high-scoring applicants in Collier and beyond were not included in the final allocations, the fact that any funding has been restored represents an encouraging step in the right direction. We are grateful to our legislators who championed the arts and all those who joined in our advocacy for all the arts in Collier!

Collier County Highlights

This year, fourteen Collier County-based arts and cultural organizations received recommendations for funding from the Division (including those who scored 80 and above) totaling nearly $1.5 million. Of those, only four are currently slated to receive funding from the state budget (including those who scored 95 and above), with others eligible for potential distribution of additional proviso funds.

To learn more about how recommendations have been made historically, please visit the Division’s website here. You can see the full list of scored applications here which includes not only those based in Collier, but also our local organizations surrounding and serving Collier County and beyond.

While not all of these recommended grants were included in the line-item budget, we are sincerely thankful to see arts funding return to the state budget this year. It’s a clear signal that the value of arts and culture to Florida’s communities is being recognized once again.

Looking Ahead

Importantly, there is a proviso in the current budget that leaves the door open for further distribution of funds this year among organizations that scored above an 85 but did not receive direct funding. How those additional dollars will be allocated remains to be seen, but it represents a critical opportunity for Collier’s highly ranked organizations — many of which have long delivered important impacts in arts education, access, and innovation.

Even with the uncertainty ahead, the Collier arts sector remains resilient and collaborative. We continue to champion our creative community — not just as a local asset, but as an essential part of Florida’s cultural and economic strength. We are hopeful for further support and energized by the momentum this budget brings.

As we look to the next phase, we are grateful for the support received, determined to advocate for those still awaiting funding, and committed to ensuring the arts thrive — for all in Collier and beyond.

We encourage organizations and supporters to stay engaged and connected. United Arts Collier is here to assist any organization navigating the application process or seeking support in advocacy efforts.

Grant Information Available Here!

Applications open, deadline to apply is July 14th

The Florida Division of Arts & Culture’s 2025–2026 grant applications are now officially open — with an extremely condensed timeline.

All submissions are due by Monday, July 14th.

These grants support General Program Support (GPS), Specific Cultural Projects (SCP), and Cultural Facilities, and are open to nonprofit organizations and public entities across the state. If your organization serves Collier County or the broader Florida arts community, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Given the limited application window, we recommend starting immediately and reaching out to the Division with any questions as soon as possible.