Heartland Craft Guilds: Capacity Support Grant Program

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Project Title

Project Start Date

Project End Date

Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CT

Heartland Craft Guilds: Capacity Support Grants is a grant program that supports craft guilds and cultural organizations rooted in preserving and sustaining craft traditions, community-based knowledge, and hands-on making across America’s heartland. This opportunity expands the types of operational structures eligible for support to include nonprofits as well as art-centric businesses to better serve groups that may face barriers with other grant programs.

Through unrestricted funding and shared learning with other guild leaders, Heartland Craft Guilds builds organizational capacity by supporting the leadership and operational systems that help organizations serve members, deepen practice, and maintain long-term stability and organizational health.

Heartland Craft Guilds is a pilot program of Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), developed with support from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation. The program reflects a shared commitment to hands-on engagement with materials, mastery of technique, and the preservation, innovation, and evolution of heritage work, particularly within under-resourced and historically overlooked communities.

The Heartland Craft Guilds: Capacity Support Grant Program is designed for nonprofit craft guilds, member-based organizations, and cultural collectives rooted in traditional, cultural, and heritage-based craft practices across Mid-America Arts Alliance’s six-state region: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as the Native Nations within this geography. Through operational grants, capacity building, and cohort learning, Heartland Craft Guilds will support culturally driven organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region with annual operating expenses under $500,000.

M-AAA expects to grant a total of $180,000 in the region, through 15 unrestricted, non-matching organizational grants of $12,000 each.

See the Heartland Craft Guilds: Capacity Support Grants website for more information.

M-AAA recommends using the latest version of Google Chrome or Firefox as your internet browser to complete this application form.

APPLICANT SURVEY

A. How did the applicant learn about this grant opportunity?

B. Choose that which best reflects the organization's relationship with M-AAA.

C. Would you like to receive M-AAA's monthly e-newsletter for updates on additional opportunities?

ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE

A. Is the organization incorporated in the M-AAA region?

In which of M-AAA's six states is the organization incorporated?

B. Select the organization's legal structure.

Please list your tribal affiliation

C. Has the organization provided arts and cultural programming to its community for at least 3 years?

D. Is the organization's current annual operating budget more than $500,000?

YesNo

Select the range that reflects the organization's current operating budget?

Under $25,000
$25,001-$50,000$50,001-$100,000$100,001-$250,000$250,001-$500,000$500,001-$1,000,000$1,000,001-$5,000,000$5,000,001-$10,000,000Over $10,000,000

E. Does the organization have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) assigned when it registered at SAM.gov?

F. Does the organization have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

G. Is the organization member-based?

H. Does the organization center the skillful, hands-on creation of three-dimensional objects?

I. Does the applicant understand that, if selected for funding, at least one staff person from the organization is expected to participate monthly in a 90-minute cohort meeting throughout the 12-month program?

Your organization is not eligible to apply.

We appreciate your interest in the Heartland Craft Guilds: Capacity Support Grant Program.

Unfortunately, the answers provided in the questionnaire reveal that the applicant is not eligible for consideration.

Click here to join M-AAA's mailing list for more opportunities for artists and arts-based organizations.

For questions about eligibility, email us at heartlandcraft@maaa.org.

Welcome! Your organization is eligible to apply.

The answers provided in the questionnaire reveal that the applicant is eligible for consideration. Please proceed to the application below.

I. APPLICANT INFORMATION

1. What is the organization's legal name?

Organization's business name as it appears on its incorporation documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service or business registration with its Secretary of State office.

2. Is the organization known by a name other than its legal name?

What is the organization's other name?

Name of the organization if different from its name on its incorporation documents.

3. What is the organization's mailing address?

P.O. Box information is NOT accepted here.

City/Town

State

Zip Code

4. Does the organization have a street address different from its mailing address?

What is the organization's street address?

P.O. Box information is NOT accepted here.

City/Town

State

Zip Code

5. Does the organization have a website?

Provide the organization's Website Address.

6. What email address does the community use to contact the organization?

7. What phone number does the community use to contact the organization?

xxx-xxx-xxxx

8. Does the organization maintain a social media presence?

Which ones?

FacebookInstagram
Other
Twitter (Now X)

Applicant Facebook

Applicant Instagram

Applicant X (formerly Twitter)

Which other social media outlets?

9. What is the organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

This number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service

Numbers only. No dashes or hyphens.

10. If applicable, what is the organization's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as issued by its state's Secretary of State office?

Numbers only. No dashes or hyphens.

11. What is the organization's Unique Entity Identifier Number (UEI) as registered in SAM.gov?

Numbers and letters only. No dashes or hyphens.

12. Organization Legislative Information

U.S. Congressional District Number

Numbers only. For more information: https://pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/

State House Legislative District Number (lower chamber)

Numbers only. For more information: https://pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/

State Senate Legislative District Number (upper chamber)

Numbers only. For more information: https://pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/

13. What is the mission of the organization?

Insert a line space between paragraphs for ease of reading when applicable.

14. Choose the type of institution that best describes the organization.

You answered "None of the Above" for #14, please explain.

15. What is the primary creative discipline that the organization uses in its programming?

16. What is the population of the organization's geographic service area?

Population less than 50,000
Population 50,000 or more

17. Would the organization be described as being located in a rural or isolated area?

Tell us more about the rural or isolated location.

18. Organization's Leadership Contact Person Information

First Name

Last Name

Job Title or Artistic Discipline

Work Phone Number

xxx-xxx-xxxx

Email Address

How long has this person held this organization's leadership position?

Demographics for Organization Leadership Person

Gender

FemaleMaleNon-binaryThird Gender/Two SpiritTransgenderPrefer to self-describePrefer not to sayNone of the above

Please self-describe.

Race or Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska/Indigenous NativeBiracial/Multiracial/Mixed HeritageArab/Middle Eastern/North AfricanAsian/South Asian/Southeast AsianWhite/Caucasian/EuropeanBlack/African AmericanHispanic/LatinxNative Hawaiian/Other Pacific IslanderDecline to statePrefer to self-describe

Please self-describe.

Age

18-2425-3435-4445-5455-6465 and overPrefer not to say

Education

Some high schoolHigh school diploma or GEDSome collegeTwo year college degreeFour year college degreeAdvanced college degree (graduate, Ph.D., etc.)Vocational/Trade schoolPrefer to self-describePrefer not to say

Please self-describe.

Additional Identifiers

Veteran/Active DutyCaregiverImmigrantEnglish as a Second LanguageLGBTQOtherPrefer to self-describePerson with a DisabilityPrefer Not to StateNo Other Identifiers

Please self-describe.

19. Board Leadership (or the equivalent) or Secondary Contact Person Information

First Name

Last Name

Job Title or Artistic Discipline

Work Phone Number

xxx-xxx-xxxx

Email Address

How long has this person held this Board leadership (or equivalent) position?

Demographics for Board Leadership (or equivalent) or Secondary Contact Person

Gender

FemaleMaleNon-binaryThird Gender/Two SpiritTransgenderPrefer to self-describePrefer not to sayNone of the above

Please self-describe.

Race or Ethnicity

Biracial/Multiracial/Mixed HeritageAmerican Indian/Alaska/Indigenous NativeArab/Middle Eastern/North AfricanAsian/South Asian/Southeast AsianBlack/African AmericanHispanic/LatinxNative Hawaiian/Other Pacific IslanderWhite/Caucasian/EuropeanPrefer to self-describeDecline to state

Please self-describe.

Age

18-2425-3435-4445-5455-6465 and overPrefer not to say

Education

Please self-describe.

Additional Identifiers

CaregiverImmigrantOtherNo Other IdentifiersEnglish as a Second LanguageLGBTQPerson with a DisabilityVeteran/Active DutyPrefer Not to StatePrefer to self-describe

Please self-describe.

20. Application Contact Person Information

First Name

Last Name

Job Title or Artistic Discipline

Work Phone Number

xxx-xxx-xxxx

Email Address

How long has this person been affiliated with the organization?

Demographics for Application Contact Person

Gender

FemaleMaleNon-binaryThird Gender/Two SpiritTransgenderPrefer to self-describePrefer not to sayNone of the above

Please self-describe.

Race or Ethnicity

Please self-describe.

Age

18-2425-3435-4445-5455-6465 and overPrefer not to say

Education

Please self-describe.

Additional Identifiers

CaregiverImmigrantOtherEnglish as a Second LanguageLGBTQPerson with a DisabilityVeteran/Active DutyPrefer Not to StatePrefer to self-describeNo Other Identifiers

Please self-describe.

II. STAFF, BOARD, AND VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

21. How many of the following does the organization have?

Board Members (or the equivalent)

Full-time staff members

Part-time staff members

Full-time volunteers

Part-time Volunteers

Contractors

Board of Directors (or the Equivalent) Race or Ethnicity

Please self-describe.

Full-time and Part-time Staff Race or Ethnicity

Please self-describe.

22. Describe the Board members (or equivalent advisory group) composition, their level of involvement in the community, and how they serve the organization.

23. Describe the staff composition, their level of involvement in the community, and how they serve the organization.

III. APPLICATION NARRATIVE QUESTIONS

24. Tell us about the organization and the values that drive its work.

25. Describe the membership you serve. How many active, core members are there? How are you addressing their needs and interests through your work, and how has member support directly contributed to your organization's success?

26. How will this grant impact the organization's work and the well-being of the membership it serves?

27. How could access to a cohort and a coach support your work? AND with your expertise and knowledge, what could you offer to the cohort experience?

28. When did the organization begin providing community programs or services?

29. Rate the following statement: The organization's mission and/or programming predominantly serves Black, Latine, Asian, Arab, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and/or Caribbean communities, or another underserved community.

30. Identify the communities the organization predominantly serves through its programming.

BlackLatine AsianArabIndigenousPacific IslanderCarribean Other underrepresented

Briefly describe the Other underrepresented.

What is the primary type of activity involved in the project?

Choose the one statement that best describes the amount of arts education involved in the project:

50% or more of the project activities are arts education.
Less than 50% of the project activities are arts education.
None of the project activities involve arts education.

IV. ACCESSIBILITY QUESTIONS

Applicant Accessibility Information

A. The applicant has a stated policy or mission statement regarding accessibility.

B. The applicant has accessible information/accommodations with appropriate disability symbols included in all its publicity.

C. The applicant has an accessible website, including alt tags and captioned audio.

D. The applicant has a designated staff member responsible for overseeing accessibility and Section 504/ADA compliance.

E. The applicant has an access committee that includes people with various disabilities to advise on access issues.

You answered "Not Applicable" or "No" to at least one of the statements above, please explain.

APPLICANT ACCESSIBILITY CALCULATION (HIDE)

Applicant Public Programming Accessibility Information

F. Persons using wheelchairs and/or prosthetics will be able to participate in the project.

G. A sign language interpreter, an assistive listening system, or other assistance for persons with hearing impairments will be provided upon request.

H. Large print materials or descriptive audio recordings will be available upon request for persons with visual limitations.

I. Seats near the speaker/performer/interpreter will be available for persons with hearing and/or visual limitations along with their companions.

You answered "Not Applicable" or "No" to at least one of the statements above, please explain.

Applicant Venue Accessibility

J. The applicant's venue has designated accessible parking spaces with adjoining curb cuts and an accessible route from parking to the venue entrance.

K. The applicant's venue has ground-level entry, ramped access, and/or elevators.

L. The applicant's venue has integrated and dispersed wheelchair seating in assembly areas with companion seating.

M. The applicant's venue has signage at inaccessible entrances with directions to accessible entrances.

N. The applicant's venue has a wheelchair-accessible toilet stall, including a 60" diameter or T-turn clear floor space, free of the door swing.

O. The applicant's venue has accessible emergency exits and audio/visual emergency alarms.

You answered "Not Applicable" or "No" to at least one of the statements above, please explain.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY CALCULATION (HIDE)

V. ORGANIZATION BUDGET INFORMATION

31. What is the organization's current operating budget?

32. What percentage of the organization's annual revenue is:

Earned?

Donated?

Acquired from Other Sources?

Total

Ideally this should equal 100%.

Briefly describe the Other Sources.

VI. DOCUMENT UPLOADS

33. Proof of Incorporation

Limit 2 documents.

34. Organization Tax Filings

Limit 3 documents.

35. Organization's current Operating Budget

This should reflect anticipated income and expenses for the current year of operations.

36. Support Materials

Limit 4 documents, 2 pages each. This can include two testimonials or letters of recommendation from community representatives (not Board Members) who know firsthand how the organization makes a difference, as well as other documents such as a work sample summary document that lists websites where online photos, audio files, or videos can be viewed to better understand the work of the organization. Provide context for each sample listed. Audio and video files should be no more than five minutes in length.

CERTIFICATION

The Applicant hereby certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief that it and its principals:

A.) are not presently declared ineligible, or excluded from receiving federal assistance from any federal agency;

B.) do not currently owe a debt to the federal government for outstanding taxes;

C.) have not, within a three-year period preceding this application submission been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining or attempting to obtain public funds;

D.) are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a government entity with commission of any of the offenses noted above.

Nondiscrimination Statutes

The applicant certifies that all information contained in this application is true and further, it does not discriminate:

on the grounds of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency) in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.)

on the basis of physical or mental disability in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act;

on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), and

on the basis of sex, in any education program or activity, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.)

By virtue of submitting this form online I, the representative of the applicant, certify that all information contained in this form is true.

Certification Agreed

Name of person submitting application

Email address of person submitting application

Confirm email address of person submitting application

Date of application submission

Do you have technical difficulties with this application form or concerns about this grant program?

Please email program staff at heartlandcraft@maaa.org.

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