ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Arts Council is now accepting applications for FY2027 Express Grants. These grants feature a simpler application and rolling deadlines to fund arts projects, educational initiatives, and community touring taking place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. We encourage organizations to apply early, since funding is limited.
Express Grants require no match and receive 100% funding if the evaluation score is 75% or greater.
FY27 Express Grants opportunities
- Express Project: designed for smaller, flexible projects – $4,000 maximum request amount
- Arts Education
○ Big Yellow School Bus (transportation) – $500 per school maximum
○ Arts learning grants (Out of School, Artist in Residence, Professional Development) – $4,000 maximum
○ School Touring: supports hiring artists from the Missouri Touring Performers Directory – $1,500 per school maximum
- Community Touring: supports hiring artists from the Missouri Touring Performers Directory – $4,000 maximum
Rolling deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the deadline on the first Monday of each month, two months in advance of the month in which the project incurs expenses. For example, for projects taking place in July 2026, the application is due on May 4, the first Monday of May 2026.
How to apply
Interested applicants should review our guidelines on our website’s Grants page to determine the appropriate grant, and should register at our online granting system, SmartSimple.
How to get help
For help with Arts Education Grants, contact Jenni Ryan, arts education specialist, jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov, 314-340-6857. For help with all other Express Grants, contact Donald Rice, program specialist, donald.rice@ltgov.mo.gov, 314-340-6854.