Small grants to working artists

The Myrna Loy Grants to Artists is one of the few private programs in the region that gives direct funding support to individual artists. Grants are available every other year, with special grant programs offered periodically.

Grants have sustained and encouraged artists of all disciplines, at all levels, since the 1970s. The Myrna Loy raises funds privately, through periodic Saturday Night Live in Helena performances, and other projects–like the Found It! exhibit.

Art transforms everything. And we believe even small grants can help transform an artist’s work.

The application period for the next grant cycle opened Monday, January 15th, 2024.

Applications are available for download or you can get a copy from The Myrna Loy Box Office.

Please EMAIL any questions to: [email protected]

Applications are due by Thursday, February 29th, 2024. Grants will be awarded no later than April 29th, 2024.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE!

2024Myrna Loy Grants to Artists Application Form

Guidlines

Eligible artists: Any individual artist in any genre, of any age, may apply as long as they live in the Myrna Loy’s 3-county region: Jefferson, Broadwater, or Lewis & Clark County. It’s hard to make a living as an artist in Montana. If you’re new, or here temporarily, your application won’t be as strong (just so you know). We have given grants to artists ages 16-70.
Individuals only? Yes. If you’re in a band or collaboration you may apply as an individual for a single project—but this program doesn’t fund groups or ensembles. (You can email for clarification.)
Eligible projects: We’re looking for projects that will result in a product or body of work —an exhibit, an album, a collection, a single work, etc. Project must be completed by June 30, 2025. You will be asked to share your work in some public fashion (exhibit, reading, podcast, online) so there must be something to show. In other words, we will not simply support you to spend time doing your work.
Project description: Do you want the review panel to get excited about your project? Here’s your opportunity. Put some time and thought into this. If you say “see attached” we won’t.
How funds will be applied: Be honest. We’ve given grants to rent scaffolding for an installation, or to pay postage for submissions. Don’t try to make it sound sexy, just tell us what you need and why.
Spotlight grant: We have limited funds but a lot of connections and resources. Are there non-monetary ways we can help? Think about what you really need. Tech help? Expertise? Publicity campaign? (We just might give you money as well!)
Budget: Please submit all the information asked for. How you understand your project budget tells us a lot about your project. (We’ve kept it pretty simple to make it easy on you!) You can apply for up to $1,000.
Questions: PLEASE EMAIL questions to [email protected] so that we can get you the BEST and most up to date information. If you call us, there is a chance our employees may not know the answer or even give you incorrect information.