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 special projects.

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

DIGITAL SUBMISSION PORTAL

The application period for the next grant cycle is now open. The deadline is Friday, March 13th, 2026.

Applications are available online or as a download. Hard copies are also available at The Myrna Loy box office.

Please EMAIL any questions to: [email protected]

Applications are due by Friday, March 13th, 2026. Grants will be awarded no later than May 1st, 2026.

PRINTABLE APPLICATION

Guidelines

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.
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. If you need clarification, email [email protected]
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. The project must be completed by June 30, 2027. You will be asked to share your work in some public fashion (exhibit, reading, podcast, online) so there must be something to show. The grant is not designed to fund general studio time or continuing education but is geared towards a finished project with an audience in mind.
Project description: Please take some time to fully describe the concept, what you’ve worked through already, and where you want to take it.
How funds will be applied: Be direct. We’ve given grants to rent scaffolding for an installation, to pay postage for submissions, framing etc. Please 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? Access to printing?
Budget: Please submit all the information asked for. How well you understand your budget tells us a lot about your project. Accuracy is key. We have made every effort to simplify this process to be straightforward and as brief as possible. 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. Phone calls are discouraged.