ArtsFund

Mission

ArtsFund supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking in order to build a healthy, equitable, and creative Washington.

Description

Since 1969 ArtsFund has strengthened Washington's arts and culture through our leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking. Throughout our 50+ year history, ArtsFund has distributed nearly $142 million in grants to over 1,000 arts and culture organizations in all 39 Washington counties. With one gift to ArtsFund, you support the entire arts ecosystem ensuring arts organizations you love continue to deliver programs and events that bring joy and meaning to our communities.

Leadership

ArtsFund invests in the next generation of nonprofit leaders, creative professionals, and arts advocates through skill-enhancing training and resources including our Board Leadership Training program, Cultural Partners Network, and ArtsFund Visionaries.

Advocacy

ArtsFund provides critical research on the social and economic impact of the arts in Washington through Arts Impact Reports as well as supporting the Building for the Arts program. Our most recent study, the Livability Impact Study of the Arts, highlights how the arts elevate quality of life in every Washington community.

Grantmaking

In 2025, we celebrated our largest grantmaking year ever, distributing $12.5 million to 930 organizations across all 39 Washington counties. Our unrestricted grant programs include the Community Accelerator Grant in partnership with Allen Family Philanthropies, Allocations Grants, and Youth Arts Opportunity Fund (YAOF).

Recognition

ArtsFund believes the arts are essential—not optional. They foster belonging, spark connection, and drive economic vitality. They create spaces where people engage in the shared experience of culture and build a stronger society.  ArtsFund is proud to stand at the center of Washington’s arts and culture network, and we want to thank you for your commitment to our arts and cultural community!