FY28 Professional and Workforce Development Grant for Artists Guidelines

Substantive Changes Summary: FY27 vs FY28 PDG Guidelines

Clarifications:

• Professional Development Definition: Adds professional development definition (National Endowment for the Arts guidance).
• Clarification of Eligible Professional Development Activities: FY28 clarifies that eligible activities to include mentorships, apprenticeships, internships, training programs, and structured learning activities (NEA guidance).
• Teaching Artist Eligibility: FY28 clarifies in the program description and review criteria that teaching artists are eligible applicants. A definition of teaching artist will be added.
• Non-Allowable Costs Clarified: Allowable costs have not changed, but FY28 explicitly clarifies that food, drink, and per diem are non-allowable expenses.
• Eligibility Wording Change: FY28 removes the requirement to be a “practicing artist or creative” and instead requires evidence of an engaged artistic practice. See details in Resources below.
• Documentation Requirements Clarified: FY28 includes more specific guidance for application documentation such as course outlines, detailed travel documentation, and impact statements.

Changes:

• Application Cycles & Timeline: In FY27, the application was open on a rolling basis, and the time period of support was the fiscal year (July-June). In FY28, PDG will now be on a six-month cycle. Cycle A will open May 1, 2027, and support projects July 1–Dec. 31, 2027. Cycle B will open Nov. 1, 2027, and support projects Jan. 1–June 30, 2028. A Cycle C application open date and appropriate time period of support will be announced if additional funding becomes available.
• Removal of Named Staff Contacts: FY28 replaces direct staff contacts with a centralized Contact Us form.
• Deadline for Submitting Receipts: FY28 shortens the receipt submission window from 45 days to 30 days after event completion.

Grant Snapshot

APPLICATION OPEN:

• Cycle A: May 1, 2027, at 8 a.m. PT
• Cycle B: Nov. 1, 2027, at 8 a.m. PT
• Cycle C: TBD, if funds become available

APPLICATION DEADLINE: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds are available)

TIME PERIOD OF SUPPORT:

• Cycle A: Project activities from July 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027
• Cycle B: Project activities from Jan. 1, 2028 – June 30, 2028
• Cycle C: TBD, if funds become available

ELIGIBILITY: Individual, Nevada resident, 21 years or older, non-student

GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $2,000*

REQUIRED MATCH: No match required

CONTACT: If you have any questions, please fill out this Contact Us form and select “Artist Services” program area.

How the Program Works

The Professional and Workforce Development Grant (PDG) supports participation in professional development and skills-building activities that contribute to significant professional and career growth in the arts for Nevada artists and teaching artists. Professional development refers to structured learning activities designed to strengthen skills, enhance effectiveness, and/or support adaptation to evolving practices within the arts sector. A teaching artist is a professional artist who combines their artistic practice with the skills and knowledge needed to teach, facilitate learning, and engage individuals and communities through the arts. Eligible activities and costs are limited to participation in workshops, masterclasses, mentorships, apprenticeships, internships, training programs, or residencies with structured learning activities that emphasize learning, skill-building, and/or career advancement.

To offer flexibility and expedite funding, PDG grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for each cycle. Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged. The application portal will remain open throughout the time period of support, and applicants can apply after allocated funds have been expended to be placed on a waitlist for possible funding. Grantees may receive funding for one PDG per fiscal year.

Eligibility

Individuals:

• Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the grant application
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must not be enrolled as degree-seeking student in a field related to the type of grant for which they are applying

Allowable Costs and Restrictions

Funds may be used for:

• Registration fees
• Travel (accommodations and transportation only, no food/drink)

Funds may NOT be used for:

• Commercial activity
• Expenses outside the grant period
• Expenses reimbursed or covered by other sources, such as employer or host organization
• Food, drink, or per diem
• Registration fees for Nevada Arts Council-sponsored events
• Travel outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

For a full list of non-allowable expenses, see the Funding Restrictions in the current Grant and Award Policies. Grant funds will be held upon receipt of the signed terms and conditions. Grant funds will be disbursed as reimbursement upon receipt and approval of the Final Report, including proof of grant expenses. All required receipts must be submitted within 30 days of event completion or June 30, 2028 (whichever is first).

Review Process/Criteria

Nevada Arts Council staff will review applications for eligibility, completeness, and adherence to the requirements below. Applications that meet all eligibility and project requirements are awarded in the order in which they are received while funds remain available. A record of the review process is maintained for all applications. Grants are contingent on available funding as approved by the Nevada Arts Council Board. The application must demonstrate artistic excellence and artistic merit that includes the following:

• Artist or teaching artist provides evidence of an engaged artistic or creative practice
• Development opportunity includes clear learning objectives and achievable outcomes
• Development opportunity relates to the applicant’s artistic, business management, or technical development

Programming & Reporting Requirements

All grant funded projects/activities must be completed within the grant period of performance. Documentation of the use of grant funds must be provided in the Final Report and must align with proposed expense categories. To stay in compliance and remain eligible for future Nevada Arts Council grants, grantees must submit the Final Report by the deadline stated in the award packet.

How to Apply

1. Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants. Grant terms and conditions are subject to changing state and federal regulations during the grant period of performance. The Nevada Arts Council will post and inform awardees of any changes if/as soon as they are available.
2. Complete the application online.

Resources

Before filling out this application, gather the following narratives and support materials to make the process easier:

• Unexpired ID and proof of residency
• Evidence of an engaged artistic practice, such as:
  • Résumé or CV
  • Online presence
  • Work samples
• Information about the professional development opportunity, such as:
  • Conference website
  • Workshop description or course outline
  • Impact statement on applicant’s personal craft
• Associated travel costs, such as:
  • Hotel booking confirmation
  • Estimated mileage
  • Airplane booking confirmation
• Budget information, such as:
  • Proposed use of grant expenses

Review additional resources for applicants.

If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at [email protected].

*Requested and awarded grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding, review criteria, and Nevada Arts Council Board approval.