Visit Eau Claire Cultural Arts Grant Program
Visit Eau Claire is a non-stock, not-for-profit private corporation established to develop and promote the tourism industry in the Eau Claire area. Visit Eau Claire’s revenue sources include annual appropriations from room tax dollars and various revenue-generating programs and grants.
Through the Cultural Arts Grant Program, Visit Eau Claire invests in creative projects that strengthen the community’s cultural identity, enhance quality of life, and contribute to the overall appeal of Eau Claire as a place to live, visit, and experience the arts.
Note: The current grant programs are operating as pilot initiatives for the April application cycle while Visit Eau Claire evaluates and refines its funding approach. Updates or adjustments may be introduced ahead of the November cycle.
Program Purpose & Priorities
The Cultural Arts Grant Program is designed to catalyze new, creative, and unique arts and cultural experiences that enhance the vibrancy, identity, and cultural fabric of the Eau Claire area. As the region’s Destination Marketing Organization, Visit Eau Claire also seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community’s appeal and attract visitors to the region. The program prioritizes innovation, experimentation, and artistic growth, encouraging projects that introduce fresh ideas, activate spaces, create memorable cultural experiences, and contribute to Eau Claire’s evolving sense of place.
This program is not intended to provide ongoing or annual operational support for recurring events or standard programming. Instead, funding is focused on projects that push creative boundaries, explore new formats or collaborations, and meaningfully contribute to the Eau Claire area’s evolving cultural landscape.
Eligibility
Applicants proposing expanded or reimagined components of existing events must clearly articulate how the project is materially different from prior years and how it advances cultural or artistic innovation beyond standard programming. For further inquiries or clarification, please contact the Visit Eau Claire Grant Administrator at grants@visiteauclaire.com. Our team is dedicated to assisting you throughout the application process and looks forward to supporting your event initiatives.
Who can apply?
- To be competitive, a project must be time-limited and open to the public. Priority is given to:
- New Cultural Events and Programming: First-time festivals, performances, exhibitions, or cultural events taking place in Eau Claire.
- Innovative or Experimental Work: New cultural and artistic programming, creative concepts, or experimental initiatives not previously presented in the community.
- Community Engagement: Projects that meaningfully connect the community through immersive or interactive programming.
- Expanded or Reimagined Components: Significant enhancements to an existing event that introduce new cultural or artistic content, collaborations, formats, or audience engagement opportunities.
What is ineligible for funding?
- Recurring annual events without meaningful expansion or growth.
- Routine operating expenses, staffing, or administrative costs.
- Organizations that discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, national origin or limited participation.
- Political organizations, candidates for political office, and organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation.
- Individuals and organizations that have not fulfilled all previous grant award requirements.
- Capital improvements/renovations (unless directly tied to a new visitor initiative).
Procedures & Disbursement
Below are answers to common questions about the application process, review procedures, and how grant funds are distributed. Understanding these steps will help ensure a smooth experience from application through project completion.
When are grants applications open?
- Visit Eau Claire offers two grant cycles each year, with application deadlines on April 15 and November 15.
Can I apply for events scheduled more than six months in advance?
- Yes, applications for future events are welcome, provided you clearly explain the urgency of the event.
What happens after I submit an application?
- The Visit Eau Claire Grant Administrator reviews applications when submitted for completeness and clarifies areas as needed with applicants. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Who reviews and approves applications?
- The Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee reviews and evaluates applications; final approval is granted by the Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors.
When are grant funds distributed?
- Grant funds are dispersed post-event following the submission and approval of a final evaluation report documenting the project's impact.
Do I need to include any logos or credit language on my materials if my project receives funding?
- If your project is awarded funding, the Wisconsin Arts Board and National Endowment for the Arts logos and credit language must be included on all written materials and on your website.
What happens if my event is canceled?
- If your funded event is canceled, the grant becomes void, and pre-cancellation expenses will not be reimbursed. Please notify Visit Eau Claire of any significant changes.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The Visit Eau Claire Grants Committee evaluates each Cultural Arts application based on the following weighted criteria:
| Criteria | Weight |
| Originality & Creative Vision | 25% |
| Feasibility & Planning | 20% |
| Community & Visitor Impact | 20% |
| Artistic & Organizational Growth | 15% |
| Sustainability & Future Potential | 10% |
| Community Partnerships & Regional Collaboration | 10% |
👉 View Detailed Weighted Scoring Criteria
Grant Cycles & Timeline
The event date must occur a minimum 45 days after the respective April 15 and November 15 grant cycle dates.
April 15 Cycle
(for events occurring July 1-December 31)
| March 1 | Reminder announcement of accepting applications |
| April 15 | Spring application deadline |
| April/May | Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee Evaluation & Meeting |
| May | Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors approval of grant awards |
| June | Notification of grant application decisions |
| Disbursement | Funding disbursement occurs after the submission of a final event evaluation report |
November 15 Cycle
(for events occurring January 1-June 30)
| October 1 | Reminder announcement of accepting applications |
| November 15 | Fall application deadline |
| Nov/Dec | Visit Eau Claire Grant Committee Evaluation & Meeting |
| December | Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors approval of grant awards |
| January | Notification of grant application decisions |
| Disbursement | Funding disbursement occurs after the submission of a final event evaluation report |
Cultural Arts Grants in Action
Hmong New Year Celebration
Cultural Arts Grant Recipient
The Hmong New Year Celebration exemplifies the spirit of the Cultural Arts Grant Program — bringing tradition, creativity, and community together in a way that enriches both residents and visitors. Through performances, cultural expression, and shared celebration, the event highlights how arts and culture play a vital role in shaping the Eau Claire area's sense of place.
Not Sure This Is The Right Grant?
The Cultural Arts Grant Program supports creative, innovative, and culturally focused projects that strengthen the Eau Claire area's artistic identity and community experience. If your primary goal is to attract visitors, generate overnight stays, or expand a tourism-driven event, your project may be a better fit for Visit Eau Claire's Tourism Grant Program.
Spread the Word - We Are Here to Help!
Receiving a grant is just the beginning — getting people through the door is where the magic happens! Here are a few easy ways to make sure your event gets the visibility it deserves. Have questions along the way? Reach out to us at marketing@visiteauclaire.com — we're happy to help!
The Visit Eau Claire Grants Program is made possible through the support of:
Questions?
Get in touch with our grants administrator at grants@visiteauclaire.com.
We're happy to help you determine which program is right for your project.
Equal Opportunity & Nondiscrimination
Visit Eau Claire's grant program is open to all eligible applicants without discrimination on the basis of age, race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or physical condition. Grant recipients must comply with the State of Wisconsin's nondiscrimination requirements as outlined by the Wisconsin Arts Board. Failure to comply may result in termination of the grant award or withholding of payment.