Technology is a creative essential. From digital archives to hybrid exhibitions, artists and arts nonprofits rely on tech to tell stories, reach audiences, and preserve work. The Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund exists to help you grow that digital capacity and your community impact.
From now through June 20, 2025, artists and nonprofit organizations in Akron, Detroit, or Miami-Dade County can apply for one-year grants to upgrade their gear, platforms, and digital capacity. Use this guide to explore eligible costs, understand reviewer priorities, and get your application ready to submit.
You can apply for:
- Up to $25,000 if you’re an individual artist
- Up to $100,000 if you represent a 501(c)(3) arts organization
What the Fund Covers
You can request funding to support a project or enhance your operations in one or more of these example categories—just connect them in one clear narrative:
Equipment: cameras, 3D printers, high-performance laptops
Software & Licenses: Adobe Creative Cloud, CRM systems, digital archives
Infrastructure: servers, cabling, public Wi-Fi, cloud storage
Short-Term Expertise (up to 1 year): web developer, digital archivist, media strategist
Platform Development: apps, interactive sites, game prototypes
Digitization & Preservation: media conservation, high-res documentation, online galleries
Tip: Draft a “shopping list” of tech you need. Then highlight what you:
- Don’t already own
- Will use long-term
- Can tie clearly to the fund’s categories
Build a Strong, Three-Part Case
Reviewers look for proposals that pass the “Three-I” test:
- Innovative: Does the application bring new tech to your practice or city
- Informed: Do you reference quotes, benchmarks, or relevant case studies
- Impactful: Who benefits in your practice or organization and beyond? Show ripple effects for your community. How will these efforts be sustained beyond the granting period?
Tip: Add at least one vendor quote to back up your budget—like an estimate for server upgrades or digitization services.
Build a Budget That Lasts
Keep this equation in mind:
Total Budget = Knight Ask + Confirmed/Pending Matches
- Matching Funds only apply if your org’s annual budget is over $1M.
- 12-Month Timeline: Plan to complete spending and reporting within one year of receiving the grant (grantees announced November 2025).
- Budget Narrative: Every line item in your budget should also appear in your narrative. Show how each cost supports the purpose of your request. Nothing should feel extra or unexplained.
Tip: Include a “life after Knight” note—briefly share how you’ll maintain tools, licenses, or services once the grant ends.
Use Knight’s Free Support Resources
- Office Hours: Book with Knight staff to clarify eligibility or review budget questions.
- Info Sessions: Watch recorded webinars that walk through the form, attachments, and evaluation rubric.
- Budget Template: Use Knight’s Excel sheet (provided in the application) to avoid upload issues in Submittable.
Final Submission Checklist
Before clicking “Submit,” confirm:
- Support categories aligned in one cohesive story
- Budget is properly uploaded and formatted
- Activities (spending) and Outcomes (impact) clearly listed
- Letters of Support included if you name outside partners
- Attachments: work samples, media clips, or demo links to show your digital chops
Key Reminders
- Individuals can request up to $25K and nonprofit organizations up to $100K to fund tech upgrades, digital tools, and short-term expertise.
- Reviewers want to see innovation, a budget, and narrative that are tightly woven together, and broad impact.
- Deadline: June 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Tap into Knight’s support resources and this guide to submit your sharpest application.