OVERVIEW
Projects, Events, or Festivals (PEF) furthers CAH’s mission by encouraging progress in the arts and humanities in the District of Columbia by supporting Individuals and non-profit arts, humanities, arts education, and service organizations who significantly contribute to the District of Columbia as a world-class cultural capital. This grant opportunity program goals:
- Provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences for all District of Columbia residents.
- Improve quality of life by supporting vibrant community projects within the arts and humanities.
- Strengthen the creative economy through investments in local individuals and organizations.
PEF is open for projects of all sizes that show District impact and engage District residents and visitors.
CAH encourages community-based projects that share characteristics such as geographic location, common interests, or community impact. Arts and humanities projects may include but are not limited to: concerts; visual arts exhibitions; literary readings; or festivals that feature dance, folk art, film, music, theatre and other art forms.
Applicants who are unsure if their project may qualify for this grant program are encouraged to contact a CAH grants manager.
FY 2027 PEF Request for Applications
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is soliciting applications from qualified arts, humanities, or arts education for its Fiscal Year 2027 Projects, Events or Festivals (PEF). Award amounts vary.
| Release: | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 |
| Submission Deadline: | 5 pm ET, Friday, May 22, 2026 |
| Anticipated Number of Awards: | Contingent upon number of applicants |
| Maximum Amount for Individual Awards: | Up to $10,000 |
| Maximum Amount for Organization Awards: | Up to $20,000 |
| Periods of Performance | October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 |
| Workshops and Live Chats | RSVP on Eventbrite |
Staff Contacts:
- Lucy Hernandez, Grant Manager (Organizations) | [email protected]
- Tanya Myers, Grant Manager (Individuals) | [email protected]
View the FY27 PEF documents by downloading the PDFs of the RFA or navigate the RFA on our website using the Table of Contents below.
Table of Contents
- Description of Funding Opportunity
- Award Information
- Eligibility Information
- Application and Submission Guidelines
- Application and Review Information
- Award Administration Information
- CAH Contacts
- Addendum A: Work Samples and Supplementary Materials