The 2026 Impact Grant by The Supporting Act Foundation is an opportunity for eligible nonprofit arts organizations that are working to support emerging artists from underrepresented groups and communities facing systemic barriers in the creative and cultural industries.

The grant is specifically designed for organizations that provide non-financial support to emerging artists. Rather than funding individual artists or specific projects, the Impact Grant supports nonprofit organizations whose ongoing work helps artists develop their practices, improve their living conditions, gain greater visibility, and build confidence in their creative careers.

For the 2026 funding cycle, 10 organizations will receive unrestricted grants of €25,000 per year for two years, providing a total of €50,000 per selected organization.

Applications are open to eligible nonprofit arts organizations based in Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as organizations registered elsewhere that work with an eligible fiscal host.

The application deadline is October 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM CET.

About the 2026 Impact Grant

The Impact Grant is an initiative of The Supporting Act Foundation, which seeks to support organizations contributing to meaningful change in the creative and cultural sector.

The 2026 grant focuses on nonprofit arts organizations that work with underrepresented emerging artists. These may be artists who face systemic barriers to accessing opportunities, visibility, professional development, networks, resources, or other forms of support within the creative and cultural industries.

The program recognizes that emerging artists often need more than direct financial assistance. Organizations can play an important role by providing mentoring, professional development, platforms for visibility, community-building opportunities, access to networks, guidance, and other forms of non-financial support.

Through the Impact Grant, The Supporting Act Foundation aims to strengthen organizations that are already doing this work and help them increase their long-term impact.

The program’s intended impact includes:

• Improving the living conditions of artists.
• Enabling emerging artists to dedicate more time to developing their artistic practices.
• Increasing the visibility of artists and their work.
• Supporting artists who face systemic barriers within the creative and cultural industries.
• Strengthening artists’ confidence in their work and professional development.
• Supporting nonprofit organizations that create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented artists.
• Helping organizations sustain and expand their contribution to the arts ecosystem.

---

What Does the 2026 Impact Grant Provide?

The 2026 Impact Grant will provide 10 unrestricted grants.

Each selected nonprofit organization will receive:

• €25,000 per year
• Funding for two years
• €50,000 total per organization
• Unrestricted funding intended to support the organization’s work rather than a specific project proposal

The unrestricted nature of the funding is particularly relevant for organizations that require flexibility to respond to the needs of the artists and communities they serve.

Instead of restricting the grant to one predetermined project, unrestricted support can give eligible organizations greater flexibility in strengthening their existing work and organizational activities.

A total of 10 nonprofit organizations will be selected for the 2026 Impact Grant.

---

Who Is the 2026 Impact Grant For?

The Impact Grant is intended for nonprofit arts organizations, rather than individual artists.

Eligible organizations should have an established focus on supporting emerging artists from underrepresented groups or artists who experience systemic barriers to opportunities in the creative and cultural industries.

Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate that their organization is actively providing non-financial support to emerging artists.

Examples of such support may include professional development, mentoring, artistic platforms, networking opportunities, community support, visibility initiatives, career guidance, capacity building, or other forms of assistance that do not constitute direct financial grants to artists.

Organizations should be able to demonstrate this work through publicly available information on their websites.

2026 Impact Grant Eligibility Criteria

Organizations interested in applying must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by The Supporting Act Foundation.

1. The applicant must be a nonprofit arts organization

The opportunity is intended specifically for nonprofit organizations operating within the arts and cultural sector.

Organizations must have been registered as a nonprofit arts organization between 2016 and 2024.

The organization must also be registered in one of the eligible countries listed below.

2. The organization must be based in an eligible country

The applicant organization must be registered in one of the following countries:

1. Belgium
2. France
3. Germany
4. Greece
5. Ireland
6. Italy
7. The Netherlands
8. Portugal
9. Spain
10. United Kingdom

Organizations registered outside these countries may also be eligible if they can provide a letter of intent from a fiscal host that is registered as a nonprofit organization in one of the eligible countries.

This means that organizations outside the listed countries should not automatically assume that they are excluded. However, they must meet the fiscal-host requirement specified by the program.

3. A qualifying bank account is required

Applicants must be able to provide a bank account number with an IBAN in the name of either:

• The applicant organization; or
• An eligible fiscal host located in one of the listed countries.

Organizations should ensure that they can meet this requirement before beginning the application process.

4. The organization must meet the annual expenditure requirement

Eligible organizations must have a total annual expenditure of between €50,000 and €300,000, or the equivalent amount in the organization’s local currency, during the current fiscal year.

This requirement is intended to ensure that applicants have an established level of organizational activity and financial operations.

Organizations should therefore review their current financial information before applying.

5. The organization must have an updated website

Applicants must have an updated website that provides publicly available evidence of the organization’s active work.

The website should demonstrate that the organization provides non-financial support to emerging artists from underrepresented groups or to artists facing systemic barriers to opportunities in the creative and cultural industries.

This makes the organization’s online presence an important part of demonstrating eligibility.

Applicants should ensure that their website clearly communicates:

• What the organization does.
• Who it supports.
• How it supports emerging artists.
• The communities or groups it works with.
• Examples of active or recent programs.
• Evidence of its contribution to the creative and cultural sector.

Who Cannot Apply for the Impact Grant?

The 2026 Impact Grant is not open to everyone working in the arts sector.

According to the program information, the open call is not intended for:

• Individual artists.
• Commercial organizations.
• Ongoing projects.
• Project proposals.
• Current The Supporting Act Foundation grantees.
• Past The Supporting Act Foundation grantees.

The grant is focused on eligible nonprofit arts organizations rather than individual creative projects.

Organizations that previously applied but were unsuccessful may apply again in 2026, provided they meet all current eligibility requirements.

The Supporting Act Foundation states that it can only accept applications that satisfy the eligibility criteria and cannot make exceptions to those requirements.

What Does “Non-Financial Support” Mean?

A central element of the 2026 Impact Grant is the focus on organizations that provide non-financial support to emerging artists.

This means that the organization’s contribution to artists does not necessarily have to involve giving artists direct grants or financial awards.

Instead, organizations may support artists through activities and services that help them build sustainable creative careers.

This could include areas such as:

• Mentorship.
• Professional development.
• Artistic development.
• Training.
• Networking.
• Career guidance.
• Exhibitions and showcases.
• Performance opportunities.
• Community-building.
• Access to professional networks.
• Platforms that increase artists’ visibility.
• Creative workshops.
• Knowledge-sharing.
• Industry connections.
• Support for artists facing systemic barriers.
• Opportunities to develop and present artistic work.

Applicants should focus on demonstrating what their organization actually does and the impact its support has on emerging artists.

Why the Impact Grant Matters for Arts Organizations

Many emerging artists face barriers that go beyond access to funding.

An artist may have the creative ability and ambition to develop professionally but still lack access to networks, mentorship, platforms, professional opportunities, training, or visibility.

Arts nonprofits can help address these gaps by creating supportive environments where emerging artists can develop their skills and practices.

The Impact Grant is designed around this broader understanding of impact.

The Supporting Act Foundation identifies several desired outcomes, including improving artists’ living conditions, giving artists more time to develop their practices, increasing the visibility of their work, and strengthening their confidence.

For nonprofit organizations already working in these areas, the grant provides an opportunity to strengthen their organizational capacity and continue their work over a two-year funding period.

How Much Funding Can Organizations Receive?

The 2026 Impact Grant offers substantial unrestricted support.

Each selected organization will receive:

€25,000 per year for two years

This amounts to:

€50,000 total funding per selected organization.

There will be:

10 grants available.

Because the grant is unrestricted, the funding is not presented as support for a single project proposal. Instead, it is designed to support eligible organizations and their broader work.

Applicants should nevertheless carefully review the official open call guide to understand the Foundation’s expectations regarding the use and administration of the funding.

2026 Impact Grant Application Timeline

Applicants should pay close attention to the official timeline because the application window is limited.

September 1, 2026 — Call Opens

The 2026 Impact Grant open call officially opened on September 1, 2026.

Eligible organizations can begin preparing and submitting their applications through the designated application platform.

October 1, 2026 — Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

October 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM CET.

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications.

Organizations should allow sufficient time to review their eligibility, prepare supporting information, complete the application form, and ensure that all required information has been submitted correctly.

October 2026 — Application Review

Applications will be reviewed during October 2026.

Late October 2026 — Applicant Notifications

All applicants are expected to receive notifications regarding their applications in late October 2026.

November 2026 — Final Review of Shortlisted Applicants

Shortlisted applications will undergo a final review during November 2026.

January 2027 — Public Announcement and First Installment

The public announcement of selected organizations and the transfer of the first installment are scheduled for January 2027.

Applicants should consult the official open call guide for the more detailed timeline.

How to Apply for the 2026 Impact Grant

Interested organizations should first establish that they meet all eligibility requirements.

The application process can be approached in several stages.

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before starting the application, confirm that your organization:

• Is a nonprofit arts organization.
• Was registered between 2016 and 2024.
• Is registered in one of the eligible countries or has an eligible fiscal host.
• Can provide the required IBAN bank account.
• Has annual expenditure between €50,000 and €300,000.
• Has an updated website.
• Provides non-financial support to emerging artists from underrepresented groups or artists facing systemic barriers.
• Is not an excluded applicant type.

Step 2: Read the Open Call Guide

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the official open call guide and preview the application form before applying.

The guide can help organizations understand the requirements and prepare their application properly.

Download the 2026 Impact Grant Open Call Guide

Step 3: Review the Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants should also review the Impact Grant FAQ, particularly if they are uncertain about their organization’s eligibility, application process, use of funding, or selection and evaluation process.

This can help organizations determine whether their questions have already been addressed before contacting the Foundation.

Step 4: Prepare the Application

Organizations should prepare their application carefully and make sure that the information they provide accurately reflects their activities, organizational structure, financial position, and work with emerging artists.

Particular attention should be given to demonstrating the organization’s actual impact and its approach to supporting underrepresented artists.

Step 5: Submit Through the Official Application Platform

Applications should be submitted through the official open call platform.

Applicants should ensure that their submission is completed before the October 1, 2026, 11:00 AM CET deadline.

APPLY HERE

Tips for Preparing a Strong Impact Grant Application

Although eligibility is the first requirement, applicants should also make sure that their application clearly communicates the organization’s work and impact.

Clearly explain your organization’s mission

The application should make it easy for reviewers to understand what your organization does, why it exists, and which communities it serves.

Demonstrate your work with emerging artists

Applicants should provide clear evidence that they actively support emerging artists rather than simply stating that they do so.

Where appropriate, describe programs, initiatives, platforms, partnerships, training, mentorship activities, exhibitions, performances, or other forms of support.

Explain the barriers faced by the artists you support

The program specifically focuses on underrepresented groups and artists facing systemic barriers.

Organizations should therefore clearly explain the context in which they operate and the barriers their artists or communities encounter.

Make your website work for your application

Because applicants are required to have an updated website with publicly available evidence of their activities, organizations should review their online presence before applying.

Make sure that key programs and activities are clearly presented and easy to find.

Check your financial eligibility

Confirm that the organization’s current annual expenditure falls within the required €50,000 to €300,000 range.

Check the country and fiscal-host requirements

Organizations should carefully verify whether their registration country qualifies.

If an organization is registered outside the listed countries, it should determine whether it can satisfy the fiscal-host requirement before submitting an application.

Do not leave the application until the deadline

The closing time is specifically stated as 11:00 AM CET on October 1, 2026.

Applicants should account for the time-zone difference and submit early enough to resolve any technical or administrative issues.

Selection Committee for the 2026 Impact Grant

Applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee.

The 2026 committee includes professionals from the arts, culture, music, film, creative practice, and nonprofit sectors.

The committee members listed by The Supporting Act Foundation are:

• Adwoa Amoah — Artist and curator
• Federico Bomba — Artistic director of Sineglossa
• Maka Chkhaidze — Founder of InForm and 2025 Impact Grant recipient
• Marie McPartlin — Director of Somerset House Studios
• Nicolas Derné — Co-founder of Association Zofi and 2025 Impact Grant recipient
• Rocío Mateo-Sagasta — Head of Music & Film at La Casa Encendida
• Tamar Guttmann — Founder of Cue Collective and 2025 Impact Grant recipient

The independent selection committee is responsible for reviewing applications and determining which organizations will receive the grant.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Impact Grant

Is the Impact Grant available to individuals?

No. The Impact Grant is designed for eligible nonprofit arts organizations. Individual artists are not eligible to apply under this open call.

Can commercial organizations apply?

No. Commercial organizations are specifically excluded from the open call.

Can an organization apply for a specific project?

The Impact Grant is not intended for ongoing projects or project proposals. It is designed to support eligible nonprofit arts organizations whose ongoing work provides non-financial support to emerging artists.

Can organizations outside the listed countries apply?

Organizations registered outside the eligible countries may be able to apply if they can provide a letter of intent from a qualifying fiscal host registered as a nonprofit in one of the eligible countries.

How much is the grant worth?

Each selected organization receives €25,000 per year for two years, for a total of €50,000.

How many organizations will receive funding?

The 2026 Impact Grant will provide funding to 10 nonprofit organizations.

Can previous unsuccessful applicants apply again?

Yes. Organizations that previously applied unsuccessfully may apply again, provided they meet all of the current eligibility requirements.

Are current or previous Supporting Act Foundation grantees eligible?

No. The open call excludes current and past The Supporting Act Foundation grantees.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is October 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM CET.

When will applicants be notified?

Notifications to all applicants are scheduled for late October 2026.

When will the selected organizations be announced?

The public announcement and transfer of the first installment are scheduled for January 2027.

Important Information Before Applying

The Impact Grant has specific eligibility requirements, and The Supporting Act Foundation indicates that it cannot make exceptions to those requirements.

Organizations should therefore avoid assuming that they qualify simply because they work in the arts or support artists.

Before applying, organizations should verify all of the following:

1. Their nonprofit status.
2. Their registration date.
3. Their registration country or fiscal-host arrangement.
4. Their IBAN bank-account eligibility.
5. Their annual expenditure.
6. Their current arts-related activities.
7. Their work supporting emerging artists.
8. Their focus on underrepresented artists or artists facing systemic barriers.
9. Their publicly available online evidence of active work.
10. Their eligibility in relation to the excluded applicant categories.

The official open call guide and FAQ should be reviewed carefully before the application is submitted.

Visit HERE for more information about the 2026 Impact Grant.

Key Details at a Glance

---

Conclusion

The 2026 Impact Grant provides an opportunity for eligible nonprofit arts organizations to receive €50,000 in unrestricted funding over two years while continuing their work to support emerging artists from underrepresented groups.

The program is particularly focused on organizations that provide non-financial support to artists who face systemic barriers within the creative and cultural industries. Eligible organizations must meet specific requirements relating to nonprofit status, registration period, country of operation or fiscal host, annual expenditure, bank-account arrangements, and publicly documented arts activities.

With only 10 grants available, organizations interested in the opportunity should carefully assess their eligibility and review the official application materials before submitting an application.

The application deadline is October 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM CET. Eligible organizations can review the official guidance and submit their applications through the designated open call platform.

For more global Grant opportunities, visit OFY HERE.