Program Overview
Creative Catalyst is a grant program that supports new initiatives and opportunities that advance strategies for empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce — like Squonk in Pittsburgh (pictured above), whose mission is to spark imagination and share joy in public spaces through music, spectacle, and humor.
Please note: Creative Catalyst grants may not fund activities supported by other Pennsylvania Creative Industries grant awards.
Creative Catalyst applications will be assessed based on the degree to which they:
1.) Align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ five areas of opportunity:
- Asset Development
- Workforce Development
- Community Development
- Visibility
- Policy
2.) Demonstrate statewide or broad regional reach and benefit
3.) Demonstrate capacity to carry out project as proposed
Program Details
- Grant amounts will not exceed $25,000
- No more than 20% of the grant award may be used for administrative expenses
- A 1:1 cash match is required
- Organizations can receive a Creative Catalyst grant once every three years
- Please note that this funding opportunity is not designed to support established programs, ongoing operations, or provide an annual source of funds
- This is a reimbursement-based grant program - grantees must first incur and pay for eligible expenses, then submit an invoice/final report with required documentation, such as receipts, invoices, and proof of payment, to receive funding
How to apply
1. Read the program guidelines (PDF) thoroughly
2. Complete and submit this form (PDF)
If eligible, Seth Poppy will contact you to discuss your proposal in more detail.
3. Register and apply through the grants.pa.gov platform
Creative Catalyst applicants will be asked to provide the following information:
- Summary of the proposed project
- How the proposed project aligns with one or more of PA Creative Industries’ five areas of opportunity
- The project’s statewide or broad regional reach and benefit to the creative sector
- A description of the applicant’s capacity to carry out the project as proposed
- How the funds be used if awarded