Building Together: A Creative's Guide to Finding Funding
- Tara Lenehan
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
The last year has been... a lot. Between rising costs, creative and emotional burnout, and just trying to keep momentum moving to a new city, I’ve found myself digging deep—not only for funding, but for clarity about why I keep showing up. What continues to bring me to spaces like music festivals, intimate underground shows, working with creatives who have dreams just as big as me? The answer always comes back to this: the power of connection. Of building something meaningful with others who feel called to a life of expression.
This post isn’t about struggle or scarcity. It’s about opportunity—real, tangible opportunities that I’ve been researching and applying to myself and my own journey. I figured instead of hoarding links in some private spreadsheet, I’d share them here. If I’m searching for grants and resources to help move the needle forward, chances are you might be too.
So whether you’re a photographer, visual storyteller, or someone who just wants to keep creating art that may or may not have to mean anything, here’s a solid list of funding opportunities—starting with 10 right here in Denver, plus 5 national grants worth a look. No gatekeeping. Just a little signal boost from one creative to another.
10 Denver Grants for Photographers & Visual Creatives
Up to $10,000 for experimental or collaborative visual projects in the Denver metro area.
$50,000 total (including $15K project funds) for Denver artists creating meaningful local impact.
$10K–$25K for artists working in youth education, especially underserved communities.
Support for local orgs and artists enhancing Denver’s cultural vibrancy.
Funding for individuals and orgs to grow the creative economy across the state.
Supports visual storytelling around environmental themes and resilience.
Offers both project and capacity-building funding for Denver artists and orgs.
Funds projects that creatively address social and community issues.
Support for smaller, grassroots orgs and initiatives in arts, science, and culture.
Pandemic-related support for creatives—worth keeping tabs on for future reopenings.
5 National Grants for Visual Artists & Photographers
$5,000 for women and nonbinary photographers working on documentary projects.
$30,000 for compelling longform photo essays that tell humanistic stories.
$6,000 grants + Google Pixel phone for new visual storytelling projects.
$5K–$20K to support long-term environmental photo work with local ties.
$500–$3,000 for last-minute or urgent creative opportunities across the U.S.
Let’s Keep Building
The creative path isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding. If you know of other grants, resources, or just want to swap stories about the ups and downs of making a living through your art, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep sharing what we know, rooting for each other, and building something beautiful together.
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