Metro Arts reports 381 grant applications for FY26; staff warns flat budget means not all can be funded

Metro Arts staff reported Monday, Aug. 18, that the agency received 381 grant applications for fiscal year 2026, a 23% increase over the prior cycle, and warned the commission that a flat budget means staff will likely be unable to fund all qualifying applicants.

Director Ashley Batchelder told the Arts Commission Grants Committee that the total includes 106 general operating support applications and 275 Thrive project applications, and that the agency also received 47 panelist applications to review submissions. "This is an overall, 23% increase from the last time applications were open," Batchelder said.

The surge came after a month of outreach and technical help: Metro Arts held in-person drop-in sessions July 25–28 and Aug. 11–15 at library locations and the Nashville Farmers Market, ran daily one-on-one virtual help sessions and recorded at least 66 sign-ups for those appointments. Staff said they supported at least 90 applicants directly during the month and estimate the true number assisted was well over 100.

Why it matters: Metro Arts' budget for grant awards is flat even as demand grows. Batchelder said the operating grant formula remains a pass/fail model—applicants scoring 70% or higher are eligible for funding—while Thrive grants will be rank-ordered and funded until available dollars are spent. "We are likely not able to fund everything that we want to fund," Batchelder said.

Key application and eligibility details - Total applications: 381 (106 operating; 275 Thrive). 47 panelist applications were submitted separately. - Operating applicants by size: 17 micro (16%), 24 small, 32 medium, 23 midsize, 10 large. - Primary artistic disciplines reported: music, performing arts, multidisciplinary and visual arts among the largest categories. - Thrive specifics: 275 applicants (up from 201 last cycle); about 78% applied as individual artists or artist groups using a fiscal sponsor; 56% of Thrive applicants were first-time applicants to Metro Arts. Requested amounts ranged from $3,000 to $15,000; 241 Thrive applicants requested the maximum $15,000. - Funding formulas: Operating grants use a 70% "pass/fail" threshold; Thrive grants are ranked and funded until funds are depleted. Batchelder explained the difference in approach and the rationale for a $15,000 maximum request for Thrive this cycle.

Review timeline and next steps - Technical (eligibility) review: in progress the week of Aug. 18; staff are checking eligibility and completeness. - Correction window: a brief correction period is planned for the next week (Monday–Wednesday) to allow applicants to fix certain technical errors when possible. - Panelist orientation: scheduled for Sept. 2 (virtual, two time options offered). - Panel reviews: staff will run panel reviews in person; the panel review process is scheduled to conclude by the end of the day Friday, Sept. 12. - Grants committee meeting for allocation recommendations: tentatively scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22 (committee will meet earlier than usual so staff can turn around materials). Batchelder said she plans to provide the committee packet by the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Staff outreach and applicant support Batchelder credited staff and colleagues for outreach and hands-on applicant support. She identified staff members who took lead roles at drop-in and virtual sessions and said the Farmers Market location proved especially accessible. The agency also plans enhancements to award notifications and earlier distribution of closeout requirements so grantees know end-of-cycle obligations in advance.

Grantee closeout status (FY25) Metro Arts also reported FY25 closeout progress: for operating awards (90 organizations), staff had collected closeout reports from 88 organizations and approved 75 of those submissions. For the Thrive program (75 previous grantees), staff had collected 74 closeouts and approved 59; remaining items mainly involve expenditure-report mismatches that staff are resolving.

Commission participation and transparency Panel reviews are closed to the public, but commissioners were invited to observe portions of in-person panels with the caveat that observation is limited to one commissioner at a time and observers may not participate. Batchelder said staff will request updated conflict-of-interest forms in advance of the committee meeting.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes of July 14, 2025: mover — Commissioner Knight; seconder — Commissioner Khalil; outcome — approved (voice vote). The minutes were recorded as approved. - Motion to adjourn: outcome — approved (voice). No further business was recorded.

Tighter timelines and a larger applicant pool set up a consequential allocation meeting in September. Batchelder told commissioners the coming weeks will focus on scoring, allocation scenarios and preparing packet materials so the committee can deliberate on where limited funds should be distributed.