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Mayor LaFrance announces 2026 grant opportunities for Anchorage arts and community initiatives

CommunityGovernmentDiversity & InclusionPress Release


Mayor Suzanne LaFrance encourages community members and interested organizations to apply for her 2026 grant programs, which include the Mayor’s Arts Grants, the Beyond the Beige initiative, and the Mayor’s Community Grants. The application period for all programs opens March 2 and ends March 30.
Beyond the Beige
Following its successful inaugural launch last year, Beyond the Beige—a joint initiative between the Municipality and the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA)—returns for 2026. This grant program seeks to add vibrant and engaging artwork to Anchorage’s public spaces and promote collaboration between organizations.
Together, the Mayor and ACDA are seeking proposals that include two or more organizations working together on a project. Projects should bring color to a public place or across multiple neighborhoods through murals, public art installations, façade improvements and more.
“I am beyond excited to support local artists and organizations who want to infuse our public spaces with more color, art, and vibrancy,” said Mayor LaFrance. “It is so important to invest in our community—including our visual identity. I’m grateful to ACDA for collaborating on this initiative for another year.”
“ACDA is pleased to support the Beyond the Beige program and partner with the Mayor to help bring collaborative, community-driven projects to life across Anchorage,” said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of ACDA.
Mayor’s Arts Grants
The longstanding Mayor’s Arts Grant program recognizes community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects that enrich Anchorage through diverse arts and cultural events, including visual art, theater, dance, music, poetry and heritage.
This year, Mayor LaFrance is prioritizing projects that improve or expand the public’s access to the arts, such as those that offer free or low-cost events. To qualify, proposals should have a clear public engagement component. This can include performances that engage audiences and programs or art installations that are open and accessible to all.
Mayor’s Community Grants
Another longstanding program, the Mayor’s Community Grants provide financial support to local charities and nonprofits dedicated to the betterment of Anchorage and addressing local needs.
Mayor LaFrance will award grants to a range of projects that align with these policy priorities: public safety, housing, and community-building. Additionally, including a youth engagement component in projects within these policy priorities is encouraged.
Example of projects aligning with policy priorities include:
  • Supporting public safety through activating a public space or addressing behavioral health needs.
  • A project that supports or creates transitional housing.
  • Building community through an event or activity that bring neighbors together and cultivates connections.
“This is a chance to put forward creative proposals to serve our residents, tackle local challenges, uplift our youth, and make Anchorage a safer, stronger and more connected place,” said Mayor LaFrance. “I look forward to supporting organizations that are working hard every day to uplift our communities.”
Q&A webinar for potential applicants
To assist with questions about the 2026 grant requirements, priorities and process, the Mayor’s Office will hold an online informational Q&A session via Teams on March 5th at 1 p.m. Organizations and community members interested in applying for any of the three Mayor’s grant programs may attend. To register for the Q&A, please RSVP by email to mayorscommunitygrants@anchorageak.gov.
To apply for Beyond the Beige or the Mayor’s Arts Grants, click here.
To apply for the Mayor’s Community Grants, click here.

Mayor LaFrance announces 2026 grant opportunities for Anchorage arts and community initiatives

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