Summer Camp Grant Program for the Performing, Visual and Literary Arts
Helping Young Artists Grow
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is honored to offer Funding Futures, a grant program supporting student artists in our community whose families have financial constraints. Many young artists face intense competition and financial barriers that can limit their opportunities to pursue creative fields.
The Funding Futures Student Grant Program is designed to identify and encourage talented, low-income emerging artists ages 10-17 in Pinellas County who are seeking arts education in St. Petersburg. Eligible disciplines include dance, music, jazz, voice, theater, digital arts, writing, photography, cinematic arts, visual arts, and literary arts.
Launched in April 2017, the Funding Futures Arts Summer Camp Program has provided many young artists with the opportunity to attend specialized arts camps, covering areas such as dance, theater, writing, film, and visual arts, including pointe shoes for aspiring ballerinas!
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Funding Notification: By Friday, May 15, 2026
Apply Here
Program Implementation Period: Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, August 7, 2026
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 10 and 17and live in Pinellas County. Students are eligible if any of the following apply:
- Receive free or reduced school lunch.
- Go to a Title 1 School. (Use the link to review Title 1 Schools for eligibility: www.pcsb.org)
- Receive financial hardship tuition or scholarship.
- Attend a “transitional” or “transformational” school, according to the Pinellas County Board of Education, or an Individual Education Program (IEP) with Pinellas County Schools (www.pcsb.org), and are over 17.
- Live in a group home or foster care.
- Live in a “transitional” housing situation. (About transitional housing: what-is-a-transitional-house)
- In custody of the Department of Children and Families.
- Receive aid through EBT or WIC.
Funding Availability:
- Grant applications and eligibility do not guarantee a grant. Restrictions and funding availability may apply.
- Funding awards vary based on the number of applications and available resources.
- Funds may cover camp tuition, supplies, instructor fees, and other essential program costs.
Application Process:
1. Submission: Complete the online application form by the specified deadline. You can find the print out application here.
2. Statement of Interest from Camp Provider or Student and Parent/Guardian:
- What arts program or organization would you like to attend?
- How will you use the funding? (i.e., dance, ballet, instruments, theater, etc.)
- How would attending an arts program benefit you in the future? Teens, in your own words, tell us why you are interested in continuing your arts education.
- Parents of young children, tell us why your child is interested in continuing their arts education.
- Name of the camp provider: St. Petersburg Summer Camps- see the list of participating providers. If your camp is not listed, you can enter it in the space provided on the application. All camps must be eligible for the program.
- The name of the camp session you would like to attend, e.g., dance, visual arts, etc.
- Dates of the camp session you have selected.
- Cost of the camp session.
3. Proposal Requirements:
- Description of the camp program, including objectives and activities.
- Detailed budget and funding request.
4. Review and Selection:
- Selection will be based on program impact, financial need, and alignment with program goals.
- Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within 30 days of the application deadline.
Program Requirements:
- Funded organizations must provide a final report detailing program outcomes and fund usage.
- Programs must be completed within the designated summer session timeframe.
- Recognition of Funding Futures support must be included in promotional materials.
Contact Information: For questions or additional information, please contact Charlene A. Harrison at charlene@stpeteartsalliance.org.
We look forward to supporting impactful arts and culture programming for St. Petersburg's youth!
Get Involved
Individual Guidelines and Policies – Learn more about eligibility and program details.
Camp Providers Guidelines and Policies - Find out how your program can participate.
Donate Now – Help a young artist pursue their passion!
Looking for a Summer Arts Camp?
Testimonials
“It benefited her in so many ways but I think the biggest was by increasing her confidence and love of herself. You are building a community based on inclusiveness and love and that is important everywhere! I really can't say enough good things. I cannot believe what a positive impact a weeklong camp had on her. And the concert was absolutely amazing for them!”
– Clara's mom after daughter attended Girls Rock Camp
"Brooke had very low confidence in her abilities and covered it up with jokes and laughter aimed at herself. She grew in self-confidence, self-awareness and performance quality."
– Academy of Ballet Arts
“This has been a fantastic experience for them. It opens up doors that otherwise would never have been experienced and hopefully they can take this into middle and high school so they have opportunity in life.”
– M.S., guardian to siblings taking acting, music and art classes
“She has become an entirely different child in the last two years, developing a self worth, confidence in her talent and developing an actual social life. So much so that she has made friends and can’t wait to start at PCCA with her like-minded theater people this fall. Just overcoming the everyday tears would have been a great accomplishment but the self-worth she’s found is 1000x the quality of life she had before. Participating in this musical would be a great gift to her and I appreciate your consideration.”
– Jocelyn S – Grade 9
“Brandon shared with us at the end of summer ceremony that the experience gave him growth in confidence and public speaking.”
– Brandon E. – Grade 7
“Deshawn had some huge improvements during the Summer, overcoming his fear of addressing his peers in the room, to leading his peers through creativity with script writing and drawing out sets and plans”
– Deshawn N. – Grade 11
