Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Be located in the United States

• Be actively engaged in a creative or artistic practice

• Be able to clearly describe how the grant will support their work

This grant is open to emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs across all disciplines.

Application Details

Applicants are asked to complete a short application form and provide:

• A brief description of their creative practice
• How the grant will support their work
• A link to their portfolio, website, or social media

Applications are reviewed based on creativity, clarity of vision, and the potential impact of the funding.

When is the Application Deadline?

April Grant Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 15 April 2026
Recipient Announced: 1 May 2026

May Grant Applications Open: 1 May 2026
Applications Close: 15 May 2026
Recipient Announced: 1 June 2026

Selected recipients will be notified directly through email and announced on the Mereri Art platforms.

Award Information

The MERERI ART Creative Micro Grant currently awards:

$100 to one recipient a month.

Grant funds may be used for:

• art supplies and materials
• creative tools or equipment
• professional development
• resources that support creative work

Funds will be distributed electronically upon selection via PayPal. Please ensure your account is set up prior to recipient announcement.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

The following conditions apply:

• The use of funds must be consistent with written statement of grant use.

• Recipients must maintain records showing use of the money.

• The funds may not be used to pay debt or rent/mortgage payments. However, they can be used to cover business related expenses such as website hosting fees.

• Recipients agree that Mereri Art has the right to publicize names, business name, amount awarded and photographs of the recipients.

• Mereri Art requests that the recipient place the Mereri Art Micro Grant Post on the recipient's website or Social Media Platform for at least one year after the growth grant funds is received.

Key Information

• In an effort to remain impartial and neutral, we do not give advice on specific applications.

• Applications are accepted on a monthly basis but recipients can only win ONCE per year (Excluding the December Grant Award). Everyone who applies throughout the year is also considered for the December Grant Award.

• Decisions of the committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

• If you still have questions, reach out to: contact@mereriart.com

What are the selection criteria?

Criteria used in evaluating applications and awarding grants include:

• Review of identifiable business need

• Detailed use of the proceeds of the grant

• The potential of the grant to satisfy the identified business need

• The potential impact of the grant on overall business growth and success

Are grant funds received taxable?

As a general rule, business grants awarded for business purposes ARE subject to both federal and state income tax.  There are exceptions based on your specific facts and circumstances and we therefore recommend that you consult with your personal tax professional for more guidance on your specific situation.

Support for the Grant

The MERERI ART Creative Micro Grant long term goal is to be supported through MERERI product sales and community contributions. Thank you to our contributors for allowing this to be made possible.

To sustain and grow the program:

• A portion of funds supports program administration and management on an as needed basis.
• The majority of funds are directed toward future grant awards to expand support for artists.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative by becoming a sponsor or have questions, please email contact@mereriart.com your Grant Donation Amount and your logo.

Special Thank you to the below sponsors that have made the 2026 grant initiative possible: