Through the Rural Arts Initiative, the Laura Jane Musser Fund hopes to assist nonprofit arts organizations to develop, implement or sustain exceptional artistic opportunities for adults and children in the areas of literary, visual, music and performing arts. In recognition of Laura Jane Musser's life-long commitment to excellence in the arts, and with awareness that pivotal and life-changing experience can occur for individuals through introduction to and participation in the arts, the Fund hopes to encourage and excite a wider population to appreciate, learn, and participate in the arts. General operating grants of up to $12,000 will be considered for this initiative. Eligible arts organizations must have organizational budgets less than $350,000, and be physically located in rural communities with populations of less than 15,000. The geographic areas for this initiative are Colorado, Hawaii, Wyoming, and limited counties in New York, North Carolina and Texas. (Please see website for full list of eligible counties.)

Applications will be accepted online through the Fund’s website from February 6 – March 6, 2025.