The mission focuses on the belief that the arts are essential to creating strong, vibrant communities. They view a dynamic cultural sector as a catalyst for growth by attracting businesses, retaining visitors, and strengthening neighborhoods through the preservation of culture and memory. Additionally, the arts are seen as vital for health and well-being, fostering community through diverse engagements, providing personal enjoyment, and giving voice to the human condition.
The grant program aims to support and strengthen the cultural fabric of communities by funding cultural organizations that demonstrate artistic excellence and elevate the arts scene both locally and nationally. It seeks to support not only established organizations but also new, emerging, or grassroots groups. The program is particularly focused on organizations that work directly with artists to help them develop their talent, professional, and business skills, or create new works. There are two types of general operating support grants provided: multi-year grants, which are three-year grants available to organizations previously supported by the funder within the past five years, allowing them to address their unique and changing needs; and one-year grants, which offer short-term funding to organizations not previously funded, serving as a pathway for developing relationships with emerging nonprofits with potential for significant impact.