Community Investment Fund

La Sala’s Community Investment Fund grant program opens TWO times per year. This program aims to assist Latine/x artists, creative workers and arts groups throughout Washington State in raising the profile and appreciation of our culture and community.

 

KEY DATES for events/projects happening in Spring/Summer

  • Submissions open January 1

  • Submissions close January 31

  • Jury Process will be held in February

  • Notifications will be sent by the end of February

  • Awards will be distributed by late March

KEY DATES for events/projects happening in Fall/Winter

  • Submissions open June 1

  • Submissions close June 30 (extended to July 15 for 2026)

  • Jury Process will be held in July

  • Notifications will be sent by the end of July (extended to mid August for 2026)

  • Awards will be distributed by late August

    • Open to Latine/x identifying artists, groups and organizations in Washington State.

    • Funding from La Sala is offered to ensure that Latine/x artists in Washington are paid a living wage for their work. Please describe in your application how your funding will support this goal.  

    • Applicants must not have received funds from La Sala within the past two calendar years (exceptions may be considered for long‑standing festivals or events with recurring sponsorships that remain in good standing.).

  • Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of arts professionals and community representatives that includes the board of La Sala NW and its Executive Director. Each year, the committee considers racial equity, geographic diversity, and aims to highlight a range of disciplines and practices.

    Projects that La Sala funds must meet one or more of these criteria:

    • Projects that expand definitions of Latine/x art and artists in the Pacific Northwest.

    • Projects that create community building through the arts. Intergenerational community building.

    • Projects that support the continuation of Latine/x artistic traditions and folklorico.

    • Projects that will create platforms for artists to grow at critical moments in their careers.

  • Applications will be juried with the following criteria in mind:

    • Applicants can articulate how their project advances one of La Sala’s four funding criteria.

    • Applicants have a clear understanding of what they need to execute their project successfully, or a demonstrated history of artwork/projects.

    • Applicants can describe how funds from La Sala will be used for their project.

    • Acceptance of funds/sponsorship by La Sala NW implies agreement to acknowledge La Sala NW as sponsor of this event and to display our logo and website in all printed and online publicity, including social media, to be released before the supported event takes place. Accepted applicants will receive a media package from La Sala including our logo and other useful materials for promotion.

    • Some of La Sala’s funding for the Community Investment Fund comes from other funders who rely on La Sala to help distribute funding to where it is most needed at the grassroots level. As part of La Sala’s acknowledgements in your materials, we may also require acknowledgement of La Sala’s funders (logos and information will be provided).

    • Accepted applicants must link to La Sala’s website on all related social media posts and digital publicity, and forward La Sala copies of any related newsletters, flyers, programs, etc.

    • Accepted applicants must provide within 4 weeks after the event date an event report including information about the number of attendees, how many artists were included in the project, proof of funding acknowledgement in digital and print publicity, etc., as well as 3-5 digital photos/videos of the event or artwork created. This information will be used to report back to our donors and funders.

    • Failure to follow any of these directives will automatically disqualify applicants from future funds/sponsorship.