Chicago-based ArtPlace, a collaborative effort between public and private organizations, recently announced the winners of 47 grants totaling $15.4 million. With these funds, local programs will be able to move forward with arts and cultural projects in communities across the country.

ArtPlace is supported by 11 entities, including an anonymous donor and the William Penn, Robina, Rasmuson, Rockefeller, Andrew W. Mellon, McKnight, Kresge, John S. and James L. Knight, James Irvine, Ford and Bloomberg Philanthropies foundations.

In addition, eight federal agencies are part of the team - the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation and Domestic Policy Council, as well as the White House Office of Management and Budget.

"As a result of these ArtPlace grants, 47 art and cultural projects will play a critical role in 33 local communities, driving the revitalization of a diverse group of neighborhoods across the country," said philanthropist and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Through this round of grantgiving, The Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling in New York will be able to fund local projects and finance the construction of a multi-use museum that will incorporate affordable housing and education centers, designed by architect David Adjaye.

Arts and culture projects that hope to get funding through large grantmaking cycles can improve their chances of being selected by using a solution such as nonprofit financial management. The program can help board members track and manage accounts throughout the year, so they'll be ready when it comes time to apply.