Arts Project Support Grant Program

The Arts Project Support (APS) program, administered by the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), offers funding to support short-term, public-facing arts projects or a series of arts activities. Funded projects may include performances, exhibits, festivals, arts and cultural planning, public art, and arts learning initiatives targeting specific populations such as youth or older adults. The central goal of the APS program is to expand access to meaningful arts experiences throughout Indiana, with a particular emphasis on underserved populations and geographies. The Indiana Arts Commission, a state government agency supported by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, partners with Regional Arts Partners (RAPs) to execute the APS program. RAPs work alongside IAC to facilitate participation in the arts across all Indiana counties, serving as local contacts for applicants. APS funding prioritizes broad geographic access, and in counties with multiple eligible applicants, factors such as project discipline, applicant budget size, new vs. returning applicant status, and support for underserved areas may influence funding decisions. Applicants may request up to $4,000 per grant cycle, with no matching funds required. Awards may be disbursed in full at the start of the grant period, assuming timely submission of required materials and good standing with IAC and affiliated entities. Up to 25% of awarded funds may be used for administrative overhead, and no more than 50% may be used on capital equipment purchases. Ineligible uses of funds include food and beverages, cash prizes, gift cards, and fundraising activities. Eligible applicants include Indiana-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, 501(c)(6) tourism or commerce entities, units of local government, libraries, public and private schools (Pre-K through 12th grade), and qualifying colleges or universities. Applicants must primarily serve Indiana audiences, and those applying through a fiscal sponsor must obtain pre-approval. All applicants must complete an eligibility tool before gaining access to the application. Use of this tool does not guarantee final eligibility, which is subject to IAC review. Two APS application cycles are available in fiscal year 2027. The Spring cycle covers projects taking place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, and the application opens on January 8, 2026, closing on March 5, 2026. The Fall cycle covers projects from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027, with applications accepted from July 7, 2026, through September 3, 2026. Draft review services are available to first-time or currently unfunded applicants, with deadlines set for February 23, 2026 (Spring) and August 24, 2026 (Fall). Funding decisions are announced by July 1, 2026, and December 21, 2026, respectively, depending on the cycle. Final reports are due by July 15, 2027, or January 14, 2028, based on the cycle awarded. Applications are reviewed by panels of arts and cultural professionals based on three main criteria: project quality and planning, community benefit, and project management. Applicants will not attend review panels but may request reviewer comments after award decisions are made. All applications must be submitted online through the IAC grant portal. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request, and applicants needing assistance are directed to contact their Regional Arts Partner, IAC's grants administration team, or the accessibility contact email as appropriate.

Emphasize underserved communities; ensure project aligns with evaluation criteria; strong project planning and clarity improve competitiveness.