FY26 Strategic Investment Grants (SIG)

The Strategic Investment Grant (SIG) offered by the Montana Arts Council is a flexible and accessible funding opportunity aimed at supporting the professional development and public engagement of Montana’s artists, educators, and nonprofit arts organizations. This initiative provides up to $1,000 in reimbursement-based funding for a wide range of arts-related activities, allowing recipients to enhance their careers or advance their mission-driven arts programming. As a state government agency, the Montana Arts Council is committed to enriching the cultural landscape across the state, with support from both the State of Montana and the National Endowment for the Arts. The SIG program is designed to accommodate a diverse array of projects and needs. For individual artists and groups, eligible uses include participation in professional events such as workshops, residencies, and conferences; showcasing work at exhibitions, festivals, and trade shows; expanding online marketing and sales presence; and purchasing tools or technology that elevate professional capacity. For nonprofit organizations, funds may be used for staff professional development, materials for public art, performances or publications, and essential equipment for delivering arts programming. Importantly, all expenditures must occur after the application review date and must be documented for reimbursement. Applicants must be Montana residents or Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have been operational for at least 12 months. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and legal U.S. residents. Ineligible applicants include high school and college students, participants in the Montana Artrepreneur Program, organizations receiving current operational grants from the Montana Arts Council (e.g., PVP or SSO grantees), and applicants who have already received the maximum SIG funding ($1,000) within the same fiscal year. Fiscal sponsorship is not permitted, and all applications must demonstrate a clear public benefit to be prioritized for funding. Applications are submitted online and are due by the 15th of each month at 11:59 p.m. MT. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it shifts to the next business day. Applications are reviewed the following month, with grant panel meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month. These meetings are public, and applicants may request access to observe the review process. Applications are first checked for eligibility and completeness by staff before being forwarded to the grant panel, which includes members of the Montana Arts Council board. Evaluation criteria differ for artists and organizations but generally assess the qualifications of the applicant, the clarity and feasibility of the proposed activity, its alignment with artistic or organizational goals, and its potential public value. Activities that include or lead to public components such as performances, talks, or exhibitions receive priority consideration. All successful applicants are required to publicly credit the Montana Arts Council in any announcements or materials related to the funded activity. Grants are issued as reimbursements upon submission of a final report, including receipts and documentation of the funded activities. The Council typically processes reimbursements within 30 days of receiving complete reports. As SIG is a recurring monthly program with a fiscal year beginning July 1, individuals and organizations may apply at any eligible point during the fiscal year until the $1,000 cap is reached. For assistance with the application or to request accessible materials, applicants can contact Brian Moody at [email protected] or (406) 444-4700.

Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate public value through accessible programming or public-facing outcomes.