South Dakota Arts Council Grant

The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC), a state agency in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, offers grants designed to make high-quality arts experiences accessible across South Dakota. These programs support both individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations working to enhance the state’s cultural landscape. With funding from the State of South Dakota and the federal government, SDAC provides financial support to eligible applicants through various grant categories aimed at project implementation, career development, and general operating support. For the 2026–2027 funding cycle, the grant application window opens on January 1, 2026, with final applications due by March 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time. A draft review deadline is available until February 10, 2026, providing applicants with the opportunity to receive feedback on their submissions. The funding period spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Applicants must submit their proposals through the SDAC's online portal at https://sdac.gosmart.org. Artist grants are available for individuals currently residing in South Dakota who have lived in the state for at least one year. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not enrolled as full-time students. They must apply as individuals, not groups, and must submit original artwork samples. Artists may choose from one of four tracks: Career Development ($2,000), Collaboration ($6,000), Fellowship ($5,000), or Project Grant ($2,000). Each applicant may only submit one application per cycle. The program supports artists at all career stages and encourages diverse artistic practices. For organizations, SDAC offers two main funding paths: General Organizational Support (GOS) and Project Grants. GOS provides operational funding to help nonprofit arts and cultural organizations maintain day-to-day functions, grow their capacity, and expand arts access statewide. Project Grants support the creation or presentation of specific arts-related events or programs that benefit the public. Eligible applicants include South Dakota-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, units of state or local government, and federally recognized tribal governments. Organizations using fiscal agents for regranting are not eligible. Funding rules stipulate that an artist and an organization cannot both apply for funding for the same project. All grants awarded by SDAC are intended to support activities that advance arts access, foster creativity, and build public engagement in the arts. The grants are highly competitive and aim to support projects with clear public benefit and artistic value. SDAC will post resources and guidance for applicants on their website. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to prepare early, make use of the draft review process, and carefully follow eligibility criteria. For questions about the grants, applicants should consult the SDAC website or portal for updates and contact information.