Public Programs in the Arts

The Public Programs in the Arts (PPA) grant, administered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, supports established arts organizations in Idaho that offer public arts programs. This funding opportunity is aimed at encouraging public engagement and community participation in the arts, fostering education, and upholding high standards of excellence and professionalism in arts programming and administration. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to artistic quality and effective organizational practices. The Idaho Commission on the Arts, headquartered in Boise, is dedicated to advancing the arts across the state by providing financial support, resources, and advocacy. The PPA grant is part of its broader strategy to support nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions that contribute significantly to Idaho’s cultural landscape. To be eligible for the PPA, organizations must first complete a successful application under the Entry Track grant and receive staff and panel recommendations for PPA candidacy. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or units of local, county, tribal, or state government, including schools and school districts. These organizations must have had tax-exempt status for at least three years prior to the application deadline, possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from sam.gov, and maintain a minimum of three years of program history. Additionally, they must pay professional artists and administrators and have a primary focus on producing, presenting, or supporting the arts. The PPA grant follows a three-year review cycle with application due in January, a panel or staff review in April, and final report submission by July. The upcoming application deadline is January 31, 2026. Award amounts vary and are determined by a formula considering the panel review score, the organization’s fiscal size, and past funding history. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date. Application materials may include images, audio/video samples, and literature up to specified limits. Applicants may request a courtesy review by contacting the program staff at least three weeks before the deadline. All approved grants will be distributed in full following the Idaho Commission on the Arts board’s approval. Final reports are mandatory and must be submitted by July 31 of the grant year. For more information or assistance, applicants may contact the Idaho Commission on the Arts at (208) 334-2119 or (800) 278-3863 (Idaho only). The office is located at 9543 W Emerald Street, Suite 204, Boise, ID 83704.