Accessibility Grant Program

The Accessibility Grant offered by the North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is designed to enhance the inclusivity of arts experiences throughout the state of North Dakota. The grant supports arts and non-arts organizations, as well as unincorporated groups, in improving the accessibility of their arts programming and facilities. This funding initiative aligns with NDCA’s broader mission to ensure that the arts are accessible to all North Dakotans, including those with disabilities. Organizations that are either led by individuals with disabilities or that provide paid opportunities for disabled artists are given priority consideration. The program is intended to create more inclusive environments where diverse audiences and artists can fully participate in cultural and creative activities. The FY27 funding cycle covers the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Applications must be submitted online by April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. A draft review deadline is also provided on April 10, 2026, allowing applicants to receive feedback prior to final submission. Eligible applicants include North Dakota-based tax-exempt nonprofit organizations (arts and non-arts), public entities, and affiliate programs of in-state 501(c)(3) or public institutions offering arts programming. All applicants must be physically located in North Dakota and must primarily serve and engage local communities. Grant awards range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $2,000, with no matching funds required. The grant may support a variety of project types, including program accessibility improvements such as large print or braille materials, accessibility audits, artist or consultant fees, transportation for individuals with disabilities, website accessibility enhancements, inclusive programming, staff training, and the development of overall accessibility plans. It may also be used for facility improvements like signage updates and installation of Braille plaques. However, the grant explicitly excludes educational activities during the school day, capital campaigns, projects completed in prior fiscal years, activities outside of North Dakota, and several other restricted uses. Applicants must submit their proposals through the NDCA’s online grants system at grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ndca. The application requires several components, including applicant information, a project narrative, defined outcomes, a detailed budget form, work samples, resumes of key personnel, board/advisory committee information, and a 501(c)(3) determination letter or equivalent documentation. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the program officer for assistance in preparing their submission. Applications will be reviewed by a panel using four criteria: Arts Activity, Community, Ability, and Evaluation. Projects scoring between 75–100% are forwarded to the NDCA board for approval, while those scoring 60–74% may receive partial funding. Notifications are sent via email, and awarded grantees may request up to 80% of the grant amount upon signing the agreement, with the remaining 20% disbursed after submission of the final report. Final reports are due within 30 days of project completion or by June 15, 2027, whichever comes first. The program is not recurring, and incomplete or late applications will not be considered. NDCA’s Accessibility Coordinator, Rhea Beto, serves as the primary contact for questions, and alternate application formats are available upon request. For further guidance on accessibility standards, applicants are directed to the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Accessibility.

Address ADA compliance in venue and communications; prioritize demonstrating community support and relevance to disabled audiences.