Special Projects Grant Program

The Special Projects grant program, administered by the North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA), is designed to support art events across a wide array of disciplines and formats for both individuals and organizations in North Dakota. NDCA operates as a state-level arts agency funded by the North Dakota State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Its mission includes increasing public access to the arts and fostering community engagement through diverse creative experiences. The Special Projects grant offers a unique opportunity for eligible applicants to receive financial support for artistic events, performances, installations, and exhibitions that serve the broader North Dakota community. This program is a reimbursement-based grant, offering up to $1,500 or a maximum of 80% of the project’s total cash expenses, whichever is less. A 20% cash match is required and must be sourced from non-NDCA and non-federal funding. The Special Projects grant supports a wide range of artistic endeavors, including festivals, murals, publications involving community participation, and recurring annual events for up to two years, provided that there are clear adjustments aimed at expanding audience engagement. However, the program does not support projects that lack intentional public engagement, K-12 school curriculum-based activities, fundraising efforts, capital expenses over $5,000, or projects outside the geographic scope of North Dakota. Eligibility for this grant includes individual artists, North Dakota-based nonprofit arts organizations, federally tax-exempt arts and non-arts organizations (with isolated arts budgets), public entities, and affiliate arts divisions within qualifying host institutions. Individual artists must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 18 or older, North Dakota residents, and not enrolled full-time in an academic institution. Organizational applicants must be physically located in the state, primarily serve North Dakota communities, and be the direct recipient of the funds rather than a fiscally sponsored entity. Applications must be submitted online through NDCA’s grants portal a minimum of six weeks before the proposed activity start date and no later than 11:59 p.m. CST on May 31, 2026. The project period must fall between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Grantees are required to submit a final report within 30 days of the project’s end or by June 30, 2026, whichever is earlier. If awarded, grantees must complete a Request for Funds form, and payment may take up to four weeks post-submission. The application process involves submitting applicant information, narratives addressing review criteria, a budget form, work samples, resumes, board lists, and documentation of nonprofit status if applicable. Evaluation is based on four criteria—Arts Activity, Community, Ability, and Evaluation—each weighted equally. Applicants are expected to clearly articulate project goals, timelines, community impact, marketing plans, and methods for evaluating outcomes. Accessibility and ADA compliance are also important components of the application. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact NDCA staff at [email protected] or by phone at (701) 328-7590. While applications are not currently being accepted as of the analysis date, the opportunity is anticipated to reopen later in the fiscal year. Applicants are advised to monitor the NDCA website for updates.

Ensure project changes are approved; meet ADA compliance; articulate clear community impact and evaluation plans.