Annual Grants Program 2027-2029

Annual Grants Program 2027-2029 is sponsored by Indy Arts Council. Provides funding for quality arts performances, programs, professional development, services, exhibitions, and arts activities in central Indiana.

Annual Grants Program - Indy Arts Council Arts Organization Services Arts Organization Services Grants : Annual Grants Program City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program Since 1987, the City of Indianapolis has invested in nonprofit arts organizations through the Annual Grants Program (AGP), administered by the Indy Arts Council.

In 2026, 98 organizations received funding to support the programs, exhibitions and activities that nearly 8 million residents and visitors enjoy each year. The Annual Grants Program operates on a multi-year cycle. A required eligibility check is due November 29, 2026 for organizations intending to apply in the 2027-2029 cycle.

Click here to read the full program guidelines. How do grantees submit an annual report? Grantees with a multi-year award (2024-2026) must submit their 2026 annual report by March 31, 2027.

The annual report is currently assigned to the organization’s designated grant contact via indyarts. grantplatform. org .

View the guidelines for details and requirements pertaining to awards during the 2024-2026 grant cycle. Since 1987, the City of Indianapolis has invested in nonprofit arts and culture organizations through the Annual Grants Program, administered by the Indy Arts Council. In 2026, 98 organizations received funding to support the programs, exhibitions and activities that nearly 8 million residents and visitors enjoy each year.

To ensure fairness, an independent panel of national grant professionals evaluates applications in a transparent process. Scoring centers diversity, equity, inclusion and access across three areas–community impact, artistic merit and organizational capacity, with an emphasis on racial equity. This is an open and competitive process, and prior funding from the Annual Grants Program does not guarantee funding for 2027.

Click here to read the full program guidelines. Are arts organizations that’s mission statement, programming, and budget are dedicated to the arts. Have 501(c)(3) status or are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

Have total revenue of at least $20,000 in its most recently completed fiscal year. Primarily serve Marion County residents and are not physically headquartered, based, or in residence outside Marion County. Schools and universities are not eligible.

Booster clubs, friends groups, foundations, and organizations that exist for the sole purpose of fundraising or organizations that primarily function as grantmakers are not eligible. Click here to read the full program guidelines. Submit the eligibility check.

Due November 29, 2026, 11:59 pm. Webinar: Eligibility Process and Tips – Watch the recording here . All applicants will receive eligibility confirmation via email by December 15.

Submit the full application. Due February 21, 2027, 11:59 pm. This is a written, online application.

If you prefer an alternate format (i.e. dictated responses, video responses, other languages), please reach out to [email protected] . Webinar: Application Process and Tips Friday, December 11, 2026, 12-1:30 pm (Zoom – register here ) Wednesday, January 20, 2027, 12-1:30 pm (Zoom – register here ) Frequently Asked Questions What is the multiyear application schedule for the Annual Grants Program?

To reduce grant writing workload and provide funding predictability for arts organizations, the Annual Grants Program runs on a multiyear cycle. The upcoming cycle covers calendar years 2027 through 2029. Organizations awarded in 2027 will be automatically awarded again in 2028 and 2029 without submitting a new application.

Each year’s dollar award amounts to grantees may fluctuate, because they are dependent upon annual City allocations. After the February 21, 2027 application deadline, the Annual Grants Program will not accept applications again until 2030 unless significant additional funding for the program is made available for 2028 and/or 2029. How are applications evaluated?

A panel of national arts and culture grant professionals will review and score each application according to the criteria listed in the guidelines. Applicants are invited and encouraged to listen to the panel’s feedback via Zoom the week of April 5, 2027. Applicants receive panel information directly via email.

When will grantees receive their contract and check? In 2027, grantees will be issued a contract covering the multiyear cycle 2027-2029 and notified of their award amount for 2027. In 2028 and 2029, grantees will be automatically awarded without submitting a new application.

Each year’s dollar award amounts to grantees may fluctuate, as they are dependent upon annual City allocations. Grantees will be issued a contract amendment in 2028 and 2029 that specifies the year’s award amount.

Annual Grants Program awards are paid out in two installments: 50% of the annual award amount at the beginning of the annual grant period (by June, estimated), and the remaining 50% of the award amount after grantees submit their annual report (due March 31 annually). The payment schedule can fluctuate based on City budgeting and payment processes. How do grantees credit the Indy Arts Council?

If you receive funding from the Annual Grants Program, you must follow the funding acknowledgement requirements linked below. Indy Arts Council Brand Assets How do grantees submit an annual report? Grantees with a multi-year award (2024-2026) must submit their 2026 annual report by March 31, 2027.

The annual report is currently assigned to the organization’s designated grant contact via indyarts. grantplatform. com .

What if our contact information changes? If your executive leadership and/or grant contact information has changed, immediately notify our team at [email protected] . Connect with the grants team Director of Community Impact and Strategic Investment Reach out to Anna for questions about eligibility requirements, the application process, the grants portal, and tech issues.

If you prefer to meet virtually, schedule a time with Anna here . Need additional help? Email [email protected] .

2024 Annual Grant Program Grantees 2024 Annual Grants Program awards nearly $1. 5 million to a record 91 nonprofit arts and culture organizations A record 91 nonprofit arts and culture organizations received funding through the 2024 City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program, the Indy Arts Council and the City. 2025 Annual Grants Program awards over $1.

9 million to a record 101 nonprofit arts and culture organizations 85 organizations received an increase in funding since 2024 Annual Grants Program History Annual Grants Program: Our equity journey Indy Arts Council adopts its equity statement. Program expands funding access to smaller arts organizations. City of Indianapolis adopts special resolution to address inequities of race, place and identity throughout City-County government.

Indy Arts Council and local arts leaders develop AGP scoring criteria that centers racial and socioeconomic equity. Annual Grants Program: Impact & Challenges Organizations funded grew from 45 to 85. POCC (people of color-centered) organizations funded grew from 2 to 16.

Audience diversity grew from 33% to 42%. Arts organization board diversity increased from 28% to 31%. Workforce diversity increased from 22% to 25%.

POCC organizations represented 19% of grantees but received 12% of funding. Arts organization CEO diversity decreased from 8% (5 of 65) to 6% (4 of 69) in 2023. We will make equitable access to arts funding for all arts organizations and artists in Indianapolis a guiding principle of Arts Council grant making.

Such funding will unite arts organizations and artists with diverse populations of our community to nurture a thriving culture for the arts within the City of Indianapolis.