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Arts Midwest ArtsU Grant is sponsored by Arts Midwest. Grants for artists to create professional development projects, including those integrating arts with youth education, literacy, or SEL through writing and theater.
Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt:
Applying for the GIG Fund - Arts Midwest Opportunities for Organizations Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunities for Individuals Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities Midwest Culture Bearers Award Opportunities for Organizations Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunities for Individuals Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities Midwest Culture Bearers Award { $refs.searchInput.focus() });" class="transition-colors hover:text-light-green focus:text-light-green" aria-label="Search" aria-controls="header-search" :aria-expanded="searchOpen"> Press [ENTER] to Search... Home > Get Support > GIG Fund > Applying for the GIG Fund Applying for the GIG Fund The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities. Photo Credit: Kenneth Cody, courtesy of Literary Cleveland These guidelines are for grants to support general arts activities in the Midwest. For grants to support arts and wellness projects, please visit the GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness page. Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year . That means if you apply for a regular GIG Fund grant, you should not apply for a GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness grant. Download a copy of the guidelines, which includes all the application questions. Visit our grants portal, SmartSimple , to begin this process. Access detailed instructions on how to get set up in SmartSimple. Complete and submit the application form The next cycle of applications has an intent to apply form due on September 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central time and the full application due by September 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central time. Only one application will be accepted per organization. The 2025 deadline has passed. Intents to Apply were due September 15, 2025, with final applications due September 29, 2025. The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. Smaller Non-profit Organizations: 501c3 non-profit organizations and tribal organizations with annual expenses of $2 million or less. In the Midwest: Organizations located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography. Focused on Arts & Culture : Arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.) or nonprofit organizations that provide arts programming (social service agencies, etc.) With a UEI : Organizations will need to have a UEI number from SAM.gov in order to receive funding. Apply for a
Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Applying for the GIG Fund - Arts Midwest Opportunities for Organizations Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunities for Individuals Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities Midwest Culture Bearers Award Opportunities for Organizations Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunities for Individuals Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities Midwest Culture Bearers Award { $refs. searchInput.
focus() });" class="transition-colors hover:text-light-green focus:text-light-green" aria-label="Search" aria-controls="header-search" :aria-expanded="searchOpen"> Press [ENTER] to Search... Home > Get Support > GIG Fund > Applying for the GIG Fund Applying for the GIG Fund The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities.
Photo Credit: Kenneth Cody, courtesy of Literary Cleveland These guidelines are for grants to support general arts activities in the Midwest. For grants to support arts and wellness projects, please visit the GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness page. Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year .
That means if you apply for a regular GIG Fund grant, you should not apply for a GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness grant. Download a copy of the guidelines, which includes all the application questions. Visit our grants portal, SmartSimple , to begin this process.
Access detailed instructions on how to get set up in SmartSimple. Complete and submit the application form The next cycle of applications has an intent to apply form due on September 15, 2025 at 11:59 p. m.
Central time and the full application due by September 29, 2025 at 11:59 p. m. Central time.
Only one application will be accepted per organization. The 2025 deadline has passed. Intents to Apply were due September 15, 2025, with final applications due September 29, 2025.
The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. Smaller Non-profit Organizations: 501c3 non-profit organizations and tribal organizations with annual expenses of $2 million or less.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Individual artists in Michigan and other Midwest states Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $1,000 - $5,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 12, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Art Meets Activism (AMA) Grant is sponsored by Kentucky Foundation for Women. Supports feminist artists and organizations leading community members in participatory art-making to advance positive social change in Kentucky. Application snapshot: target deadline February 23, 2026; published funding information $1,000 - $7,500; eligibility guidance Individual women or gender non-conforming artists and feminist organizations residing in Kentucky. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
USArtists International is sponsored by Mid Atlantic Arts. Supports U. S. performing artists and ensembles in dance, music, and theater invited to perform at significant international festivals and performing arts markets abroad. Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: USArtists International - Mid Atlantic Arts Opportunities Outside of Mid Atlantic Arts CALT Appalachian Foodways Practitioner Fellowships CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship CALT Community Anchors Initiative CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program Cultural Sustainability: Community Roots Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowships Folk and Traditional Arts Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grants Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives New Jersey State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowships Performing Arts Global Exchange Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color Strategic Plan / Imagine Next Opportunities Outside of Mid Atlantic Arts CALT Appalachian Foodways Practitioner Fellowships CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship CALT Community Anchors Initiative CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program Cultural Sustainability: Community Roots Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowships Folk and Traditional Arts Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grants Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives New Jersey State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowships Performing Arts Global Exchange Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color Strategic Plan / Imagine Next Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Image: Zoe & Cloyd performing in Holy Trinity Church in Westport, Ireland. Credit: Michael Reynolds. International Touring Impact Stories Grant Matching Requirement USArtists International® supports in-person performances by artists from any state or territory in the U.S. at engagements at international festivals, global presenting arts markets, and other eligible engagements outside of the United States. The program funds individuals and ensembles across all performing arts practices and disciplines. Mid Atlantic Arts is committed to the development and expansion of both the careers and artistic goals of U.S. performers by providing connections to audiences, presenters, curators, and their peers through the USAI program. By elevating the voices that reflect a vibrant array of creative expression, we are able to celebrate and share the diversity and imagination of the United States. Grant support range: Grants of up to $11,000 toward eligible expenses. Grants require a one-to-one cost share (or match). Applications to USAI must meet eligibility criteria in each of the following three areas to be eligible for the program: International Tour Eligibility Please see the Guidelines below for the full list of eligibility requirements. Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 by 11:59 PM Eastern For projects taking place between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Letters of invitation are due by Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Guidelines and Application Program Guidelines have been refreshed. There is one deadline for USAI this program year. Be sure to review artist eligibility as Fiscal Sponsorship is no longer allowed. To learn more, read the Application snapshot: target deadline February 25, 2026; published funding information Up to $11,000; eligibility guidance U. S. -based individual performing artists and ensembles; applicants must have a letter of invitation from an eligible international festival. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Application snapshot: target deadline March 12, 2026; published funding information $1,000 - $5,000; eligibility guidance Individual artists in Michigan and other Midwest states
Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
In the Midwest: Organizations located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography. Focused on Arts & Culture : Arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.)
or nonprofit organizations that provide arts programming (social service agencies, etc.) With a UEI : Organizations will need to have a UEI number from SAM. gov in order to receive funding.
Apply for a free UEI at SAM. gov . In Good Standing: Organizations must not have overdue reports or funding restrictions with Arts Midwest.
This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements. 1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble A portion of the grant award must be used to pay the artist(s).
Artists can be from anywhere, including the applicant’s own community. Artists must demonstrate high artistic, educational, or cultural value as understood by the target community. Artists must be at least 18 years old and not be full-time students.
The artist and their work must be the focus of the engagement. 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) Activities should feature an educational component that allows direct interaction between artists and participants.
Examples include: Workshops & masterclasses Lectures, panels, or demonstrations Meet-and-greets or talkbacks Activities must include at least one performance or exhibition that is open to the general public. Activities may be in-person and/or virtual. Activities must take place in an accessible facility or on an accessible online platform.
3) Reach an Underserved Audience At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming).
Eligible project examples Sample activities could include: A rural community hosting a short artist residency at a local school. An artist hosting a creative writing program with justice-impacted citizens. An artist talkback or meet & greet in an exhibition featuring the work of local, regional, or national artists.
Presenting a concert series focused on the music of local, regional, or national composers. Initiating a new partnership to provide art classes for people with disabilities. Ineligible Project Examples The GIG Fund does not support the following types of projects: Independent artists seeking funding for their own self-produced material.
A guest artist must be featured. Projects that feature mostly student performers. Artist fellowships/scholarships Projects that are not arts focused (e.
g. fireworks displays, conference speakers, etc.) Projects that are part of a benefit or fundraiser.
Projects that are funded by another active Arts Midwest program. Projects funded by another federal grant. Organizations may request a grant between $2,000 and $15,000.
These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required. Please read the following important notice about federal policies that govern these grant awards .
Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds (aka cost share) on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount. To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant request.
Potential sources for the match may include: Salaries and wages for project staff In-kind contributions, volunteer hours Earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants) Cash from the applicant or partner organizations. Federal funds cannot be used as match. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: Artist fees (required), materials (e.
g. , paint, costumes, props), staff salaries to administer the project, software licenses to host virtual activities, facility rental, equipment purchases, accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities or auto-immune conditions, marketing and promotion, and artist travel. Application Questions and Panel Process For all grant applications, we use an online platform called SmartSimple .
Applicants will need to register if they are new to using the system. Previous applicants and grantees will be able to access the application by visiting the “Begin a new application” tile on the “Grants for Organizations” home page. Step 1: Intent to Apply (Due September 15, 2025) Questions and requirements: Applicant organization details (EIN, UEI number from SAM.
gov, annual operating budget, mission statement, organization location information, publicity name). Primary contact information Short summary of proposed project (100 words) Short description of project activities (250 words) Have you received funding from Arts Midwest before? (yes/no) Have you received funding from your state arts agency in the last five years?
(yes/no) Do you anticipate your local state arts agency will fund this project? (yes/no) Project start and end dates Step 2: Full Application (Due September 29, 2025) Number of anticipated adults served Number of anticipated youth served Artist summary (500 words) Please provide details about the artist(s) you intend to work with. Why have you chosen them?
Activity summary (500 words) Describe the two proposed project activities that feature the artist/ensemble, including where and when they will take place. If exact dates are unknown, please provide a range of possible dates/months. Describe the community your program impacts (500 words) Please describe the community you plan to reach with your programming with details about the underserved group(s) you intend to reach.
Other required information Additional details about your budget (optional) Panel Review Process and Criteria Applications are reviewed by an independent advisory panel. That panel is composed of arts experts and other individuals with broad knowledge of community programs. Panel composition changes annually.
The panel will use four criteria in the review process. Each criterion is on a scale of (5) for a maximum of (20) points per application. Grantees are selected based on: Artistic excellence and merit of programming .
The panel will review the artist and activity summaries to assign these points. Depth of audience engagement . The panel will review the community summary and data provided on intended audience(s) to assign these points.
Resource management . The panel will consider the applicant’s ability to manage and implement a federal award. This could include organization capacity; reasonable budget plans; etc.
Planning for success . The panel will evaluate the plan for using the grant funds including proposed project activities and audiences reached.
Timeline, Webinar, and Office Hours September 15, 2025: Intent to Apply due September 29, 2025: Full Application due October 2025: Panel Review November 2025: Applicants notified, awards made, awardees announced December 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: Funded projects take place If you have additional questions, we invite you to watch our informational webinar or join office hours. Office Hours: August 12 at 10:00am Central Time.
Register here . We want this opportunity to be accessible to all and will work with applicants who need to use other means to apply.
Alternative application options may include, but are not limited to: Using an adapted form in Microsoft Word (available upon request) Sharing a video application (available upon request) Please complete this form if you are requesting accessibility assistance or email [email protected] Visit our Accessibility Policy for more information on our commitment to accessibility.
Arts Midwest is now collecting applications through a new grants management platform called SmartSimple. Before you apply for a grant opportunity, you’ll need to register your organization in the system. Photo Credit: Jasmin Sumlin, courtesy of Sidewalk Detroit Have questions about the GIG Fund?
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