Application Timeline & Resources:

2021 Annual Grants Program

• Panel Review (April 6-9, 2021)
• Awards Celebration (June 30, 2021)
• Press Release (July 7, 2021)

2022 Application Release: December 2021

• Level 1 Operating Support Program (Budgets less than $250,000 annually, with exceptions for headquartered organizations)
• Level 2 Operating Support Program (Budgets $250,000 - $5 million annually)
• Level 3 Operating Support Program (Budgets greater than $5 million annually)

General Grant Information

Apply for one of our competitive grant programs and let us invest in your plans for the arts in Indianapolis.

Each year, the City of Indianapolis through the City-County Council allocates funding to the Arts Council to grant to Marion County arts organizations. The Arts Council’s Annual Grants Program is a three-tiered program of investment support for the arts in Indianapolis. Grants from the Arts Council will provide investments in the arts and cultural community, reflecting the changes of our growing city and ever-expanding arts community.

Grant applications are adjudicated in a public process that is free from conflicts of interest and assures fairness and professionalism.

Review Criteria
Each application will be reviewed and scored by a conflict-free online panel. The scores will be included as part of a funding formula that determines grant awards. Information submitted in the application will be reviewed according to the evaluation criteria below. The criteria centers racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across three areas, with an emphasis on racial equity.

• Artistic Merit (25%)
• Community Impact (50%)
• Organizational Capacity (25%)

Accessing the Application

New applicants are only eligible to apply for the Level 1 Operating Support Program. To make the application process easier for new applicants, a representative from your organization must contact the Grant Services team to confirm eligibility and receive the invitational password prior to beginning an application. For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..