1. How and when do I apply for a grant for my organization?
The Arts Council of Indianapolis' guidelines and application materials are usually available in the fall of each year. Downloadable applications are available from the Arts Council's website. First time applicants should contact the Arts Council for the appropriate category and application materials prior to submitting the application.  We do not accept unsolicited grant requests - all grant requests to the Arts Council must be made through one of our funding programs.

2. I will not be able to get our application to your office by the deadline date. Can we turn it in late?
The Arts Council of Indianapolis does NOT accept late applications. All applications are due in our office by the deadline date.  If you are mailing in your application, it must be in our office by the deadline date.  We do not accept post-marked applications that arrive after the deadline. Additionally, the Arts Council does not accept incomplete applications, e-mailed or faxed applications, or those not completed using the published application forms.

3. What is the Regional Arts Partner Initiative and how does it affect my organization?
The Regional Arts Partner program is a network of 12 regional partners developed to enhance the delivery of arts services and move the decision-making about state and federal arts funding closer to the arts community and the arts consumer. The Indiana Arts Commission envisions that not only will arts organizations have better access to services at the regional level, but also that there will be increased public awareness of and advocacy for public support and access to the arts at the community level. The Arts Council of Indianapolis is the regional partner for IAC's Region 7 that includes Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, and Shelby counties.

4. My organization is not a 501(c)(3) or a 509 entity. Can I still apply for a grant?
For funding through the Arts Council's annual grant programs and the Regional Arts Partner program, organizations MUST be a 501(c)3 or 509 entity.  Each applicant organization must have an official IRS letter of determination.

5. My organization is not headquartered in Marion County. Can I still get a grant?
Arts Council annual grant funds are awarded to organizations within Marion County only. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a clear, significant, and direct benefit to Marion County residents. Funding is available through the Regional Arts Partner program and the Fast Track funding program for organizations that are headquartered either in Marion or one of the surrounding categories.

6. I'm having trouble with the downloadable application form. What can I do?
It is essential that as soon as you download the form, open it to ascertain its functionality on your computer. Do not wait until the day before the application is due to discover that the form does not work on your computer! Downloadable applications for the Arts Council's granting programs are only available in Microsoft Word format that work on both PC and Mac platforms.   If the forms do not work on your computer, it is usually an instance of outdated software.  Each application is thorough tested on multiple computers prior to release to insure compatibility.  If you experience problems with the files, please contact the Arts Council for a printed copy of the application. The Arts Council also offers the application packet on a CD-Rom. Please make these requests for alternate formats before the week that the applications are due.

7. Does the Arts Council of Indianapolis offer any technical assistance on grant writing or grant seeking?
The Arts Council offers a wealth of workshop opportunities that are free and open to the public. Most workshops are scheduled in conjunction with the release of guidelines and application materials. Check this site often for up-to-date information on workshop schedules and availability.

8. Where do the funds come from that are granted through the Arts Council of Indianapolis?
Funds for the Arts Council's grant programs come through an allocation from the City of Indianapolis and the Capital Improvement Board. The Arts Council is grateful for the city's continued support of the arts and cultural community in Indianapolis. Funds through the Regional Arts Partnership program come from the Indiana Arts Commission through the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts

9. Is it possible to have Arts Council staff assist me with my proposal?
Yes! The Arts Council staff is available to review your application, assist you in developing your application, and answering any questions you might have. However, be sure to contact the Arts Council well in advance of the application deadline. As the deadline date approaches, the availability of staff becomes limited. So, plan accordingly.

10. Should I attend the Arts Council's public grant review sessions?
Attending an Arts Council public grant review session (if one is available for your grant application category) is perhaps one of the best sources of technical assistance available. Our out-of-state, conflict-free panelists represent some of the best minds in the industry and provide insight, suggestions, and advice to all applicants.

It is strongly recommended to attend not only your organization's review, but also the review of other applicants in your category. Plan to stay as long as your schedule will allow. The Arts Council encourages staff and board participation on all levels. The panel review sessions are an excellent source of grant writing tips and a great source of information about arts happenings in Indianapolis.

11. What sort of reporting schedule do you require for grant recipients?
All grant recipients are required to provide the Arts Council with documentation and evaluation of arts projects and programs through a final grant report. Final payments of grant awards are not made without submission of a final grant report.

12. How are funding decisions made?
The Arts Council relies on a public process and a panel made up of national arts professionals to adjudicate funding requests through the Annual Grants Program. Following the adjudication process, the Arts Council employs a funding formula to derive allocation amounts.  Funding decisions for the Regional Arts Partner funding program are made in a similar manner with a panel of regional and statewide arts professionals.

13. What documentation will I need to submit with my Annual Grant application?
The submission requirements and documentation requirements vary from program to program.  Annual grant applicants must supply a summary of the current strategic plan, a board of directors list, financial statements in the required format for the two most-recently completed fiscal years, and additional documentation. Specific requirements are found in the grant guidelines for each of the funding opportunities.