Grants:Annual Grants Program

City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program

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 2024, a record 91 organizations received funding to support the programs, exhibitions and activities that nearly 8 million residents and visitors enjoy each year.  

This grant is awarded on a three-year basis and will accept new applicants for the 2027-2030 cycle.

Annual Grants Program

About the grant

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 2024, a record 91 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 public 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 grant is awarded on a three-year basis and will accept new applicants for the 2027-2030 cycle.

Annual Grants Program

Eligible organizations:

  • Are a 501 (c)(3) organization or an organization fiscally sponsored by a 501 (c)(3) organization headquartered in Marion County, Indiana.
  • Have a minimum operating budget of $20,000.
  • Offer year-round arts & culture programs to the community.
  • Primarily serve Marion County residents.

The Annual Grants Program grant has transformed how the Global Village engages with and support artists in Central Indiana. Funding from this grant has allowed us to open the stage for more performers and musicians in our immersive programs, allowing us to make a bigger impact in the way our guests engage with and perceive the cultures surrounding our community.

Global Village
Global Village (2024 Annual Grants Program Recipient)

Public Panel Review

A record 91 organizations applied for the City of Indianapolis and Indy Arts Council Annual Grants Program funding this year. A panel of national grant professionals reviewed applications from April 9-12. 

You can watch the livestream recordings on YouTube. More details on the panel review schedule can be found in the Welcome Packet.

2024 Panelists

  • Rochelle Jerry, Director of Development, Indy Arts Council
  • Karla Estela Rivera, Consultant and Performer
  • Jainelle Robinson, Community Engagement Officer, ArtOps
  • Adam Santalla Pierce, Vice President, Community & Artist Support, Arts & Science Council
  • Susan Williams, Advisory Board Member, Indy Arts Council
  • Janine Christiano, Director of Strategic Partners, Race Forward – GARE
  • Keya Crenshaw, Founder, Black Chick Media
  • Ernest Disney-Britton, Consultant, Indy Arts Council
  • Sarah Hempstead, Indy Arts Council Board Member, Principal & CEO of Schmidt Associates
  • Malcolm McClain, Program Officer, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

Connect with the grants team

Anna Tragesser

Anna Tragesser

Program Manager
she/her

Reach out to Anna for questions about the grants portal, the application process, and tech issues. If you prefer to meet virtually, schedule a time with Anna here.

Need additional help? Email grants@indyarts.org.

Connect with the grants team

Nikki Kirk

Nikki Kirk

Director of Community Impact & Strategic Investment
she/her

For questions about eligibility requirements and our grant programs in general, join Nikki during office hours on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sign up for a 1:1 session here.

Questions? Email grants@indyarts.org.

Annual Grants Program History

  • Our equity journey

  • Impact & Challenges

Annual Grants Program: Our equity journey

2015
Indy Arts Council adopts its equity statement.
2016
Program expands funding access to smaller arts organizations.
2020
City of Indianapolis adopts special resolution to address inequities of race, place and identity throughout City-County government. 
2021
Indy Arts Council and local arts leaders develop AGP scoring criteria that centers racial and socioeconomic equity. 

Annual Grants Program: Impact & Challenges

2015-2023
Organizations funded grew from 45 to 85.
POCC (people of color-centered) organizations funded grew from 2 to 16.
2020-2023
Audience diversity grew from 33% to 42%.
Arts organization board diversity increased from 28% to 31%.
Workforce diversity increased from 22% to 25%.
2023
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.

Annual Grants Program