Indianapolis arts and cultural organizations face tremendous challenges in preparing to safely welcome back their employees, volunteers, audiences, and attendees as the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis continues. Research conducted by the Arts Council confirms that the sector is projected to experience 30,000 event cancellations and venue closures by September. As a result, earned income losses are estimated at more than $50 million. Additionally, local arts and cultural organizations face $20 million in new, unanticipated expenses required to reopen and adjust their operating models in a world informed by COVID-19 realities.
The $10 million Indy Arts and Culture Restart & Resilience Fund, made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc., is designed to help organizations address these unexpected capital and operating expenses due to COVID-19 in order to support their safe reopening and future delivery of their missions. Applications are now open and are expected to remain open until Dec. 3, 2021.
ABOUT THE FUND
Through the Fund, the Arts Council will provide eligible arts and cultural organizations of all sizes and disciplines with one-time grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000. Categories of expenses to be funded include new equipment, supplies, and materials; additional professional services; changes to physical environments; programming modifications; and staffing.
Proposals will be evaluated by Arts Council staff and approved by the Arts Council board of directors to ensure sound consideration and integration of public health guidelines and the reopening principles and best practices that have been collaboratively developed by our sector. Grant amounts will be based on an organization's annual operating budget. Full program details can be found here.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Qualifying arts and cultural organizations must be Indiana-based and physically headquartered in Indianapolis/Marion County, and have a minimum annual operating budget of at least $20,000 in 2019.
Full eligibility requirements can be found here.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible organizations may complete and submit an application online starting July 13, 2020. Before applying, please review the program guidelines and requirements.
If you have questions, contact our Grants Services Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
NEWS & UPDATES
Check back regularly for announcements of new grantees, updates, and news coverage of the Indy Arts and Culture Restart & Resilience Fund.
Key Dates
July 13, 2020: Applications open.
Dec. 3, 2021: Applications close.
Applications will be accepted through December 3, 2021 and will be reviewed on the following schedule:
| Application Received By: |
Notified of Award Status: |
| July 23, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. |
August 9, 2021 |
| August 27, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. |
September 13, 2021 |
| October 1, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. |
October 18, 2021 |
| October 29, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. |
November 15, 2021 |
| December 3, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. |
December 20, 2021 |
Workshops
Grant Writing for the Restart & Resilience Fund: 11 a.m. each Monday. Presented by the Arts Council. Please register
here and choose your date from the drop-down menu. This workshop is
required for all applicants.
**Please note: There will not be a workshop on Monday, September 6, 2021 as the Arts Council office is closed for the holiday.**
Reimagining Program Delivery: Presented by
SmallBox.
These webinars have ended, but you can view a recording
here. Please skip ahead to the 10:00 mark.
