Annual Grants Program

Program History: Since 1987, the City of Indianapolis has invested in nonprofit arts and culture organizations through the Annual Grants Program.

Geographic Scope: Marion County, Indiana

Focus Areas:

• Arts and culture programs, exhibitions, and activities
• Programs that serve nearly 8 million residents and visitors annually

Eligibility:

• Organizations: Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization
• Headquartered in Marion County, Indiana
• Minimum operating budget of $20,000
• Offer year-round arts & culture programs to the community
• Primarily serve Marion County residents

Evaluation Criteria: Independent panel of national grant professionals evaluates applications in a public process, scoring based on:

• Community impact
• Artistic merit
• Organizational capacity
• Emphasis on racial equity, diversity, equity, inclusion and access

Impact (2015-2023):

• Organizations funded grew from 45 to 85 (in 2024, 91 organizations received funding)
• People of color-centered (POCC) organizations funded grew from 2 to 16
• Audience diversity grew from 33% to 42%
• Arts organization board diversity increased from 28% to 31%
• Workforce diversity increased from 22% to 25%

Contact:

• Anna Tragesser, Director of Community Impact and Strategic Investment (grants portal, application process, tech issues)
• Nikki Kirk, Director of Community Impact & Strategic Investment (eligibility requirements, general program questions)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (317) 631-3301
• Office Hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am-4pm

Application Process

1. Review application guidelines
2. Review the scoring rubric
3. Explore a virtual workshop (pre-recorded workshop and presentation slides available)
4. Complete your application via the grants portal

Required Materials

• Application form submitted through online portal

Support Available

• 1:1 office hours with grants team on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Pre-recorded workshop available
• Scoring rubric provided
• Application guidelines provided