FY26 Program Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in any arts discipline;
• Other 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities that provide arts programming such as social service organizations, etc.;
• 501(c)(6) tourism entities or Chambers of Commerce;
• Local units of government;
• Public libraries;
• Public and private schools from pre-kindergarten through high school;
• Pre-Approved fiscally sponsored entities. Learn more about fiscal sponsorship here; or
• Colleges and universities that provide either community arts learning experiences for grades Pre-K through 12 on their home campus or elsewhere or arts experiences in high-priority geographic service counties. Learn more about college and university eligibility.

IAC staff may follow up to request documentation or additional information and will make the final determination on eligibility. Arts Organizations may apply for either Art Organization Support or Arts Project Support in a grant cycle, not both.

APS Eligibility Tool

All new and returning APS applicants are required to first answer some simple questions to find out if they can apply for the APS program before beginning an application. These questions are solely intended to help applicants determine whether they may be eligible to apply for APS. If an applicant’s responses indicate eligibility, they will be able to access the application.

Access to the application does not guarantee final eligibility for the program. The IAC reserves the authority to deem an applicant ineligible at any point in the application process.

Colleges and universities as well as fiscally sponsored applicants are required to request access to the APS application following completion of the eligibility tool. Instructions on how to request access to the application are provided upon completion of the eligibility tool. Access the eligibility tool.

APS FY2026 Application Timeline

Spring Application Cycle (Grant Period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

Fall Application Cycle (Grant Period January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026)

APS Guidelines

FY26 Guidelines

• FY26 Guidelines
• FY26 Evaluation Criteria
• FY26 Scoring Rubric
• Requirements and Policies for Indiana Arts Commission Grantees
• Submit An Application

Questions about the program, application, and panel process should be directed to the applicant’s Regional Arts Partner.