Community Arts Program
Funding Opportunities
There are many ways the Iowa Arts Council can support community arts activities and projects. To determine which grant program most appropriately supports your specific project, please read the grant guidelines for information on project and applicant eligibility. Just as good planning is essential to completing a project, being familiar with funding resources and processes is important. Contact our staff to address your questions and concerns, and apply early in order to avoid the last minute rush that may result in omissions or mistakes in your application!
Artists
in Schools & Communities Residency Major Grants and Mini Grants
- To bring professional artists and performing groups into Iowa’s schools and communities in residencies of five days or longer.
- Eligible to apply: schools, organizations
- Request limit: up to $10,000 for Major Grants and $1,500 for Mini Grants
Arts Partners for Achievement Program
- Supports long-term collaborative work between schools and community arts resources (such as artists and arts organizations) in order to expand the capability of schools to improve the quality of education for students.
- Eligible to apply: schools (with arts partners as team members)
- Up to three new grants of $3,000 each will be awarded during the academic year.
- Up to $500 to bring Iowa artists to schools, theatres, festivals and auditoriums across Iowa
- 3 categories: Arts Education, Performing Arts Grants, and Character Counts! Through the Arts Grants
- Eligible to apply: organizations (including schools)
Organization
Major Grants and Mini Grants
- Support exemplary arts projects that benefit Iowa's and the needs of Iowa communities.
- Collaborations and the exploration of new experiences for audiences are encouraged.
- Eligible to apply: organizations (including schools)
- Request limit: up to $10,000 for Major Grants and $1,500 for Mini Grants
- Support significant arts-related projects that will enhance the lives of Iowans throughout the state and encourage and support visionary thinking of Iowans.
- Limited number of grants available.
Public
Art Major Grants and Mini Grants
- To plan and implement public art projects and programs that are accessible to Iowans.
- Projects may be divided into several phases – applicant may apply to complete one or more phases (funding for future phases is not guaranteed).
- Eligible to apply: artists and organizations (including schools)
- Request limit: up to $10,000 for Major Grants and $1,500 for Mini Grants
- This Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs page lists links to organizations that support various arts-, culture- and history-based projects and initiatives.
