Public Programs in the Arts

Overview

This annual grant opportunity supports Idaho's established arts organizations that provide public programs in the arts. These programs represent the highest standards of excellence, engage the public, encourage community access, education, and participation in the arts, and follow best practices in business management and administration.

Eligibility

• Nonprofit IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization OR unit of local, county, tribal, or state government (including schools and school districts)
• 501(c)(3) Determination Letter with effective date at least three years prior to application deadline
• Minimum three-year program history as of application deadline
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by sam.gov
• Must compensate professional artists and administrators
• Primary purpose must be production, presentation, or support of the arts with history of maintaining high artistic standards
• Must have completed at least one year of Entry Track funding and received PPA status notification
• Final reports for past Commission grants and awards must be submitted and approved

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online at grants.arts.idaho.gov by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date. First-time applicants must create a user account and be approved before applying. Work can be saved in progress and modified before final submission.

Application Timeline (2025–2027 Cycle)

• January: Application due
• April: Full panel review (2025); Interim staff review (2026, 2027)
• July: Final report due

Notification & Funding

Panel recommendations must be approved by the board of Commissioners. Annual grants are approved in the May Commission meeting. Applicants are notified in June. Funds become available in July.

Work Samples

• Images: Up to 10 images
• Audio or video: Up to 5 pieces, not to exceed 10 minutes total
• Literature: Up to 20 pages (may include one-paragraph synopsis if excerpted)
• Playwrights and Screenwriters: Up to 20 pages (may include one-paragraph synopsis if excerpted)

What Cannot Be Funded

• Endowment establishment or contributions
• Fundraising projects that do not raise funds for the arts
• Prizes, scholarships, or free tickets
• Projects or programs to generate or attract audiences
• Debt, fines, penalties, or legal fees
• Promotional activities or mass-distribution materials (CDs, portfolios, brochures, websites)
• Self-published books
• Student exhibitions, anthologies, or performances (unless documenting arts education grant)
• Degree or professional certification costs
• Projects already completed or beginning before eligible start date
• Documentation of previously completed projects (except arts education)
• Primarily recreational, vocational, or religious projects
• Activities restricted to organizational membership
• Consecutive annual conference attendance
• Pageants, festivals, or celebrations unrelated to arts or cultural activities
• Journalism and academic documentary without significant artistic emphasis
• Lobbying or political activities
• Hospitality expenses (food, alcohol, flowers)
• Capital expenses for individuals
• Writing intended for youth