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About This Listing

This page describes Arts Midwest's grant and award programs rather than a single open call. It lists multiple funding opportunities for both organizations and individuals, each with its own eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award amounts. Applicants must review individual program pages to determine fit and apply through the SmartSimple grants portal.

Opportunities for Organizations

• GIG Fund: Interstate Touring Grants—grants of up to $10,000 to support Midwest organizations bringing artists from another state into their community. Phase 1 Application due November 4.
• NEA Big Read—grants of up to $20,000 to encourage dialogue by reading and discussing a book in community.
• Shakespeare in American Communities—grants of up to $30,000 to connect young people across the country to Shakespeare's plays and support apprenticeships.

Opportunities for Individuals

• Peter Capell Award—celebrating Midwesterners whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. Applications due October 6.
• Jazz Road Touring and Residency Grants for U.S. Jazz Artists—grants of up to $40,000 to develop jazz tours and residencies across the country.
• Midwest Culture Bearers Award—celebrating and supporting the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.
• Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities—supporting accessibility in the arts and celebrating the work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.

How to Apply

Each grant or award has its own guidelines and eligibility requirements. Review the information on the program page linked above to determine whether it's a good fit for you or your organization. When ready to apply, use the SmartSimple grants portal.

Application Tips

A strong grant application clearly follows the guidelines and offers specific, detailed plans for your project rooted in your unique vision. Arts Midwest has created resources on grant writing, including 7 Tips to Level Up Your Grant Writing Game and Best Practices for Federal Grant Applications. Many programs also offer additional support such as office hours or sample applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arts Midwest is not currently accepting unsolicited proposals. Many grant and award programs operate on a yearly cycle, while others launch based on available funding. Sign up for the newsletter to hear about new open calls and opportunities. Most funding is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts; applicants and grantees must abide by federal eligibility requirements. Most programs do not accept fiscally sponsored applicants, though occasionally some do—check the newsletter for updates. For additional support, explore funding through your state arts agency and the National Endowment for the Arts.