To champion arts & culture. A creative life for all.
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc. gives almost entirely to arts organizations and artists in Indianapolis and Central Indiana, with every listed recipient in the United States and 100% of grants going to Indiana-based recipients. Its recent grantmaking shows a strong public-facing arts profile: theater, museums, symphony, dance, and community arts groups appear repeatedly in the record. The largest recent awards include $99,411 each to Indiana Repertory Theatre and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, both for arts programming and COVID relief, alongside other large grants to major Indianapolis institutions. The foundation also supports artist-facing opportunities, including fellowships, awards, calls for entry, and compensation for featured artists. That mix suggests a funder balancing institutional arts infrastructure with direct support for artists and project-based work. In the active programs list, the organization backs everything from general operating support in Marion County to art in public spaces, festival activation, and visual-arts exhibitions, showing a broad but locally anchored arts mission.
In arts programming, Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc. backs major presenting organizations and museums as well as smaller arts groups. The recent grants list includes $75,000 to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for arts programming and $52,000 to Harrison Center for the Arts for the same purpose. For community arts and education, it gave $59,411 to Arts for Learning for arts programming and COVID relief, and $52,911 to Arts for Lawrence for the same category. The foundation also supports visual art and exhibition-based work through active programs such as Manifest - OUCH!: A Call for Art About Pain and SUBTRACTIVITY: Call for Works Made About or Through Subtractive Processes. Artist development is another clear thread, with the DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award and the Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship Program offering structured support for contemporary visual artists and arts administrators.
The typical grant profile is moderate in size, with a p25 of $9,500, a median of $17,066, and a p75 of $30,000. The recent record also includes larger awards above that band, especially for arts programming and relief support. Giving is highly local and recurring: the same Indianapolis institutions appear across multiple years, including Indiana Repertory Theatre, Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, and Artmix. The funder is a regular funder, not a DAF or PRI vehicle, and it accepts unsolicited proposals in several active programs. Its active portfolio includes operating support, project grants, fellowships, awards, and call-for-entry formats.
$2.2M
$9.2M
$5.7M
$5.4M
Most grants fall between $10K and $30K, with a median of $17K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$17K
75th Percentile
$30K
JUDITH B THOMAS
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeFree Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeSign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Grantmaking is concentrated in Indianapolis and nearby Central Indiana. The recent grants list shows repeated funding to Indianapolis recipients, with one grant also going to Lawrence, Indiana. Active programs extend the reach to Marion County, Hamilton County, and Central Indiana more broadly, while several project and exhibition programs are open in format but still tied to Indiana-based work. The recipient distribution is entirely US-based, with 253 grants in the United States and 100% of grants going to recipients in Indiana.
Its stated focus areas include arts & culture, public art, artist grants and fellowships, exhibitions and performance spaces, arts advocacy, and professional development for artists. The active program list adds arts education and community arts programming, festival activation, and art in public spaces.
The typical grant range is centered in the mid-five-figure range: p25 is $9,500, the median is $17,066, and p75 is $30,000. Some recent awards are much larger, especially for arts programming and COVID relief.
Its giving is local, and 100% of grants in the recipient-state distribution went to Indiana. The recent record shows recipients in Indianapolis and Lawrence, while active programs also reference Marion County, Hamilton County, and Central Indiana.
Yes. Several active programs accept unsolicited applications, including the DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award, the Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship Program, Project Grants, and the LIFT film grants. The listings also note honoraria or awards for selected artists in some call-for-entry programs.
Active programs include Annual Grants Program for Marion County nonprofit arts and culture organizations, Art & Soul Activation Grants for compensating featured artists, Project Grants for art in public spaces, LIFT - $5,000 Grants for Filmmakers, and the Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship Program.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Arts Council of Indianapolis that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to organizations and artists for art in public spaces projects; specific eligibility requirements are provided in the program application.
Deadline: Applications expected to open in fall 2026; current applications are closed.
Track these deadlines, get reminders, and see how well your nonprofit fits — free with a Kindora account.
Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $86,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $72,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANA BLACK EXPO INC | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $71,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| BIG CAR MEDIA INC | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $70,800In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| EITELJORG MUSEUM | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $61,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| HARRISON CENTER FOR THE ARTS | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $60,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $54,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANA STATE MUSEUM | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $54,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| THE ROSS FOUNDATION | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $45,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| ARTS FOR LEARNING | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $43,600In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| KHEPRW INSTITUTE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $43,200In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| IIBADA DANCE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $42,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| FONSECA THEATRE COMPANY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $39,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| MADAM WALKER LEGACY CENTER | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $38,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| URBAN MUSICAL THEATRE | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $36,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS FOUNDATION (GANGANG) | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $33,600In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| CITY OF MARTINSVILLE | MARTINSVILLE, IN | $33,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| SAPPHIRE THEATER | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $31,200In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| ARTMIX | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $30,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| FLANNER HOUSE OF INDIANAPOLIS | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $27,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| THE CABARET | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $27,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| PHOENIX THEATRE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $26,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $26,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $26,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| SUMMER STOCK STAGE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $26,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $25,788In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY | BLOOMINGTON, IN | $25,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| THE PERFORMING ARTS CONSERVATORY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| LAFAYETTE SQUARE AREA COALITION | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| NAPTOWN AFRICAN AMERICAN THEATRE COLLECTIVE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS JAZZ FOUNDATION | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| MUSIC FOR ALL | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $24,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| KEEP INDIANAPOLIS BEAUTIFUL | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $21,760In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS CULTURAL TRAIL | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $21,600In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| KIDS DANCE OUTREACH | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $21,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS OPERA | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $20,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $20,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART DBA NEWFIELDS | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $20,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDY DANCE COUNCIL | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $18,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| FREETOWN VILLAGE | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $18,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| YOUNG ACTORS THEATRE | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $18,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF INDIANAPOLIS | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $18,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $18,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| AMERICAN PIANISTS ASSOCIATION | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $17,400In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS FILM PROJECT DBA KAN-KAN CINEMA | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $17,000In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| INDIANAPOLIS SUZUKI ACADEMY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $16,800In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| CLASSICAL MUSIC INDY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $16,800In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
| KURT VONNEGUT MEMORIAL LIBRARY | INDIANPOLIS, IN | $15,600In-kind (goods, not cash) | 2026 | ARTS PROGRAMMING |
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
$86,400In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
ARTS PROGRAMMING
THE ROSS FOUNDATION
$45,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
IIBADA DANCE
$42,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
FONSECA THEATRE COMPANY
$39,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
URBAN MUSICAL THEATRE
$36,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDIANAPOLIS FOUNDATION (GANGANG)
$33,600In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE
$33,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
SAPPHIRE THEATER
$31,200In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER
$26,400In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
SUMMER STOCK STAGE
$26,400In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY
$25,788In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
$25,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
THE PERFORMING ARTS CONSERVATORY
$24,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
LAFAYETTE SQUARE AREA COALITION
$24,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
NAPTOWN AFRICAN AMERICAN THEATRE COLLECTIVE
$24,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDIANAPOLIS JAZZ FOUNDATION
$24,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE
$24,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
MUSIC FOR ALL
$24,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART DBA NEWFIELDS
$20,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDY DANCE COUNCIL
$18,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
FREETOWN VILLAGE
$18,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
YOUNG ACTORS THEATRE
$18,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF INDIANAPOLIS
$18,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL
$18,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
AMERICAN PIANISTS ASSOCIATION
$17,400In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDIANAPOLIS FILM PROJECT DBA KAN-KAN CINEMA
$17,000In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
INDIANAPOLIS SUZUKI ACADEMY
$16,800In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
CLASSICAL MUSIC INDY
$16,800In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
KURT VONNEGUT MEMORIAL LIBRARY
$15,600In-kind (goods, not cash)ARTS PROGRAMMING
