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Apply for 2026 Bloomington Arts Commission Arts Operations Support Grant program

The City of Bloomington and the Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) offer grants of up to $5,000 in operational support for Bloomington nonprofit arts organizations. The Arts Operations Grant funds 501(c)3 organizations with arts-centered missions and Bloomington-based impact, and can be spent on any aspect of the organization's costs, from overhead to staff salaries to programmatic expenses, and beyond.
 

KEY DETAILS

  • Most awardees will not receive full funding ($5,000). Funding will be allocated based upon score and budget size.
  • Organizations must be located in Bloomington, IN
  • Expenses supported by this grant should not be made earlier than December 1, 2026 or any later than November 30, 2027
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How to apply

  1. Program Guidelines

    Before applying, review the full 2026 Bloomington Arts Commission Arts Operations Support Grant Guidelines.

  2. Eligibility

    • Open to nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. Applicants must:
      • upload an electronic copy of their IRS exemption determination letter as part of the application.
      • be incorporated at time of application.
      • based in, and the majority of activity taking place in, Bloomington, Indiana
    • Arts must be the organization's central mission and focus reflected in both legal documents and operational budget.
    • 501c3s whose annual operating budget is $500,000 or less are eligible to apply.

  3. Timeline

    Grant Period December 1, 2026 – November 30, 2027
     

    Program Opens for Applications - August 17, 2026
    Application Deadline - September 24, 2026 by 11:59 EST
    Funding Notification - By November 4, 2026
    Funding Disbursement - *January 31, 2027
    Final Report Deadline - December 16, 2027
     

    *Be advised, payment may be delayed due to the contracting process. Submit required materials at your earliest convenience.

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