2021 Spring BAC Grant for the Arts 

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) is seeking applications for funding to foster the arts and cultivate cultural experiences in Bloomington in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Applications will be evaluated according to organizational capacity, community impact, equity and inclusion efforts, artistic quality, and programming needs.  Completed applications are due Friday,  April 30th, at 5 p.m., with awards to be announced and distribution anticipated by late June.  

A workshop for the grants will be offered on April 16th at 12 PM to register please click here. The BAC will also offer office hours for applicants on a first come first serve basis. If any prospective applicant has questions about the program or the office hours please reach out to Sean Starowitz at starowis@bloomington.in.gov,

BAC Project Support Grant Application 

BAC Operational Support Grant Application 

2021 Project Budget Form (Please download this form)

Previous COB Support Form (Please download this form)  

2021 Grant  (OP) Application Questions PDF

2021 Grant  (Project) Application Questions PDF 

PROJECT SUPPORT GUIDELINES

ELIGIBILITY

• Individual artists and organizations are eligible to apply. Organizations are not required to be a non-profit.
• Activities must take place within Bloomington city limits and be open to the public or occur in-school.

The program does not fund:

• 100% of total project costs; applicants are required to provide matching funds through other sources (see Matching Requirements). 
• Activities and performances planned primarily for fundraising purposes.
• Food, beverages, or other refreshments.
• Capital expenditures.
• Training expenses.
• Indirect costs.
• Projects longer than one year in duration.

MAXIMUM AWARD: Applicants can apply for up to $2,000 in project support. Note that most projects will not receive full funding.

PROJECT PERIOD: Projects can begin no earlier than July 1, 2021 and must conclude by June 30, 2022.

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS: A variety of revenue sources demonstrates good fiscal planning and community support. The BAC requires a minimum of a 1:1 match and encourages applicants to raise funds from the private sector (individuals, businesses, and foundations). E.g. 1:1 match for a $2,000 project includes $1,000 request and $1,000 in cash or in-kind (excluding labor) match support.  

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT GUIDELINES

ELIGIBILITY

• Nonprofit arts organizations based in Bloomington with 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS.
• Arts as the primary mission.
• An operating history of at least three (3) full years prior to the application deadline.
• Majority of activity takes place in Bloomington, Indiana.

OPERATING PERIOD: Operating support is for FY22, and begins no earlier than July 1, 2021 and concludes by June 30, 2022.
 

MAXIMUM AWARD: Eligible organizations can apply for up to 5% of total operating budget (including in-kind operating expenses) for the most recently completed fiscal year. The maximum amount an organization can apply for is $5,000.

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS: A variety of revenue sources demonstrates good fiscal planning and community support. The BAC requires a minimum of a 1:1 match and encourages applicants to raise funds from the private sector (individuals, businesses, and foundations). E.g. 1:1 match for a $2,000 project includes $1,000 request and $1,000 in cash or in-kind (excluding labor) match support. 

One Percent for the Arts Program

For more information, please contact Sean Starowitz, Assistant Director of Economic and Sustainable Development for the Arts. Phone: 812-349-3534 Email: starowis@bloomington.in.gov

City of Bloomington Artist Database

Connect with us at the City of Bloomington to join our Artist Database! By sharing your contact information, we can get in touch with you about the latest opportunities for exhibition, performance, collaboration, and funding.
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RFI: Fabricators for Bloomington Public Art Projects

The City of Bloomington seeks interested vendors who provide design and fabrication based services to be listed in conjunction with ongoing Public Art Opportunities through the City's 1% for the Arts Program. Interested vendors would have their business listed for potential work with the City on future public art commissions. Potential vendors should be willing to work with emerging artist/designers, who may not have fabrication skills or experience with public art installations on public art projects.
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