Bloomington Arts Commission Announces 2025 Arts Operations Grant Cycle

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), has announced its 2025 Operations Grant supporting 501(c)3 organizations with arts-centered missions focused on Bloomington-based impact. The BAC has allocated $180,000 for its three 2025 grant cycles. Funds come from the BAC’s annual General and Local Income Tax (LIT) budget lines and the BUEA’s annual budget. 

Eligible applicants must be registered as 501(c)3s and have an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less. Applicants may request funding of up to $5,000 or five percent of their annual operating budget. Funds may be used for any of an eligible organization's operational costs, including overhead expenses, staff salaries and programmatic expenses. 

“The Bloomington Arts Commission is proud to provide funding for our local arts non-profits, which are key to the vitality of our community,” said Elliot Josephine Leila Reichert, chair of the BAC Grants Committee. “The City of Bloomington continues to grow its commitment to the arts through this opportunity and many more.” 

Applications are being accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19. Grant details and applications are available at https://civiform.bloomington.in.gov/programs/art-operations.

Bloomington Arts Commissioners will host office hours on a first-come, first-served basis during the application period for anyone interested in discussing the application process. Please contact Holly Warren, Assistant Director for the Arts and Staff Liaison to the Bloomington Arts Commission, at [email protected] or 812-349-3418 to schedule an appointment.

About the Bloomington Arts Commission

Established in 1980, the Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) provides a means for the City of Bloomington to stimulate and encourage community appreciation for and participation in the arts. The conservation and development of Bloomington’s artistic resources are essential to the social, educational, and economic growth of the city. Artists, works of art, and artistic institutions contribute to the quality of life and the general welfare of the citizens of Bloomington. 

About the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association

The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), one of the many Boards and Commissions that serve the City of Bloomington, aims to provide the means to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for residents and businesses. In accordance with IC 5-28-15, the BUEA contributes to economic development efforts in Bloomington's urban core. Over its more-than-25-year lifespan, the BUEA has spurred millions of dollars in investment in the community.