Marion County-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations can apply now for financial assistance to be reimbursed for rent, mortgage, and/or utility payments through the new City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program COVID-19 Relief Fund. Applications are being accepted Monday, Oct. 5, through Friday, Oct. 16.

The Arts Council of Indianapolis will administer the $500,000 fund, which is supported through the CARES Act allocation that was recently approved by Indianapolis City-County Council as part of Proposal 284. To be eligible for a Relief Fund grant, organizations must be currently funded through the 2020 City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program, which awarded $1.4 million to support the general operations of 70 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations based in Marion County.

Through the two grant programs, the City's commitment to helping Indy's arts and cultural community during this period of COVID-19 relief and recovery totals nearly $2 million in 2020.

"This funding demonstrates the importance of our arts and cultural organizations to building a thriving community," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "My thanks to the Arts Council of Indianapolis for their partnership in helping see our local artists, vendors, and institutions through this historically challenging period."

Applications to the City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program COVID-19 Relief Fund will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Organizations can apply for reimbursement expenses of up to $9,000 and find details here about the application process, eligibility requirements, and necessary documentation.

Julie Goodman, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis, expressed gratitude to the City for its strong support of the arts and cultural community.

"Through aggressive cost savings and critical funding from the City's Annual Grants Program, generous community funders, and concerned patrons, the majority of Indy's arts and cultural organizations have been able to survive the pandemic through September," she said. "But in October, some of our small to midsize organizations start to enter a danger zone of sustainability concern. The financial assistance provided through these Relief Fund grants will help ensure #IndyKeepsCreating."

Applications will be evaluated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis staff and will receive final approval by the Grants Committee of the Arts Council Board of Directors. Successful applicants will be notified in November.