Get Support

We are not currently accepting unsolicited proposals. To hear about new open calls, opportunities, and upcoming programs, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter.

Many of our grant and award programs operate on a yearly cycle, while others launch based on available funding. The best way to stay informed about upcoming opportunities is to sign up for our newsletter.

Each grant or award has its own guidelines and eligibility requirements. Review the information on the program page linked above to determine whether it’s a good fit for you or your organization.

When you’re ready to apply, you’ll use our SmartSimple grants portal. Learn more about how the portal works, or go straight to SmartSimple by clicking the button below.

A strong grant application clearly follows the guidelines and offers specific, detailed plans for your project that are rooted in your unique vision for the work.

To help you put your best foot forward, we’ve created resources on grant writing, including 7 Tips to Level Up Your Grant Writing Game and Best Practices for Federal Grant Applications.

Many of our programs also offer additional support—such as office hours or sample applications that you can reference—so be sure to review the guidelines for more information.

We do offer opportunities for individual artists. You’ll find those listed in the “Opportunities for Individuals” section above.

If you’re looking for additional support, we also encourage you to explore funding through your state arts agency.

Most of our funding is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. As such, applicants and grantees must abide by federal eligibility requirements. Read more from the NEA about fiscal sponsorships here.

Occasionally, Arts Midwest offers programs that accept fiscally sponsored applicants. Sign up for our newsletter to learn when these opportunities become available.

We recommend visiting the United States Regional Arts Organizations (USRAO) website to explore national grants offered by our sister organizations. State Arts Agencies and the National Endowment for the Arts also offer funding and resources for both individuals and organizations.

We’re currently developing a new resource to help connect Midwestern artists and organizations with funding opportunities. If you’d like to hear when it launches in 2026, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter.