Grant funding application deadline for art projects and programs is today

The deadline to apply for grant dollars from the South Dakota Arts Council is Saturday (March 1, 2025).

Funding is available for South Dakota artists, arts organizations and other nonprofits for arts projects and programs that take place from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the South Dakota Arts Council’s Applicant Portal. Hard-copy applications submitted through the mail will not be accepted.

South Dakota artists may apply for funding in one of the following five grant categories:

1. Artist Fellowships of $5,000 are awarded to South Dakota artists of exceptional talent in any discipline or medium to recognize past artistic achievement and encourage future artistic growth. No match required;

2. Artist Project Grants of up to $2,000 support individual artist projects that have an accessible public engagement component. A cash match is required;

3. Artist Collaboration Grants non-matching grants of $6,000 encourage South Dakota artists to collaborate with other artists in the creation of a joint project or activity that will significantly benefit the artists and the state;

4. Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grants promote the continuation of folk and traditional arts and culture by providing up to $5,000 in support of a master folk artist to teach qualified apprentices; and

5. Artist Career Development Grants of $2,000 support individual artists’ development and career advancement opportunities. No match required.

South Dakota 501c3 nonprofit organizations and government entities may seek funding support in only the Project Grant category:

1. Project Grants for nonprofit organizations support programs and activities with accessible public engagement components. A cash match is required, so organizations may request up to $5,000 in funding, covering no more than 50 percent of the total project costs.

Artists applying in the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, Artist Collaboration, and Artist Fellowship programs may provide portions of the application via video narrative as an alternative to the written application. This option for artists in these grant categories is offered to make the process more accessible.

SDAC staff will be available to assist in developing grant proposals for artists and nonprofit organizations. Contact the South Dakota Arts Council by calling 605-773-3301 or by emailing sdac@state.sd.us with questions.