Iowa Cultural Grant Applications Open Today

Announcing the 2020 Iowa Cultural Grant Opportunities

Investing in Iowa. Building culturally vibrant communities.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is opening a new round of grants and opportunities totaling more than $3 million for arts, history, historic preservation and film/media projects and programs.

Deadlines begin March 1 and run through June 1, so be sure to review the information below and apply for the grants or opportunities that can support your program, project or career.

Click here to learn more about the grants available.

Mark your calendar for upcoming deadlines from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs new round of grant funding and opportunities.

Iowa Scholarship for the Arts: March 1

Iowa Artist Fellowship: March 13

Iowa Women’s Art Exhibition: April 1

Research Grants for Authors: April 15

Art Project Grant: May 1

Capacity Building Grant: May 1

Cultural Heritage Project Grant: May 1

Greenlight Grant: May 1

Iowa Great Places Designation: May 1

Cultural & Entertainment District Designation: May 1

School Arts Experience Grant: May 1

Historical Resource Development Program: May 1

County School Grant Program: May 1

The Film Lounge: Season 5: June 1

In Fiscal Year 2019, the department awarded more than 200 grants totaling $2.1 million and designated or re-designated 22 communities as Iowa Great Places or Cultural and Entertainment Districts, and will be announcing additional grants soon. Check out a full list of the grants, projects and communities supported in 2019 and take advantage of these opportunities in 2020!

Funding for grant programs administered by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs through the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa and State Historical Society of Iowa is provided by the Iowa Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP).

Grant Information Sessions

Need help with your grant application? Submit a request before Jan. 31 to invite Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs staff to visit your region. They will tour the state this spring to provide grant information presentations and work one-on-one with attendees to strengthen their applications.

Spotlight video: Art on the Prairie

Furrowed Fields completes the city of Perry's four-part sculpture series celebrating the historic railway, agriculture, industry and art of the community. Perry received an Art Project Grant to commission the work by sculptor Jim Russell. The four sculptures were unveiled at a lighting ceremony during the the city's 2018 Art on the Prairie festival.

How to apply

1. Read the guidelines for Iowa Arts Council and State Historical Society of Iowa grants.

2. Questions? Contact a member of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs .

3. Submit an application for Iowa Arts Council and State Historical Society of Iowa grants.

Webinars

Learn more about grant programs through informational webinars. Topics covered include timelines and deadlines, eligibility, program priorities and applying online. For general grant writing tips, watch the " ArtUp: Grant Writing 101." Iowa Arts Council staff will be happy to answer your questions.

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs | 515-281-5111 | iowaculture.govt