Grant Support for Local Artists and ​Arts Organizations

For the purposes of our Re-Grant Funding Process, “arts” is defined as, “an outlet of human expression, usually influenced by culture, and driven by human creative impulse. Major constituents of the arts include literature – including poetry, novels and short stories, and epics; performing arts – among them music, dance, and theatre; media arts like photography and film, and visual arts – including drawing, painting, and sculpting. Some art forms combine a visual element with performance (e.g. film).

Any non-profit organization or individual who is planning an “arts” project or event to be held in Bismarck, ND, can apply. Organizations without non-profit status must partner with a non-profit Fiscal Sponsor. Preference will be given to non-profit organizations and organizations and individuals who are based in Bismarck with a Bismarck address.

Grant applications are available to applicants who plan to sponsor an arts-related project or event, within the time period of December 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022. Grant applications are available only to members-in-goodstanding of Dakota West Arts Council. Grants will be awarded once per year. The Board of Directors of Dakota West Arts Council shall establish the amount available for funding. Changes or exceptions may be made at any time.

We prefer that you email your application to dakotawestartscouncil@gmail.com. You are limited to seven (7) total pages. Please include a list of your current Board of Directors with their physical addresses and email addresses with your application. Along with your application you may scan other information you would like committee members to see — past project posters, brochures, photos, etc. We prepare a large notebook for our panel of individuals, appointed by Dakota West Arts Council, who will review all applicants and make recommendations to Dakota West Arts Council’s Board of Directors. For those of you who cannot email your application you may mail or deliver your application to: Dakota West Arts Council, 1810 North Schafer Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Notification of approval or denial will be made to all applicants. All successful applicants must sign a contract, outlining the provisions of receipt of funding.

Upon completion of the project/event, applicant must submit an evaluation. The evaluation is a report identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the project and includes a summary of expenditures. Applicants will not be considered for funding if an evaluation of a previous project/event has not been submitted.

Projects/events will generally be funded at no more than 50% of the total estimated cost or up to a maximum of $4,000.00 whichever is less. Only one application will be accepted for each project and the total amount requested may not exceed $4,000.00. Requests in excess of this amount will not be considered.

Projects/events, which will receive the highest, score and greatest consideration, will use the following criteria:

• Projects that educate, entertain, or enhance the lives of under-served individuals or groups.
• Cooperative projects involving more than one group.
• Projects that benefit a large number of people.
• Other projects and proposals that enhance existing arts activities.

Release of funds for projects/events may be requested for Dakota West Arts Council forty-five (45) days prior to the actual expenditure of grant funds. The proposal projects/events must be completed by and an evaluation form submitted to DWAC before you can apply for additional grant funds.

Publicity and publications relating to the approved project/event must state that the project received funding from Dakota West Arts Council. Please make sure you are using the current logo as seen here:

If, for any reason, the approved project is canceled, and the grant funds have been received, funds must be returned to Dakota West Arts Council. If major changes occur in the project; i.e. date changes, etc., please notify Dakota West Arts Council immediately.