City of Indianapolis Seeks to Fund Projects in Cultural Districts

The City of Indianapolis has opened a new opportunity for neighborhood organizations to bring cultural projects to life through a $500,000 Cultural Districts Fund. This pilot program was approved in 2025 to help reimagine and expand cultural districts in ways that support the creative economy, equity, and community development.

Applications are open from August 1 to August 31, 2025 for one-time funding to celebrate the culture, identity, and creativity of Indianapolis neighborhoods.

Who Can Apply

Neighborhoods and organizations can apply for funding to support cultural projects that showcase the arts, foodways, language, traditions, and other elements that make their community unique.

There are two tiers of eligibility:

• Tier 1 – Existing cultural districts: Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, Canal/White River, Wholesale District, Market East.
• Tier 2 – Emerging districts: Areas with a visible cultural identity that are not yet officially recognized as a cultural district. Applicants in this tier will need to explain why their community should be considered a cultural district.

Funding Goals

This fund is designed to:

• Support public art, community events, beautification, and cultural infrastructure.
• Empower BIPOC-led, multilingual, and historically underfunded communities.
• Strengthen small businesses and the creative workforce.

How Applications Will Be Scored

An evaluation committee will review applications in September based on the following criteria:

• Cultural Impact – How the project celebrates and strengthens community culture.
• Economic Impact – How the project benefits the local economy.
• Community Engagement – How the project involves and connects with the community.

• Feasibility & Budget – How realistic the project plan and budget are.

How to Apply

1. Visit indianapolisin.portal.opengov.com and select Community Grants & Funding Opportunities.
2. Complete and submit your application by August 31, 2025.

Awardees will be notified in mid to late September. A public meeting announcing the recipients will be held by the Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) in October.

For questions, contact DMDCommunications@indy.gov.