READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Grant Opportunity Now Open for Regional Projects
Organizations across East Central Indiana have a new opportunity to bring creative, community-focused projects to life through the READI 2.0 Lilly Endowment Inc. (LEI) Arts & Culture initiative.
The State of Indiana, through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission, has launched the latest round of READI 2.0 Arts and Culture funding, designed to support projects that strengthen communities, expand cultural amenities, and improve quality of life throughout the state.
For local organizations, governments, and community partners, the initiative offers a chance to secure funding for projects that help shape the region’s cultural and economic future.
What is READI?
READI—short for Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative—is a statewide effort to invest in community infrastructure and quality of life improvements that help attract residents, businesses, and talent.
Through the program, Indiana has committed more than $1 billion in regional investments aimed at strengthening communities and supporting economic growth through collaboration and strategic planning.
READI projects are selected and managed through regional partnerships, aligning local priorities with statewide economic development goals. The program has already helped launch hundreds of projects across Indiana, supporting everything from housing and infrastructure to cultural development.
Focus on Arts & Culture
The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture program focuses specifically on advancing regional creative transformation by investing in cultural amenities, artistic programming, and community placemaking.
Eligible projects may include initiatives such as:
Public art and placemaking projects
Cultural facilities or creative campuses
Festivals and public programs
Arts education and lifelong learning initiatives
Creative workforce development
Digital or hybrid arts innovation
Cultural tourism and regional storytelling
Feasibility studies and adaptive reuse projects
These investments are designed to strengthen the creative economy while enhancing community identity and livability across Indiana regions.
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be submitted by an eligible “Applicant of Record.” Qualified applicants include:
Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations (501(c)(3))
Local or regional government entities
Main Street or downtown organizations
Place-based organizations such as chambers or economic development groups (including 501(c)(6))
Colleges and universities proposing community-facing cultural projects
Partnerships or consortia led by an eligible nonprofit or public entity
Individuals and for-profit businesses cannot apply directly, but they may participate as project partners.
Projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit and align with the arts and culture strategy developed for the region.
Application Timeline
Organizations interested in applying should be aware of the key dates in the review process:
Application period: February 16 – April 15
Regional review: Early May
State review: Mid-May
Award notifications expected: July 1
Applications are submitted through the Indiana Arts Commission grant portal.
Regional Workshops to Support Applicants
To help organizations navigate the application process, Forge ECI will host a series of regional workshops for potential applicants.
These sessions will provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and opportunities for collaboration across the region.
Upcoming workshops (5:00 PM–6:30 PM each evening) include:
Monday, March 9 — Taylor University, Upland
Tuesday, March 10 — Ivy Tech Community College, Muncie
Thursday, March 12 — Earlham College, Richmond
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Walk through the application process and timeline
Clarify eligibility requirements
Connect with potential project partners across the region
Learn how to align proposals with the regional arts and culture plan
Organizations that cannot attend a workshop are encouraged to contact Forge ECI directly to discuss project ideas and application guidance.
Aligning Projects with the Regional Vision
All projects should align with the “We Make Things Here” regional arts and culture strategy, which outlines priorities for strengthening creative assets across East Central Indiana.
Applicants are encouraged to review the regional plan and supporting materials before submitting their proposals to ensure their projects support the broader regional vision.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in applying can begin the process by creating an account and accessing the application portal here:
Indiana Arts Commission Grant Portal
https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=indianaarts
Additional resources, including application guidelines, webinar recordings, and FAQs, are available at:
www.indianareadi.com/resources
Encouraging Regional Participation
Arts and culture projects play a critical role in community development. From public art and creative programming to cultural tourism and revitalization efforts, these initiatives help strengthen local economies while building places people want to live, work, and visit.
Organizations across the region with creative project ideas are encouraged to explore this funding opportunity and consider how their work can contribute to the broader regional vision.
For communities in Grant County and throughout East Central Indiana, the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture initiative represents another opportunity to invest in creativity, collaboration, and long-term community vitality.