Home / Programs & Services / Cultural Development Initiatives / Strategic Investment Program

Strategic Investment Program for the Arts

Strengthening the state’s cultural infrastructure

The Strategic Investment Program recognizes the important role creative organizations play in building and sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas. By funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming, these grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities and impact tourism.

Strategic Investment Program grants are awarded in three categories.

Organizational Development

This category provides funding for professional development opportunities for Kansas-based arts organizations that help strengthen business practices, increase organizational viability and promote long-term sustainability.

New and Expanded Works

This program provides funding for new or significantly expanded productions, exhibitions, programs or events by Kansas-based nonprofit arts organizations. Projects should either be an entirely new type of program for the organization designed to diversify its services, or an expansion of an existing program designed to significantly enhance the quality of current offerings.

Equipment and Technology

This program provides funding to purchase equipment, materials and/or technology upgrades to expand or improve the applicant’s organization.

Grant Amount

The maximum grant amount for Strategic Investment Programs is $7,500.

Match Requirement

There is a 1:1 match requirement for this program. The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request.

The following is in effect due to the ongoing COVID pandemic:

The match requirement must consist of at least 25% cash expenses provided by the applicant (within this 25%, applicable general operating costs may count for 50% of the cash match). In-kind or applicable general operating costs may count for 75% of total match.

Exception

Organizations or projects primarily based in communities with populations of 15,000 or fewer:

In-kind non-monetary donations may be counted as 100% of the required match for grant requests up to $7,500.

Who Qualifies

Established 501(c)(3) arts organizations whose primary purpose is to produce, present, promote or serve the arts
Federally recognized tribal communities
Units of local governments (New & Expanded Works category only)

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must make a compelling case as to why this particular self-identified opportunity was selected, how it will have a substantial impact on their work and community and how it will enhance the national reputation of Kansas.

Be incorporated in Kansas and in good standing with the state
Have fulfilled all outstanding contractual obligations with KCAIC
Have a SAM UEI number

Full grant applications in all categories (except Mural/Public Art ) are due Monday, March 21st for projects occurring July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.

Guidelines

Application Period

Full grant applications in all categories (except Mural and Public Art Re-Imagined Spaces) are due Monday, March 21st for projects occurring July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.

apply now