The Institutional Support (IS) Grant Program is a three-year funding opportunity aimed at providing general operating support for arts nonprofits with a proven history of high-quality programming and administrative stability. The program specifically targets organizations involved in producing, presenting, or exhibiting works of art, as well as arts service organizations, arts councils, community art schools, and cultural arts organizations. The grant cycle is set for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

This funding program is available to projects that will take place within the upcoming triennium, specifically for FY26 through FY28. The deadline for submitting applications is March 27, 2025, with all applications due by 4:30 p.m. CST on April 3, 2025. The project start date is July 1, 2025, and the project must conclude by June 30, 2026. Final reports are due by June 30, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

The grant offers general operating support and does not specify detailed usage restrictions, allowing organizations flexibility in utilizing the funding. However, the program encourages applicants to ensure that their project proposals align with the program's primary focus on arts and culture. The primary program officer overseeing the initiative is Jess Christy, and applicants can contact her at jesschristy@nd.gov for further inquiries.