Strategic Investment Grants (SIG)

The Strategic Investment Grants (SIG) program, administered by the Montana Arts Council, is designed to bolster the professional growth and public engagement of Montana’s artistic community. The Montana Arts Council is a state government agency committed to enriching Montana’s cultural vitality by supporting the arts as a catalyst for community, education, and economic development. Backed by both state and federal funding, the Council facilitates diverse initiatives to expand access to the arts statewide. Governed by 15 members appointed by the Governor, the Council serves as the principal arts policy and funding entity for the state. The SIG program provides reimbursement grants of up to $1,000 to individual artists, groups of artists, teachers, and nonprofit arts organizations. Its aim is to support professional development, expand market access, and facilitate arts-related programming that directly impacts both the artist and the wider community. Eligible activities include attending workshops, residencies, conferences, and trade shows; participating in performances, exhibitions, and public art installations; expanding an online presence or marketplace engagement; and investing in technology or tools that represent a clear professional advancement. For nonprofit organizations, SIG supports professional development for staff, event production, marketing, and material preparation for public programming. Grant applications are due electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the 15th of each month. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline rolls to the next business day. Applications are reviewed monthly by the Strategic Investment Grant committee, which consists of members from the Montana Arts Council’s governing board. Applications are first screened by staff to confirm eligibility and completeness before advancing to panel review. Review meetings are held virtually on the second Wednesday of each month, and applicants may attend upon request. Eligibility is restricted to Montana residents (or organizations) who have maintained residence or operations in Montana for at least 12 months prior to the proposed activity start date. Individuals must be legal U.S. residents and at least 18 years of age. Eligible organizations must be Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a demonstrated history of arts programming. Fiscal sponsorship is not permitted. Ineligible applicants include students receiving college credit, current participants in the Montana Artrepreneur Program (MAP), and organizations currently receiving other operational support from the Montana Arts Council. All activities funded by the grant must occur after the review date of the application and must be completed by June 30, 2026 (the end of Fiscal Year 2026). Reimbursable expenses must be directly tied to the approved activity and substantiated with receipts or invoices during final reporting. Prohibited uses include general operating expenses, fundraising, meals, international activities, and retroactive costs. Applicants are required to submit supporting materials such as resumes or bios, work samples, letters of support, and, where applicable, organizational history and proof of nonprofit status. For further assistance, applicants can contact Brian Moody at [email protected] or call 406-444-4700. Guidelines and application details can be accessed online through the Montana Arts Council website. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds and awards are disbursed via reimbursement following final reporting. The program accepts applications on a rolling monthly basis, making it accessible throughout the fiscal year.

Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate public value through accessible programming or public-facing outcomes.