The City of Fishers is now accepting applications its 2023 grant programs, including the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Grant and the Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant. Fishers’ grant programs aim to cultivate creativity, vibrancy, and a sense of place within the community.
Now in its third year, the Arts & Culture Commission Grant invests in artists, art organizations, and cultural events that foster a city where arts and culture activities are a vital component of community life.
Since 2021, the Commission has distributed over $92,000 in funds to 28 projects or organizations. The grant is administered by the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission (FACC) and funds are allocated from the City of Fishers’ annual budget. Grant funds range from $1,000 to $7,500 and projects must take place within the City of Fishers boundaries. No match is required. Applications for the 2023 grant cycle are due Dec. 18, 2023.
“The Commission is proud to announce its third consecutive grant program,” said David Decker, Chair of the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. “This year we have raised the grant up to $7,500 per grantee. We look forward to seeing more impactful projects across Fishers and within the Nickel Plate District. Since starting the grant in 2021, we have many innovative projects including public performances, gallery exhibits, public art installations, and more. We look forward to another year of incredible applications from the Fishers art community.”
The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant, formerly known as the Neighborhood Matching Grant, provides funding for creative and innovative ideas that make our community a more beautiful place to live, and that will impact the lives of our community at large in a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial manner. The matching grant program awards a maximum amount of $5,000 and applicants must provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost. Neighborhoods, homeowners’ associations, nonprofits, and homeowners within City limits are invited to apply.
Last year, eligibility was expanded to include community engagement initiatives that contribute to neighborhood vibrancy, such as community gardens, playground, and community gathering hubs. Awarded projects included replacing invasives with native species in neighborhood landscaping, installing new playground equipment, adding benches in common areas, and converting a pasture to a native prairie to support pollinators and wildlife. Applications for the 2023 grant cycle are due Jan. 31, 2023.
“We are excited to open this year’s Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant application,” said Megan Vukusich, Director of Planning & Zoning for the City of Fishers. “For the 2023 grant cycle we have taken away the requirement that recipients are only eligible once every three years. Any neighborhood will be eligible for funding, regardless of previous year’s awardees. We hope this encourages a competitive process where applicants pursue innovative projects that help keep Fishers a vibrant community. In addition to beautification, we encourage groups to pursue sustainable initiatives that help HOAs reduce maintenance costs over time.”
Along with these grant programs, the City of Fishers accepts applications year-round for its Stormwater Grant Program. The grant incentivizes neighborhoods, non-profits, and homeowners within city limits to improve local water quality and/or drainage function. Applicants are eligible for up to a 50 percent match from the city.
To learn more about Fishers’ grant programs and apply, visit fishers.in.us/grants.