Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) champions the power of art to bring people together and serves to promote the arts in the Rapid City area. In partnership with the City of Rapid City, the arts council aims to do that by helping to fund access to the arts for the entire community. As part of a continued investment, RCAC announces the launch of the 2026 City Arts Investment Fund (AIF) grant program, committing $100,000 of city funds to nonprofit organizations proposing unique artistic and cultural experiences for the Rapid City community.

The City Arts Investment Fund Grant Program reflects the shared priority of building a vibrant community. Consisting of an allocated $100,000 in 2026, Major Jason Salamun has tasked the Rapid City Arts Council to manage the Arts Investment Fund to support the city’s “Community Enrichment” goals. All nonprofit and cultural organizations serving Rapid City residents are encouraged to apply. The Arts Investment Fund serves Rapid City’s arts and culture organizations alongside separate operational funding set aside within the City budget to support the five municipal arts & culture organizations.

In 2025, RCAC distributed $100,000 on behalf of the city to its arts and cultural establishments, including Backroom Productions Inc., Black Hills Center for Equality, Black Hills Community Theatre, Black Hills Dance Theatre, Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, Catalyst Theater Company, Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills, Dakota Choral Union, Flutter Productions/Black Hills Works, Rushmore Music Festival, and the Rapid City Arts Council.

The 2026 grant application is now open. Submission criteria include:

  • Purpose: Applicants must align their proposed activities with the overarching goals of the AIF, contributing to cultural, educational, entertainment, and recreational benefits for the citizens of Rapid City.
  • Reach: How the applicant makes the programming widely accessible to the community.
  • Program Area: Applicants must propose to fund activities within the city limits of the City of Rapid City.
  • New Applicants: First-time applicants and Native-led organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Guidelines
AIF grant program guidelines and the application form are available on the RCAC website. To apply, review the guidelines and complete the questionnaire in the 2026 Grant Application Form.

Applications, along with the necessary supporting documents, must be submitted to the Rapid City Arts Council by Thursday, January 22, 2026, by 11:59 PM MT. Applicants will be notified by March 2.

Questions about the grant process and/or requirements are welcome by email only. Questions must be received by email ataif@thedahl.org before 5:00PM MT, January 15, 2026.

Full grant program details available here: RCAC Website.