Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant.

This competitive grant program provides up to $35,000 annually to an East Central Indiana community arts-focused organization or program.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 27. To apply for the grant or for more information, go HERE.

The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to community engagement with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana, by promoting broad participation to our various community arts organizations. As a community-engaged institution, our University mobilizes and leads partnerships that revitalize and sustain our city and our region. This grant will provide the means for such organizations to propose projects that meld our priorities and strengths (as determined by Ball State University) to deliver unique, engaging experiences to our communities.

Applicants for the CEFTA Grant must be nonprofit organizations or public entities within the East Central Indiana region, including Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush, and Wayne counties. To be considered, proposals must outline a specific, arts-focused project, event, or series that is accessible to the public and has a strong community component.

The recipient of the 2025 grant was Richmond Civic Theatre. The 2024 grant recipient was Marion Community School of the Arts, and the 2023 grant was awarded to the Hoosier Shakespeare Festival.

For more information, contact Bianca Sulanke in the Office of Community Engagement, at besulanke@bsu.edu.