In response to the expressed needs of its constituents, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) partners with nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the state to increase the capacity of artists, arts organizations and community leaders. Through its Capacity Building Partnership Program, IAC awards up to $20,000 to nonprofits and local, county and state agencies for professional development projects ranging in scale and formality, including but not limited to conferences, symposia, lectures, workshops and other trainings. For the 2015-2017 grant cycle, IAC is focusing its support on projects that address one of four topics: measuring and communicating community impact, artists as community leaders, strengthening community fabric and highlighting best practices in various fields. IAC developed the biennial grant program based on the results of strategic planning and constituent surveys. With the direct feedback of grantees, grant panelists and others, IAC determined what capacity building support would best benefit Indiana. Now, it is able to strategically leverage the resources of partners to broadly disseminate knowledge about various tools and practices related to strategic planning, performance evaluation, fundraising, financial management, accessibility, underserved populations, creative place making, board recruitment, governance and more. Find out more from IAC Communications & Community Engagement Manager Ann Fields.