Organizations in rural communities with a population under 50,000 can now apply for micro-grants to support arts and cultural activities connected to the 2024 solar eclipse.

Jackson County is in the path of totality for the April, 8, 2024, solar eclipse. The county and other parts of Indiana, the U.S., Mexico and Canada will be in complete darkness for up to 4 minutes as the moon shadows the sun. The next time Indiana will fall in the path of totality of a solar eclipse will be in 2099.

Local tourism and emergency agencies are already in the planning phases, anticipating an influx of visitors to the area next year.

The Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement will support rural community activities that focus on arts and culture and unite residents around the historic astronomical event.

This initiative is supported with funding from the Simons Foundation, and Regional Opportunity Initiatives is serving as the fiscal agent for the grant program.

The Center of Rural Engagement invites community organization located within the path of totality to apply for a micro-grant up to $2,000 for eclipse-related events and activities leading up to April 8 that include visual, public or performing arts; placemaking and design; and cultural heritage using the ROI grant portal.

The priority deadline for applications is Sept. 1.

The center will host virtual office hours to assist applicants on a drop-in basis from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays in August. Applicants can sign in for office hours at rural.indiana.edu/events.

For micro-grant guidelines and information about the initiative, visit rural.indiana.edu or contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].