Who May Apply

Community-based African American, Asian American, Latino or Native American arts organizations that have participates in the outreach technical assistance program for at least two consecutive years. Note: Organizations that receive State Arts Resources grants are not eligible to apply.

Description

This category provides funds to support the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of organizations that have operating budgets of $50,000 or higher and have been producing arts programs for three or more years. To receive Sustaining Support grants, organizations must have had an operating budget of at least $50,000 for the past three years. Organizations must consistently produce strong arts programs and demonstrate management and financial accountability. Fundable expenses include salaries, artist fees, production costs, publications, travel, promotion, postage, telephone and facility operation. Grant amounts range from $7,500 to $20,000 and must be matched dollar for dollar by the organization. Grant amounts will be based on the organization’s application rating, operating budget size and Arts Council funding history. Grant amounts include $4,000 to work with a consultant on capacity building goals.

The following criteria will be used in determining grant awards at the Sustaining Support level:

• Artistic merit of programs
• Appropriate payment to artists
• Benefit of programs to audiences/participants
• Strength of marketing and fundraising capabilities
• Strength of management and financial accountability
• Organization demonstrates leadership by sharing programs and resources, creating partnerships or participating in statewide events

How to Apply

1. Provide a clear and concise description of the arts programs planned for the grant year. For each program include: a) names of artists, why they were chosen and rate of payment for their services; b) program dates; c) program location; and d) purpose of program.
2. Describe the intended audience/participants for your proposed programs for the grant period. Include: a) an estimate of the number of people your programs will serve; 2) how audiences/participants will benefit from these programs; and 3) a description of the marketing and publicity strategies you will use to reach your intended audience/participants.
3. Describe the facilities in which your organization conducts its primary operations. Note the hours of operation and how the facility is staffed.
4. Describe your organization's current financial condition. Describe your principal sources of earned and contributed income. Attach a financial statement or audit for your most recently completed fiscal year (2011–2012).
5. State the names, titles and responsibilities of key staff members.
6. Describe your board of directors and their key responsibilities. Attach a document stating the names, titles and responsibilities of board members.
7. Describe your organization's planning and evaluation process. Attach a copy of your most recent long-range plan.
8. Describe how your organization has shared resources or developed partnerships with other arts or community organizations this year.
9. Describe how your organization plans to spend the grant funds requested, including the work that the organization plans to embark on with the consultant.

New applicants will be asked to provide the following support materials:

• A schedule of completed 2012–2013 arts programs.
• Samples of 2012–2013 marketing materials.
• Appropriate work samples that demonstrates the quality of the work of the organization's featured artists for 2011–2012. All work samples must be submitted in a digital format in North Carolina ARTS Grants Online (AGO). For the performing arts, submit two to three selections you would like presented to the panel. The total listening or viewing time of the samples should not exceed five minutes. Samples must conform to the size and format requirements of the electronic application. For the visual arts, upload up to 15 images. To prepare your images, go to the tutorial Image Preparation. To document time-based work, samples may be uploaded that conform to the size and format requirements of the electronic application, or provided as a link to work that is on the Web. Please provide a description of each work using the Web Link Collection form.

For returning organizations:

Provide a narrative update describing:

1. Any significant changes that have occurred in the organization in the last year, including:
   • Vision for the organization and/or goals
   • Participant and/or artist demographics
   • Facilities, hours of operation and/or staffing
   • Financial condition and/or principal sources of income
   • Names, titles and/or responsibilities of key staff members
   • Board of directors and/or their responsibilities
   • Strategic planning and/or evaluation process
   • Successes and challenges
2. How the organization measures up against the goals identified in its strategic plan.
3. What the organization accomplished with 2012-2013 grant funds.
4. How the organization has shared resources or developed partnerships with other arts or community organizations this year.
5. How the organization plans to spend the grant funds requested, including the work that the organization plans to embark on with the consultant.

Returning organizations will be asked to provide the following support materials in PDF format:

1. A detailed project timeline and itemized project budget for the fiscal year
2. A financial statement or audit for the most recently completed fiscal year
3. Most recent long-term strategic plan
4. Work samples and resumes for new artists/consultants
5. Marketing and/or educational materials.