Application Process
This page outlines the standard two-part application process and how it applies to new and returning organizations.
We welcome all new organizations who fit within our scope of work to submit a Letter of Inquiry. Due to funding limitations, synopses and applications are by invitation only. Documents can be submitted by email or by mail.
Applications will be considered only from organizations which have been ruled to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which are not private foundations as defined in Section 509(a) of the code.
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Letter of Inquiry | New Agencies Only
If you are new to us, please first send us a letter of inquiry by mail or email introducing your agency with the following;
A brief description of the applying organization.
A brief description of the proposed project or funding need and the focus area it applies to.
A clear contact with name, email, mailing address and phone number.
Please submit your Letter of Inquiry in the body of your email rather than as an attachment. Attachments from unknown senders will not be read.
If we determine your application fits within our mission, you will be invited to submit a synopsis.
You are welcome to call or email for guidance.
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Synopsis
For new and returning agencies, send us a Synopsis of the proposed project or funding need that includes the following (about 2 pages);
A brief description of the applying organization.
A description of the proposed project or funding need, including specific tasks to be accomplished. Indicate the amount requested from us and identify the tasks and budget items toward which this amount will be applied.
A statement describing why this proposal is important.
On a separate page, include an agency balanced budget, and if applicable, a detailed project budget.
Please include a copy of your current 501(c)(3) letter from the IRS.
Please provide a contact name, phone number, mailing address and email address.
New agencies must be invited to submit a synopsis.
Returning agencies* do not need an invitation to submit a synopsis. We request a 12 month waiting period after your last grant before requesting new funding. Please ensure that grant reports are completed before requesting funding in the next cycle.
*A returning agency is an organization which has received funding from us within the last five years.
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Invitation to Apply: Full Application
If your synopsis is accepted for further consideration, we may send you the Full Application and invite you to formally apply for funding. Eligibility for further consideration does not ensure approval of your application. Returning agencies do not need to submit a full application except on rare occasions.
Our application is in a word format for easy entry. After it is fully completed, please include the required attachments and send it to us with your request for funding. We accept proposals submitted via email or U.S. mail. As we’re not in the office daily, please avoid large packages or delivery methods that require a signature.
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Deadlines
We typically review applications monthly and have no set deadlines. In 2024, we will review all Arts grant proposals at our April meeting. To be considered for an Arts grant in 2024, please have all grant application forms to our Executive Director by Friday, April 5th.
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Review Procedures
Qualified synopses and applications will move forward to be reviewed by our Board of Directors. We will try to notify you with the current status of your proposal within 4-8 weeks from receipt of your synopsis or application.
A personal interview and/or agency visit is sometimes required after receipt of your full proposal, but before consideration by the full Board. If so, we will contact you to schedule a visit. After initial review of your proposal, we may request additional information. The entire application process may require two to four months to complete. We will notify you of our decision by mail within ten days after Board consideration of your full proposal. Please make sure to include a mailing address with your proposal.
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Post-Grant Reports
We require written reports after your project is complete. Reports can be very simple; a few paragraphs describing the project, and your success and challenges. Future funding will not be considered without a report from the last grant cycle.