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Multi-regional Major Arts Institutions Grant Program

This program provides annual operating support for the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations that provide quality arts programs and services on a statewide or multi-regional basis with an emphasis on arts education.

Guidelines

Eligibility

All applicant organizations must meet the following general eligibility requirements in order to apply:

  • Must be a private tax-exempt nonprofit organization
  • Nonprofit organizations must be incorporated in the state of Indiana at the time of application and have received recognition of tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Must be in good standing with the IAC and in compliance with all IAC requirements
  • Must be Indiana-based and have an Indiana address. Nonprofit corporations that are based in another state must be registered in Indiana as a Foreign Corporation; must have an Indiana address, and must provide all IAC-funded arts activities in Indiana

In addition, Major Arts Institutions must also: 

  • Have arts programming and/or service as its primary mission
  • Provide arts programs and/or services to the entire state or to two or more IAC-defined multi-county regions of the state, as demonstrated by a defined statewide or multi-regional service area, a marketing plan that addresses the entire area, and a history of multi-regional or statewide service provision
  • Have annual cash operating expenses of $1,000,000 or more, as supported by most recent audit
  • Have a minimum of five-years of service provision of the type requested
  • Have operated for at least three years according to a strategic or long-range plan adopted by the governing body
  • Carry out an annual process for program planning and evaluation with input from the community to be served
  • Provide an arts educational component to programs and services
  • Have a governing body that is representative of the organization's service area
  • Have a paid administrative staff person who reports to the governing body
  • Have an annual independent financial audit conducted by a CPA (not a review or compilation) for the last three fiscal years; the audit must clearly state the yearly income, expenses and net assets of the applicant organization

Program Restrictions
An organization may not apply for IAC-based funding from both the IAC and a Regional Arts Partner in the same fiscal year.

Use of Funds

Operating expenses may include, but are not limited to, salaries, administrative fees, staff development and training, space and equipment rental, promotional costs, and production costs, etc., needed to support the organization's yearly activities.

IAC funds can be utilized to provide fee subsidies to presenting organizations that wish to purchase your services.

IAC-funding cannot be used for the following expenses:

  • Cash reserves; deficit reduction, or deficit elimination
  • Events in private dwelling places or other locations not open to the general public
  • Consumable supplies and materials not directly related to the project
  • Capital acquisitions (purchase of artwork, etc.); capital expenditures; restoration, or new construction of buildings
  • Costs of receptions, food, or beverages
  • Travel outside the United States
  • Indirect costs or underwriting for ongoing residencies or curricular programs in degree-granting colleges and universities
  • Activities not associated with arts programs and services
  • Projects to be delivered outside the state of Indiana
  • Project expenses outside the state fiscal year and grant period
  • Activities held solely for the purpose of fundraising, private functions, functions held in private homes, religious services, lobbying activities, or any activity not having a public manifestation

Maximum Grant Request

For each year of the biennium, Major Arts Institution applicants may request up to 10 percent of projected annual cash operating expenses or $100,000, whichever is less. Major Arts Institutions are approved for the two-year grant period; however, grant money will be allocated on a yearly basis.

Match Requirement
Major Arts Institutions must match every dollar provided with ten dollars of the organization's own funds. One hundred percent of the match must be cash and cannot include in-kind donations 

Review Process and Criteria

Panelists will review all applications and evaluate how well each addresses the three review criteria: quality, community impact/public benefit, and management. The top ten applicants will be funded. The term "project," as used in this section, refers to the activities for which funding is being requested.

Quality - Up to 30 points (30% of total score)
The proposed activities will be of the highest quality possible in relation to community standards, expectations, and resources, as indicated by:
The goals and objectives of the proposed activities are clearly explained and are consistent with the organization's mission and long-range plans, and with IAC goals. The artistic goals and program design are consistent with the organization's resources. There appear to be a sufficient number of appropriate and qualified personnel (or contractors, or artists), paid or volunteer, to carry out the proposed activities. The audience has been clearly identified and estimated attendance figures appear reasonable in light of past efforts. Proposed program components and activities appear to be appropriate in light of project goals and audience. The project design contains and describes educational activities and outcomes. Participants are involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating the project activities.
Community Impact/Public Benefit - Up to 40 points (40% of total score)
The proposed activities will have a significant impact on the community the organization serves, as indicated by:
The organization's constituent base is clearly defined. The manner in which constituents were involved in assessing needs and program planning is clearly described. There was an appropriate level of constituent involvement and support. The plan for serving traditionally under-served populations in program development, implementation, and evaluation is clearly described and appears adequate. Appropriate promotional efforts will be made to inform the general public about activities, including strategies for reaching traditionally under-served populations. Proposed activities will be made accessible and marketed to persons with disabilities and other special needs. The proposed activities will contribute to long-term growth of the arts in the community.
Management - Up to 30 points (30% of total score)
The organization delivering the proposed activities will be well managed, as indicated by:
There is a person assigned to manage the project/operation. The manager's qualifications have been clearly explained and appear adequate. The project timetable is clearly explained and provides sufficient detail to guide implementation. The process that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of your activities is clearly described and measurable. Evaluation will include assessment of impact on the people served. Audience/participant feedback will be used as one component to evaluate project success in achieving its goals. There is evidence of a successful history of providing related arts activities. Estimated expenses and budget appear reasonable. Projected income will be proportionate and come from a variety of sources. There are adequate plans for long-term resource development and deficit reduction (where applicable). The applicant's governing body meets on a regular basis and represents the diversity of the applicant's geographic service area with respect to race/ethnicity, gender, age, special needs, and location of residence, etc.

Commission Action
Following the panel meetings, IAC staff will use a funding formula that takes into consideration the panel's ratings and available funds to determine specific funding recommendations. The Commission will review and ratify all funding recommendations at its June business meeting, which is open to the public.

Panel Sessions

How to Apply

All applicants in this category must meet with IAC staff to confirm eligibility to submit an application online through Indiana Grants Administration (INGA) . All organizations must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply form. IAC staff will contact you upon receipt.

Applicants must provide complete information and the following support documents:

  • Articles of nonprofit incorporation
  • IRS tax-exempt status letter
  • Current strategic or long-range plan
  • Independent financial audit, OR compliance audit, annual financial statement, job description of the chief paid administrative staff person, program timetable, printed promotional materials.

    Note: Including additional material will not enhance your chances of being funded and your application will not be reviewed.

Contact information
IAC Program Staff is available for grant review and can answer questions about the grants process. Call 317-232-1268 for more information.

Deadlines

Notice of Intent Deadline: February 1, 2007
Application Deadline: March 1, 2007 by 4:30 p.m. EST

Grant Period: Between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009