Statewide Arts Service Organization
Program Information
This program strengthens the capacity of arts providers and arts organizations by providing financial support to statewide arts service organizations. Statewide arts service organizations offer high quality training and technical assistance services on a statewide or multi-regional basis, with special attention to arts providers in underserved areas. Funding is available for general operating support to fund the organization’s arts-related technical assistance activities.
PLEASE NOTE: The FY2014 SWASO cycle will be the final year of this grant program. Starting in calendar year 2014, all SWASO organizations will be encouraged to apply through the Technical Assistance Program (TAP). During this transition, there will be an allowable possible overlap of funding during the end of the SWASO grant and the beginning of the TAP grant. For more information please consult the Technical Assistance Program’s information on this website, or call 317-232-1268 to speak with program staff.
Guidelines
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Guidelines for current grantees are located on the Guidelines & Reporting page.
Eligibility
All applicant organizations must meet the following general eligibility requirements in order to apply:
- Nonprofit corporations that are based in another state must be registered in Indiana as Foreign Corporation, have an Indiana address, and provide all IAC‐funded arts activities in Indiana.
Additionally, SWASO applicants:
- Must have a statewide presence, as demonstrated by a defined statewide service area, a marketing plan that addresses the entire area, and/or a statewide service provision;
- Must provide arts-related technical assistance to a membership or constituency as the primary mission;
- Must have a defined membership or specific constituency;
- Must have at least a two-year history of successful experience in planning and delivering the type of arts-related technical assistance services described in the application narrative;
- Must have a systematic process for determining the training and technical assistance needs of consumers and an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the service;
- Must have an annual process for program planning and evaluation with input from the community to be served;
- Must have a governing body that is representative of the organization’s service area;
- Must have operated for at least one year according to a current strategic or long-range plan adopted by the governing body;
Grant Amount
For the FY2014 cycle, SWASO applicants will not input a grant request for general operating support. Grant awards will be determined by the Indiana Arts Commission based on the approved IAC budget and will not be more than 33% of the applicant’s annual cash budget as indicated by the organization’s most recently completed budget. The average grant in this category for FY12-13 was $16,000.
Applicants must match IAC funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Match must be at least 50% cash with the option of the remaining match amount being the verifiable value of necessary donated goods and services.
Review Process and Criteria
Each application will be reviewed based on the criteria listed below and on the criteria rating sheet. The maximum number of points awarded will be 100. Applications with the highest total point value will be considered for full funding.Management - Up to 30 points
The organization delivering the proposed activities will be well managed, as indicated by:
There is a dedicated person (paid or volunteer) assigned to manage the project/operation. The manager’s qualifications are clearly explained and appropriate. The project timetable is clear and provides sufficient detail to guide implementation. The process that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities is clearly defined and measurable. Evaluation includes assessment of impact on the people served. Audience/participant feedback will be used as one component to evaluate project success in achieving goals. There is evidence of a successful history of providing related arts activities. Estimated expenses and budget appear reasonable. Projected income is proportionate and will 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 residence, etc.
Community Impact/Public Benefit - Up to 40 points
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 are involved in assessing needs and program planning is clearly described. There is 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 adequate. Appropriate promotional efforts are planned to inform the general public about activities, including strategies for reaching traditionally under-served populations. Proposed activities will be marketed and made accessible to persons with disabilities and other special needs. The proposed activities will contribute to the long-term growth of the arts in the community.
Quality of Education and Training Programs - Up to 30 points
The organization will provide services 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. 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. Proposed programming and activities appear to be appropriate in regards to goals and audience. Participating artists, staff, community members and others have been/will be involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating the project activities.
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 Session
- Panel information is available on the Deadlines & Panel Meetings web page.
- Following the panel, audio and or a transcript will be posted on the Panel Audio web page.
- Copies of panel recordings can be requested from the grants manager. All requests must be mailed to the Indiana Arts Commission (Attn: Grants Manager, 100 N. Senate Ave., Room N505, Indianapolis, IN 42604) and include the following: 1) a self-addressed, stamped envelope, 2) a blank CD, and 3) applicant name, program and full contact information (including phone number and email). If you have questions regarding this process, contact April Blevins at ablevins@iac.in.gov or 317-232-1278.
How to Apply
- A Notice of Intent to Apply Form must be completed by all organizations. Once the IAC has confirmed an applicant's eligibility to apply, applications must be submitted online through the IAC's Online Grants System.
- Note: First-time applicants in this category must confer with the IAC Programs Staff to confirm the organization’s eligibility to apply.
- Note: First-time applicants in this category must confer with the IAC Programs Staff to confirm the organization’s eligibility to apply.
- Once the IAC has confirmed an applicant's eligibility to apply, applications must be submitted online through the IAC Online Grants System.
- Applicants must provide complete information and documentation as noted in the grant guidelines.
Deadlines
Letter of Intent Deadline: February 1, 2013 by 4:30 p.m. ESTApplication Deadline: February 27, 2013 by 4:30 p.m. EST
Reporting
Reporting will be submitted in the IAC's Online Grant System unless noted otherwise in the guidelines.
Contact Information
For all application questions and program requirements please contact Kristina Davis, Community Development Manager/Accessibility Coordinator, at 317-232-1279 or kdavis-smith@iac.in.gov.
All electronic application and reporting issues please contact April Blevins, Grants/Technology Manager, at 317-232-1278 or ablevins@iac.in.gov.
